***
Sarah didn’t think she had ever run this much in her entire life. She just couldn’t seem to catch her breath, yet she wasn’t about to stop now. To do so would mean she’d be left behind, and she wasn’t about to let that happen.
The other four soldiers had each taken a different direction. They were to search for an hour, and then report back to the camp to compare notes. All had donned their full gear, anticipating the worst. But it was Rhein who proved the most useful. He had managed to stumble across a roosting owl, and after only a few moments, was able to calm the agitated bird to make her his familiar.
The owl took flight immediately, searching for anything out of the ordinary, any disturbances, or any other people on the move in the area. In less than thirty minutes, the owl had located the horse and cart. The frightened horse was finally apprehended when, exhausted, it had stopped to rest, its head drooping low to the ground. All Kern had to do was grab the reins. The tired horse even whinnied its appreciation to its new owners.
After finally securing the spooked animal, Kern gave an exclamation of surprise. By the light of the newly risen moon he was able to see what lay discarded in the wooden cart. Reaching inside, he retrieved the ropes that had previously held Steve captive.
“Lieutenant, someone was held prisoner here. Look, these ropes were cut!”
Rhein took the ropes, scrutinizing them closely while Kern fidgeted from his left foot to his right.
“Think they were used on Sir Steve?”
Rhein nodded.
“Aye, I do. See the ends of the rope? No fraying. All the ends are singed. These ropes were burned off.”
“Do we search the area?”
“Nay, my owl found the horse running full speed.” He patted the tired horse. “We do not know where he was coming from. Back to the camp. We have to rendezvous with the others.”
“Ye found it where?” Rhenyon studied the cut ropes.
“About three leagues from here, due west. From which direction the horse was running, I cannot say.”
Sarah held up a section of rope. “But these were burned off. That has got to mean it was done by Steve, right?”
Rhenyon nodded in agreement. “I have seen ropes burned off before, but in this case, I do not believe in coincidences. Sir Steve was bound, in that cart. He managed to free himself, of that we can be certain.
“What now?” Sarah wanted to know. “Do we search for him?”
“I am sorry, Lady Sarah, but it is too dangerous at night. We are close to several cliffs. We must wait for first light.”
Tears filled Sarah’s eyes. Please be okay, she silently thought to her husband. We’ll find you.
The Prophecy Page 28
