by T. R. Reilly
"Thank you" Leanna said and hugged Ava warmly.
Leanna and Ava moved toward Ash and with a few more words of caution, she advised, "Please send Leanna back first thing in the morning, on a different path than you took to get here. It is for her own safety."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. Will do" Ash turned to leave, with Leanna and the others in tow.
The next morning the group each said their goodbyes and headed off to their set destinations. Roderick and Cage had headed to Anador before the rest of them headed out. As Leanna said an emotional farewell to Ash, he looked to Tarrin, "Take her back by a different route. Keep her safe." Tarrin nodded and went to wait by Leanna's horse. Ash kissed Leanna gently, before stroking her head and stepping back. "Do as Tarrin says and take no chances. It is only a few hours ride and you will be home." He said, then hugging her again he whispered in her ear, "I love you."
Leanna swallowed the lump that was rising in her throat. Looking into Ash's beautiful eyes, she could feel his sadness along with her own. She squeezed him tightly, "I love you too" she whispered back.
"See you soon" she said more loudly as she stepped back and turned to get on her horse.
Ash watched her and Tarrin leave before readying his own horse to head to Lambeth.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Ash was just finishing up his meeting with Queen Charmaine in Lambeth, when one of the Queens guards came and interrupted them. Queen Charmaine shared a look of concern with Ash as the man spoke quietly,
"Sir, one of your men are here. He's badly wounded."
Queen Charmaine and Ash stood and headed toward the door quickly. Ash feared that Roderick or Cage had been found, or that they had engaged the enemy already. He wasn't prepared to find Tarrin leaning against the wall in the hallway, barely able to stand. Ash felt a horrible feeling of foreboding come over him.
Leanna, he thought. Moving to help Tarrin, Ash leaned down to hear him whisper,
"We were attacked, Ash. I tried to save her...I'm sorry," his voice broke, "they took her" he said weakly, before he passed out.
