Zdenek needed no more proof. His heart turned, and as the group, led by the priests, broke out in a hymn of praise and thanksgiving, Zdenek lifted his eyes heavenward and said his own prayer of gratitude.
Yet his heart ached. What had become of Radek? He did not want to acknowledge what he knew to be true. His friend had left the Hussite army. Scanning the encampment across Vlatava River, he knew.
Radek had struggled all along with their decision to join the Hussites. The manner in which they had been swept into this movement had never set right with him. Now a choice had been made.
Zdenek searched for Pavel. There would be little hope of finding him amongst the crowd. He would have to seek him out later.
A tug on his arm drew his attention to his right side. Dark eyes gazed up at him—Eva. He drank in the sight of her. Had it only been minutes ago he thought they would be lost? Now the future seemed bright.
Without a word, he reached forth with long fingers to graze her jaw and drew her to himself, his lips coming down on hers. Whether or not there would be obstacles in their way, he was determined she would be his bride.
As they parted, he noticed her eyes had slid closed. He touched her chin with a crooked finger. They opened.
He swallowed, taking in every minute part of her features. “Eva, I love you. Say you will stay by my side forever.”
Her eyes widened. “Aye, Zdenek, for I am hopelessly lost to you”
His lips met hers again as the singing around them grew. The Hussite army continued to praise God until dawn touched the sky.
* * *
Karin cried as she prayed. Where was Pavel? She needed him. He should be here. To comfort her, to be with his parents. His parents! Where were Alex and Marketa? Had they made it out safely?
* * *
Pavel gazed across Spitalske Field at the celebrating Hussites, his brethren. A victory well deserved. Would he now be able to return to Karin? He prayed so. It was time to finally begin their life together.
* * *
This, however, was before any of them realized it was but the first crusade against the Hussites.
About the Author
A native of Middle Tennessee, Sara attended the University of Memphis where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. In the years that followed, she utilized every opportunity to travel. She fell in love with history, as the many places she visited inspired the stories she would write. Sara enjoys reading and writing clean Historical Romance. She is the author of The Lady Bornekova, The General’s Wife, Hope in Cripple Creek, and Off to War.
The Lady And The Hussites (The Lady Bornekova Book 2) Page 22
