by Rue Allyn
Robert’s brow wrinkled.
“The Beguines. I tend the mules and help with loading and unloading.”
“Ah. Thank you, Henry. Have you ells of wool within your mule packs?”
“Aye, sir. Enough woolen cloth for all those poor souls and more.” He gestured at the survivors huddled nearby.
“What of those on the other side of the river?”
“They called across that they would camp the night there. They said summat of building a raft afore morning.”
Robert searched both banks to see that everyone was being cared for. “Excellent. When ’tis done I will speak with them about how best to bring the raft across the river.”
“Sir?”
“Yes, Henry.”
“The sun’ll set soon, and the ladies’ll need shelter.”
“Then we had best find some. Did you perchance pass a hospice, inn, or abbey on your way here?”
“Nay, sir. I was hoping that you had.”
Robert shook his head. “From the northwest, ’tis more than a day’s ride back to the nearest place that offers hospitality.”
“What will we do, sir? The women cannot travel far, and I think the guide has broke his leg.”
Robert eyed the heavily laden pack mules. “Do the Beguines have a tent amongst their belongings?”
“Oh no, sir. We allus slept at inns. Them mules carries all the things the ladies be bringin’ to the beguinage in Palermo. Was no room for tents wi’ all the supplies they brung.”
“Then we will have to make do.”
“Yes, sir.” Henry nodded eagerly, but the blank look in his eyes told Robert the man had not even a vague idea how to proceed.
“Here.” He handed Henry the destrier’s reins. “Be kind enough to tend to my horse, and I will search out a spot where we may all rest this night.”
“Oh, aye, sir. I’ll take right good care of yer ’orse, sir.” Henry heaved a great sigh, smiled, and left.
Turning his gaze on the spot where the women tended Lady Juliana, Robert stripped off his wet shirt and donned the dry clothing. Too bad a soul could not be changed as easily as clothing. If such were possible, his life would be much different, and he would never have met Lady Juliana Verault.
Praise for Knight Errant:
“...an expertly woven tale of intrigue and adventure and suspense. While the characters are fictional save for Edward II, Ms. Alyn creatively weaves medieval history into the plot and the rule of the church in the persecution of women will not be lost on the reader ... This medieval historical romance is one readers should not miss!” --5 stars, InD'tale Magazine, Reviewer M. P. Ceja
To purchase this ebook and learn more about the author, click here.
For more books by Rue Allyn, check out:
The Wildflower Series
One Moment’s Pleasure
One Night’s Desire
One Day’s Loving
In the mood for more Crimson Romance?
Check out Duty Before Desire by Elizabeth Boyce at CrimsonRomance.com.
