Chronicles of Sword and Fang by Elizabeth R. Jensen

Author:Elizabeth R. Jensen [Jensen, Elizabeth R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Elizabeth R. Jensen
Published: 2024-04-27T21:55:58+00:00

15

Grunting with the effort of carrying Ruschmann, Burchard was happy to see the horses standing within the walls of Camp Tooth, not outside the gates. Despite their best efforts, Sir Peter and Sir Daniel had not found any surviving members of the squad. Reggie couldn’t remember what Ossa had done with them. Burchard knew it bothered Sir Peter to not know what had become of the Etrians, but no one wanted to linger at Camp Tooth any longer. Not when Ossa could return at any moment.

Sir Daniel was still in the lead. He snagged the reins for Ruschmann’s horse and brought it over to Burchard. “Do you think you can ride?”

“Anything would be better than having Burchard pinching my balls,” Ruschmann grumbled.

Burchard turned beet red. He had been trying not to pinch anything on his friend, but carrying him over his shoulders was the only way he could manage a load that weighed more than he did. He relaxed his grip on Ruschmann and slowly squatted. Ruschmann groaned and took his time dragging his body upright, still leaning heavily on Burchard.

“How are you going to get on your horse?” Burchard asked.

“You could boost me from my right knee instead of my foot. I think that would work. I can still use my left foot to push off,” Ruschmann replied.

“OK. Ready?”

At Ruschmann’s nod, Burchard counted to three, then boosted his friend into the saddle. Ruschmann swayed precariously before he found his balance.

Burchard stepped away. His limbs felt all noodly, and he wasn’t sure if he’d manage getting into his own saddle without help at this point.

Fang pressed against his leg and gave his hand a lick. “Thanks, Fang,” he said softly, running a gentle hand over her head.

Sir Peter handed Burchard Chip’s reins. Burchard took them and dragged himself into the saddle before his legs could protest. He glanced over at Ruschmann, who gave him a wan smile. Reggie found his horse somewhere and was mounted next to Sir Daniel.

“Is everyone ready?” Sir Daniel asked. Without waiting for confirmation, the knight clucked, and they headed out at a brisk walk. Burchard was about to protest the slow speed when he realized that with all five of them injured to some extent, and Ruschmann unable to bear weight on his right foot, a brisk walk was the smartest pace. It would just take most of the day to get back to Alderth Castle.

Somehow Reggie ended up riding next to Burchard. Burchard peered at his brother through his lashes, not sure what his brother wanted.

“What are we going to tell Father?” Reggie said, startling Burchard out of his thoughts.

“The truth,” Burchard said matter-of-factly.

Reggie chuckled without mirth. “You of all people should know that Father would not believe me if I told him I was being controlled by Ossa, a commander of a dark god, and that the whole squad was killed because of it.”

“He’s more likely to believe you than me,” Burchard pointed out.

“I think all five of us can agree that what happened at Camp Tooth is a major concern.

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