Courageous Heart (The Von Wolfenberg Dynasty Book 2) by Anna Markland

Author:Anna Markland [Markland, Anna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BleuBelle Press
Published: 2016-06-21T18:30:00+00:00

TOO EASY

Francesca heard the hoofbeats behind her, but when she risked a glance over her shoulder the wind tore off her turban. She couldn’t be sure but she thought her pursuer was the servant who’d been left to guard the horses. She supposed his life might be forfeit if he didn’t retrieve the horse, and her.

The lad must have raised the alarm; others would follow.

Uncertain of the terrain, she nevertheless urged the pony to a full gallop, achingly aware it was her uncle who’d given her the skill and confidence to ride with reckless abandon.

Yet she seemed to be making no headway. She glanced once more over her shoulder, confused to see that her pursuer had slowed.

Elated, she looked to the castle, barely visible in the dark. But the moon revealed soldiers atop the rampart. There was a lot of movement and shouting, but one thing was clear—their crossbows were aimed at her.

Her heart lurched. They thought she was the enemy. She reined the pony, realizing too late she had reached the outer edges of the wide ditch. The animal lost its footing and stumbled. She tried in vain to cling to the mane, but had to let go when the beast rolled.

It lay snorting on the ground beside her, seemingly as stunned as she, but then a loud whistle pierced the night. The animal was on its feet and galloping back towards her pursuer before she could summon the strength to stand.

She expected whoever it was to bear down on her with a vengeance, but he grasped the reins of her pony and turned tail back to the enemy camp.

~~~

Lute leaped from his horse and scrambled to the top of the rampart. “Hold,” he shouted, fearing his heart would break if Francesca was shot down by one of his men. “Hold.”

They’d been on alert for long days and nights, expecting an attack at any moment. It wouldn’t take much for one to let an arrow fly.

The adder that lay coiled in his belly hissed when he caught sight of two ponies galloping away from the rampart. But only one rider.

Where was Francesca?

Vidar reached his side. “The horse fell, my lord,” he explained breathlessly. “She’s in the ditch.”

He was running down the side of the rampart as fast as his feet would carry him before the adjutant could protest.

A fall from a horse could result in severe injuries, even death. His lungs were on fire, but he ran on when he caught sight of her struggling to stand. She saw him just before he scooped her up and cradled her to his chest.

“You’re safe, mein schatz!”

But his balance failed him on the uneven terrain and he fell backwards. She sprawled on top of him—and laughed.

“Minx,” he teased, cupping her bottom, thrilled by the silkiness. “Whatever it is you’re wearing, I like it.”

She smiled seductively but then frowned as Vidar rode up beside them, Lute’s horse in tow. “It’s too dangerous out here,” he growled.

Vidar’s arrival put paid to thoughts of kissing his beloved.

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