Ena's Surrender by Madeline Martin

Author:Madeline Martin
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

WALTER WAS ALIVE. The healer confirmed it as soon as Renault settled his friend on the makeshift pallet. The woman was nondescript with her hair stuffed under a wimple. She plucked a vial from one of the many pockets of her apron and waved an acrid smelling concoction under Walter’s nose.

His eyes flew open, bloodshot and wild.

The healer gave a chuckle and stoppered the bottle. “That always brings them back to the land of the living.” She tucked the vial back in her pocket. “I’ll fetch a tea for him.”

Walter followed her out with his wide stare before looking at Renault. “Was it you?” he asked raggedly.

Fear splintered through Renault. “Who dragged your arse back to England? Aye, you’re welcome.”

Walter’s brows flinched with apparent confusion. “Was it you who attacked me?” His unfocused stare managed to pin Renault into place.

Renault could lie, of course, but he’d never forgive himself for doing so.

“I didn’t know it was you,” Renault confessed. “But aye, I hit you. Forgive me.”

Walter frowned, his breath coming in angry huffs. “You could have killed me.”

“What were you doing banging on the door to the cottage like that?” Renault demanded.

“Trying to get her out of there to flee.”

Renault stared at his friend. “Why would you get her to flee?”

Walter groaned and leaned his head back on the thin, straw-filled pillow. “I heard the rumors of your interest in a Scottish lass. I saw you leave that cottage with a scrawny goat the night we reclaimed our cattle. Later, I noticed that the goat had been returned when we came for our next raid. But I didn’t…” he pressed his lips together. “I still doubted the rumors were true. I hoped they weren’t. I had to see. To know.”

“What lass?” Renault asked, panic creeping into his tone.

Walter scoffed. “The one you’ve been seeing.” He surveyed the room surreptitiously. “Do you think you’re the only spy in Lord Bothbury’s employ?”

Renault sucked in a breath and slowly let it hiss out.

Walter cocked a half smile in his direction. “Don’t worry, I haven’t told anyone which cottage is hers.”

“Forgive me, Walter. I didn’t mean…” Renault shook his head. “I didn’t mean to hurt you so badly.”

Walter swept a hand at Renault’s torso, batting him away. “We’ve done far worse to each other. Mind the earl though, aye?”

Renault clamped his back teeth together and nodded.

“Leave me to whatever concoction the healer brings me.” Walter waved Renault away. “I feel like the devil’s spawn is trying to burrow into my skull.”

Renault hesitated beside the pallet. “You’re a better friend than I deserve.”

“Aye, and don’t you forget it.” Walter grinned at him, revealing that chipped tooth. “Now go have an ale for me. I’ll join you when the room stops spinning.”

Still, Renault did not move.

“If you don’t go, I’ll be forced to get up and will probably retch all over your fine gambeson.” Walter made a move to haul himself upright.

Renault moved back, hands up. “An ale for you then, fine. Consider it done.” He paused before he left.

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