Jeff Wheeler - Muirwood 01 - The Wretched of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler

Author:Jeff Wheeler
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2012-04-18T15:10:32+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN:

Chalkwell

Colvin flinched with pain as she wiped the grease and blood from his wrists with a rag. Lia hefted the tray, whispering, “Follow me out.”

Noise from outside the Pilgrim grew louder, but the sheriff’s men did not awaken. Lia crossed to the door and opened it softly. Still they slept. Outside in the hall, they started towards the stairs.

She looked at him, at the conflicted, angry expression. “You have nothing to say?”

“What would you like me to say?” he answered tightly.

Angrily, she thought about shoving the tray into his stomach. “You could start with something resembling gratitude. That you realize I did not betray you deliberately. I was tricked by one of the sheriff’s men. I wanted to make it right…”

“Do not justify yourself. I know you did not betray me. But we are far from being safe or free. Did the Aldermaston send you?”

“No.”

“Then do you have a way out?”

“Your horse is being saddled.”

“But then where? Is there shelter other than the abbey for me?”

“I have the orb.”

“What?”

“I said I have the orb.”

“It is useless to me. I cannot work it.”

“I know,” she answered, wondering why he was being thick-headed. “But I can. I am coming with you.”

He halted, grabbed her arm, stopping her as well, sloshing broth onto the tray. “What?”

She looked at him fiercely in return. “I stole the orb. Do you think I will ever be welcome at the abbey again? I am coming with you.”

“You would go with me to the battle field? And then what will you do?” He shook his head, muttering darkly. “This sheriff will hunt us. He wants you. You. I do not know why, but he is determined to have you. He hardly seemed to care that he arrested me. It is you he wants. A wretched. He kept asking about you. He is arguing with the Aldermaston to turn you over to him.”

Lia’s stomach, which was just beginning to untwist as they left the room, coiled again. “Why would he…?”

“Several reasons I can think of and I have had nothing to do but think since I was arrested. You should be hiding. And yet here you are, in the lion’s maw. When you came into the room, I swear…” He shut his eyes, looking more furious than ever.

“I came to help you!” she scolded. “I promised you I would. I keep my promises. If the king is coming to kill you, I will not let that happen, not if I can stop it.” She tugged her arm free, but he let her go. “We are wasting words. When we get away, then we can talk it over.” Her feelings were hurt – she had hoped he would offer to protect her, to offer her sanctuary in his earldom. He had not.

“Agreed.”

At the end of the hall there were steps descending. As they started down, the sound of others coming up met them. Men’s voices. One of them, Lia recognized.

“A mob, I tell you. By Idumea’s hand, the fools. Better ride out while we still can.

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