Lady Valiant by Suzanne Robinson

Author:Suzanne Robinson [Robinson, Suzanne]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, Romance, General, Historical
ISBN: 9780307791177
Google: BWPcFQGjTlgC
Amazon: B004JN1CXI
Barnesnoble: B004JN1CXI
Goodreads: 12591263
Publisher: Fanfare
Published: 1993-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

Derry tried to open his eyes, but the effort was too much for his little strength. He lay between waking and sleep, uncertain of which he was in. He couldn't move his body, yet he was aware. In vain he struggled to raise a hand, turn his head. Then someone lifted him, and he was cradled against a hard leg.

He felt a slap on his face, and his eyes flew open. A dark-haired man hit him again, and Derry mumbled. Another slap.

"Morgan?"

"Awaken, Anglais."

"I didn't kill him. It was a mischance. He ran on my sword."

Cold water hit his face. Derry gasped, then sputtered and shook his head. An unwise move, for it immediately swelled to the size of a gorged pig and tried to burst. He fell back and was lowered to the ground. A cold cloth slithered over his neck and face, then settled on his brow.

At last he felt as if he inhabited his own body. He opened his eyes to find the priest staring down at him. Beyond him stood Thea, her face reflecting horror, which brought back his own memory. He turned his face away and bit the inside of his cheek to enforce his will over his rampant emotions. He heard the priest chuckle softly.

"How convenient, Anglais. The Tower, the rack and whip, Bishop Bonner, and one called Morgan who is dear to you and yet hates you."

"You've learned much—and nothing."

"Not this time, but it's early, and next time, mayhap, I shall be Morgan for you. Would you like that?"

Thea launched herself at Jean-Paul. Yanking on his arm, she forced him to face her.

"You can't give him more of that vile stuff. Look at him. A larger dose would kill him."

"Not just yet," said the priest, and produced the phial.

"Wait," Thea said. "I can tell you who he is. He's Robin Savage, the highwayman."

Jean-Paul stared at her, then gave a chortle. "A highwayman! Dieu, Mistress Hunt, you yourself called him my lord."

"One of his disguises. He plays at being a lord to suit his designs, but he's a thief, leader of the band, of ruffians who abducted me for ransom."

Making an impatient sound, Jean-Paul beckoned to his men. "Take her away."

"No!"

Derry watched with mild interest as Thea fought the men who came at her. Two of them lifted her and carried her out of the abbey. As she went, she screamed at Jean-Paul. At a look from their master, the guards set Thea on her feet and gagged her. She disappeared outside into the darkness.

Jean-Paul turned to him. Kneeling beside him, the priest offered a cup of water.

"I'm not thirsty."

Placing the cup in Derry's hands, Jean-Paul held it steady and brought it to Derry's lips. "Drink anyway, Anglais. You're not well, and it will refresh you."

Derry drank, and was startled by the taste of lemons and roses. Somehow familiar, he grew uneasy as the taste grew stronger. He tried to shove the cup away, but the priest tipped it, and the water emptied into his mouth.

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