The Archer's Daughter by Melissa MacKinnon

Author:Melissa MacKinnon [MacKinnon, Melissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: esKape Press
Published: 2015-03-24T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

“Be still.” Owen’s words were commanding, yet hushed in her ear. He waited until Cate had slowed her breathing before removing his hand from her mouth. “Movement… just there.” His eyes flickered to the shuttered window. Lit torches hovered just behind the wooden slats. Tiny flecks of golden fire peeked through the cracks as the torchbearers passed by.

There seemed to be only a handful of passersby, but Cate doubted they were villagers. The villagers already knew Owen’s location and would not dare to disturb him.

Guards.

“Do not make a sound.” He motioned for her to rise.

Cate rose from the tub, still suffering from the side effects of his attentions. She stepped over the edge and to the stool in one flowing movement. Taking a towel from the pile next to the bath, she dried off before donning her clothes in silence. Owen did the same.

“I do not believe those were villagers,” he said, buckling his belt.

“My thoughts as well,” she replied.

Cate waited for Owen to finish before beckoning him to follow. She took his hand in hers and led him into the darkness of the shop. Although the shop had been looted during her absence, only she knew where her father hid his personal stash. Behind the counter, a worn rug concealed a small door in the floor. With Owen’s help, Cate pried it open to reveal several swords and a bow. Cate slung the bow over her shoulder and tucked a short sword under her belt.

“You know,” she whispered to Owen, “my armor would be most useful at the present.”

“If you want to risk the trip to the MacKenzie’s, I would gladly help you put it on.” Owen said. He chose the sword equipped with a sheath.

“Are they here for you or for me?” Cate found a quiver still hanging and plucked several arrows from a crate. She hastily gave them a once over before stuffing them into the quiver.

“I do not know.”

Cate grabbed Owen’s shoulder. “Look at me,” she ordered. “Look me in the eyes and swear you won’t cut me through as soon as my back is turned.”

Owen turned to face her. He cupped her cheeks. “I swear it.” He took a breath. “As long as you swear you won’t loose an arrow when my back is turned.”

“I will do my best.” She gave him a quick peck on the lips before rushing to the back door. Cautious, she cracked the door open. Seeing no immediate threats, they slipped through the door and into the darkness.

Cate turned toward the village. She must warn the others. “Hurry, they will—” She glanced behind her. Owen rushed toward the trees and away from her. “Where are you going?” she spat.

Owen waved her closer. “Come, Cate! We must hurry!”

“Are you mad?” He wanted to run. Guards were in her village, and they must be extinguished. They could not know of her presence. The lives of her people depended on it. There was no time like the present to fight back, and he wanted to run? “We need to warn them!” Cate closed the gap between them.

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