With a grunt, the shrouded man swung his axe.
Steel dug into the block with a deep thud a hand’s width from Colyne’s face.
A roar erupted from the crowd.
His heart pounding, he thanked God for having blessed him with Marie.
Rumbles of excitement swept the throng as the headsman raised his axe.
The blade’s shadow fell over Colyne.
An expectant hush fell upon the crowd as all awaited the final swing, the slice of steel against flesh.
On a prayer, Colyne inhaled one last time.
“Non!”Marie’s scream pierced the silence.
Blood pounding hot, Colyne jerked his head free and scanned the crowd.
With a curse, the executioner lowered his blade. “Hold him down!”
“Wait!” Colyne shouted as two men caught his head, slamming him against the wood. “Did you nae recognize the king’s daughter’s call?”
The executioner grunted with disgust. “Quiet! The woman’s screams were nae for you. No one will save your worthless arse!” With a scowl, he raised his blade. “This Scottish rebel who would dare threaten our king,” he bellowed, “will now feel the bite of justice!” With a grunt, he began his downward swing.
“Halt, in the name of King Philip!” Marie commanded.
Jarred by the woman’s furious demand, the executioner lost the smooth rhythm of his swing. The axe sank a finger’s width away from Colyne’s neck.
Surprised murmurs rippled through the crowd as Marie, dressed in a gown of white and splattered by mud, broke free of the angry throng before the platform.
Relief swept him, along with a burst of love. “Marie!”
“Colyne!” Tears rolled down her face as she struggled up a step and then began to weave.
Bedamned! Colyne lunged against the guard’s hold to reach her.
Strong hands held tight. “Be still!”
Colyne twisted against the hold, cursed as another man helped to restrain him.
Gasping for breath, Marie clasped the rail and pulled herself up step by step.
“Marie, stop!” Her father’s indignant roar echoed through the bailey.
Horses whinnied.
People scattered as King Philip rode toward the platform.
Her betrothed cantered in his wake, his face red with fury, his cape waving with uneven slaps.
Gasping for breath, Marie reached the top, her eyes dark with terror. She glared at the guards holding Colyne. “Release him!”
Mouths opening in shock, the men scrambled back.
“Look at you!” she gasped as she crouched beside him as he shoved to his knees.
Joy, relief, and love stormed him. “Marie, I—”
