Osmont motioned to his friends with a jerk of his head, and they backed away.
Julian watched them for a moment before turning to Lord Luther. His lips pressed together in a slight grimace. It had been a long time since Julian had seen him last.
The man had gray hair and small blue eyes. He wore an azure bliaut, the hem stirring up dust as he walked. He placed his hands on his hips. “I should have known you would need protection. You were always weak.”
Still the same as he had always been. Julian clenched his jaw. “Good day, Father.”
Chapter Six
Lord Luther scanned the fightingaround them with distaste. A man with a brown tunic bumped one of his men, and the guard shoved the man away from him. “What are you doing in Gracious Hill?” his father demanded.
Julian lifted his chin. “I’m here to win the tourney.”
His father paused for a moment and then burst out laughing, a deep rich thunder.
There had been many times Julian had heard that mocking laughter in his life. He’d thought he was used to it, but it still cut sharply. His jaw tightened.
“Wonderful to see you, Father,” Julian grumbled. He turned down the street and away from his father. Rounding the corner, Julian finally let his surprise and annoyance at seeing his father fall over him. He stood for a moment near the butcher’s shop, tension lining his shoulders, and clenched and unclenched his fists. He had not expected to see his father here and was not prepared for the confrontation.
Suddenly, someone seized his shoulder. He pulled back his fist, ready to fight, but saw it was Baldwin, and dropped it in relief.
Baldwin looked from side to side. “We have to get out of here. This has turned into a major brawl. Lord Yves will no doubt send men to stop it.”
Julian frowned. “We can’t leave. I promised a girl I would be back.”
“What?” Baldwin echoed, confused. Someone screamed, and they both glanced toward the cry.
“I have to see her through this safely. I can’t leave her.” Julian hastened down the road, staying close to the buildings to avoid the fighting. He motioned to Baldwin. “This way.”
With a mumbled curse, Baldwin followed.
Julian maneuvered through the brawling men and down the side street. He paused at the door, and when Baldwin joined him, he knocked. The door opened slightly, and the woman peeked out before opening it wide to allow them entrance.
Julian’s gaze anxiously swept the room. The two children were standing in the corner, the boy’s arm about the little girl. The women were not there. “Where are they?”
The woman tugged at a lock of her brown hair. “My husband returned, and he took them to the citadel.”
Julian scowled. The citadel? They must work there. “I said I would be back.”
“They wanted to express their gratitude, but my husband thought it best that they leave quickly before the fighting got out of control.”
Baldwin nodded. “We should leave, too, Julian.”
He lowered his head in disappointment. He didn’t even know her name. He just knew… she was beautiful. He looked at the villager. “Thank you for your help.” As they exited, Julian scoured the street, hoping he might still see her. But she was gone.
“What’s wrong with you, boy?” Baldwin asked. “Keep your head about you. We need to get out of here before Yves’s men come.”
“My father is here, Baldwin.”
Baldwin frowned and then sighed. “We should have expected him.”
Julian nodded in agreement. Yet, he hadn’t. He hadn’t even considered his father would be here. Nor had he expected to meet a slim girl with sparkling blue eyes. His mind continued to replay the image of her standing near the display of knives. Her intelligent wit echoed in his mind. Her blue eyes shimmering like night stars played over and over in his head. He wanted her to touch his hand gently as she had the handiwork of the blade. When Baldwin stopped at an intersection, Julian sighed, “You should have seen her, Baldwin.”
Baldwin grabbed Julian’s arm and pushed him forward. “You can regale me about her when we are out of the city.”
Elora’s heart was still racing after making it back to the citadel. It had been kind and brave of the leather maker to see them back, but she felt guilty about not waiting for the knight who had saved them. Every moment she thought of him, a grin came to her lips. She remembered the way he gazed at her and the strange excitement that had risen inside of her.
When she and Sarah safely entered her chambers, Elora embraced her. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”
