AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Yesenda heard Sorcha pleading with the monk to let the bairns go. It broke her heart to see little Mysie trembling in fear as she clutched her little cousin. Yesenda knew it was her fault they were in that position. She should never have visited the Hendersons. She clenched her jaw and resolved to end their torment.
Yesenda slowly stepped out of the shadows and said,“Relinquam illam solam. Ego hic.” –Leave her alone. I am here.
The monk replied, “Miriam,ego expectavimus diu.” –I have waited a long time.
Yesenda took a step closer and said, “When did you become such a coward that you would quarrel with bairns? Let them go. I have what you want.”
He replied, “You think me foolish? I know what you are. I will not make it past the door unless I have the babe as safe passage.”
Yesenda ignored him and calmly addressed Mysie, saying, “Dinnae drop your cousin. Hold him tight.”
Mysie sniffled, nodded, and held Cináed a little closer to her chest.
“If you leave the bairns alone, I will come with you unarmed and make sure we both leave in one piece,” Yesenda said, hoping to buy some time.
The monk contemplated her offer.
Yesenda could just make out Iain hovering beyond the door. She waited for Iain to do what she assumed he would. Then she could do what she was trained to do.
As the seconds ticked by, Iain finally stepped into the room, and when he did, his shoe hit a creaky floorboard, giving away his position instantly.
That was what Yesenda was waiting for.Men are so predictable, she thought. Then she moved. Yesenda sprinted towards the monk while he was momentarily distracted. She reached under her cloak and pulled out her mace.
“Run, Mysie,” she yelled. Mysie ran to Sorcha.
The monk sensed her approach and swung his spiked war club in Yesenda’s direction. She pivoted and planted both feet firmly on the floor, then spun her mace upwards, blocking his weapon with equal force.
“Brother Mateo has taught you well,” he grunted with a look of admiration. “I underestimated you.”
“Most men do.”
Then his face took on a grim determination as he swung his war club at her head.
Yesenda expected the move and blocked it.
“You have a strong right hand, but you’ll need to do better to kill me,” the monk said, laughing.
Yesenda knew he was taunting her, but Brother Mateo had indeed trained her well. As she fought, his words rang clear in her mind.They strike fast, like vipers. Focus your mind. Anticipate every move.
The monk was adept at his weapon. So was Yesenda. She blocked hit after hit, expertly spinning her mace in her right hand with Mateo’s voice in her head.Respect the mace, Yesenda. It is an extension of your body. It is only as effective as the one who wields it.
Iain took a moment to process what he was seeing, as he watched in utter fascination as Yesenda fought the monk. He had always thought her graceful in movement, but nothing prepared him for this. Her moves were fast and fluid. He inhaled a sharp breath.She was magnificent.To think he thought she needed protecting.
He shook his head so he could focus, then entered the fray.
Yesenda felt Iain beside her and did not want to think about what he thought of her. She would deal with it later.
“Where the bloody hell did you get that thing?” he growled as he wielded his claymore.
“A lady never tells,” Yesenda said.Not taking her eyes off the monk.
“What on earth are they teaching at the abbey nowadays?” Iain muttered as he narrowly missed a blow to the head.
“You’d be surprised,” Yesenda replied.
“Get down!” Iain yelled. Yesenda ducked as Iain blocked the club with his claymore.
“Move!” Yesenda shouted, and Iain sidestepped as Yesenda swung her mace at the monk’s left side to hinder him.
