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“We’ll get that Highlander, and when the king’s guards get done with him, he’ll be begging to fight for the king,” the other said.
“And no one need know that he bested us,” the one sneered.
“As for the woman and child—”
“She’ll pay for fleeing with the Highlander,” the one said angrily.
“Look here, one set of footprints, and they’re deep.”
“He carries the fool woman and child. Let’s go; we’ll catch them fast enough now.”
Bliss heard them hurry off, but she remained where she was; she would take no chance—she would wait for Trey.
It wasn’t long before he was at her side, pulling her to her feet and cautioning with his finger to remain silent as he hurried them off in yet another direction. It wasn’t for some time before he broke the silence.
“Those fools will track the trail I left long before they realize it takes them nowhere,” he said.
“Then we can return to your home now,” she said with a sense of disappointment.
He shook his head. “The two fools aren’t the only soldiers in search of those farmers who escaped. I don’t want to take the chance and lead any of them to Peter and the others. We’ll leave foot tracks that will lead whoever finds them on a useless trail before circling and heading home.”
“How long till then?”
“We’ll reach home by nightfall tomorrow.”
She smiled and squeezed his hand.
“I thought you would like that; it is the most we can delay. I need to get home to my brothers. The time draws near for the true king to step forward and claim the throne.”
“I know, but at least we’ll have this brief time, and for that I am grateful.”
They continued walking, in circles at times, and as the day wore on, and dusk was about to claim the land, Trey turned to her.
“We need a warm, safe shelter tonight, for I intend to make love to you.”
She smiled, though she asked, “Do you think it is safe?”
“The soldiers have searched all day on foot and no doubt are as exhausted as we are and have probably already camped for the night. I’m surprised we can’t hear their complaints and loud snores. Besides, do you sense any soldiers near?”
She shook her head, knowing that he asked so as to put her mind at ease.
“Good, then tonight is ours,” he said with a satisfied grin.
“Where will we find”—she smiled—“you knew I would sense a place.”
“Ihopedyou would.”
“It is a short distance from here, tucked in the woods, a bit worn but usable enough,” she said. “A gift, I believe, from fate.”
“A good gift; I gratefully accept.”
As they drew closer to the abandoned cottage, her heart grew heavier, and, at first, she wasn’t sure why; and then she realized that not soon after tonight, they could possibly separate. She didn’t want to believe it, and she certainly didn’t want to tell Trey. It would weigh too heavily upon them both and interfere with their night of love.
She would say nothing, though...
He was staring at her when she looked his way.
“Are you going to tell me, or do I have to ask again?”
