|
|
|
|
|
|
half stunned, she was able to roll away. She was not frightened. There was no one in the world who wished her ill, and her death would profit no one but the King who would gather in her heirless lands. The only thing any man could desire was her broad acres and, perhaps, her person. To obtain either of thoseor bothshe must be unharmed. And no man would hold her long enough for that. Simon would come for her leading every vassal she had. No keep would hold out long in the face of so angry and determined an army. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alinor scrambled to her feet, her hand on her knife. The boy would not dare use his, but there was nothing to stop her from using hers if he tried to take her again. She gave a passing thought to killing him then, but he was already stirring and she would not trust herself to be quick enough to avoid his grasp. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As her head cleared, the more practical notion of catching Dawn arose. Alinor glanced about and uttered a most unmaidenly oath. The mare had taken fright in earnest and was well away and running hard. At least, Alinor thought, she was running in the right direction. If she sensed the other horses in the cavalcade, Dawn would head for them. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
That hopeful idea was what brought fear upon Alinor. If Dawn should not reach the group or if the mare was not recognized as hers, no one would know she was missing until they reached Windsor Castle. Actually it might be hours after they arrived before her absence was noted. The confusion of finding the correct quarters, unpacking and setting up furniture, cooking and serving a meal, would be no less than the confusion of departure. Certainly the Queen would not be writing personal letters, and Alinor had no other specific duties that, remaining undone, would betray her absence. In those hours, she might be taken anywhere. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How could Simon come for her when he did not know where to goor even who had taken her? Alinor |
|
|
|
|
|