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Page 477
erstwhile pursuers, which stretched out to the rear. This did not bother Adam in the least. Bellowing joyously, he laid out three more men at what had been the head of the column and began to work his way systematically back to the end of the troop. He did not seem to be paying any attention to what his men did, but Joanna could tell that they had been well instructed beforehand.
With the realization that it was her brother who had come to her rescue, Joanna had pulled her lathered mare to a halt and turned about. Her first reaction, after relief, was a renewal of fear. If Adam should come to harm, she would never forgive herself for allowing him to come along. However, it was impossible after a few minutes either to continue to feel much fear or to delude herself that she still had any control over her brother's actions. If Adam was hurt, it would be by an act of God. Joanna knew a good deal about fighting. She had watched her stepfather train his squires and seen their mock combat since she was a child. It was perfectly clear to her that her brother outclassed every other man there both in strength and skill. In addition, there was his obvious delight in what he was doing; nothing, it was plain, could give him greater pleasure.
Then a burst of concerted movement toward the center of the group drew Joanna's attention. A hiss of combined anger and concern was drawn from her. In the center of a knot of men who were clearly more desirous of escaping than of continuing the battle, Joanna saw Henry de Braybrook's shield. Politically speaking, it would be as great a disaster to harm or kill him as to become his prisoner. Her eyes flashed toward Adam, but it seemed to her there was no chance of stopping that magnificent machine of destruction.
"Sir Guy," she cried desperately, "go around the battle. Bid the men to let Braybrook go."
The knight spat an agonized oath. His duty was first to protect Joanna, but he was aware of the danger involved. With their most powerful protector a prisoner, any accusation brought against Adam by Braybrook's father might result in dangerous penalties being levied by the king, who did not love Alinor or her family. If Braybrook escaped un-

 
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