A True and Perfect Knight by Rue Allyn

us?”
    “Nay, sir. The far bank is higher ground, so they need not approach to keep eyes on our progress.”
    A muscle twitched in Haven’s cheek. He rubbed the spot, reminded of another day when trouble had loomed. A day when he battled back-to-back with Roger Dreyford over an ever-growing pile of bodies. “The river runs faster now than before. I doubt they’ll find good fords nearby. What think you, Soames?”
    “I think three things. First, they may do as we do, guarding their backs by watching other travelers closely. Second, they may simply be stupid vandals. Third, they may be extremely clever, especially if they know more about this area than we.”
    “Aye.” Haven continued to soothe his cheek, which now cramped most painfully, just as it had in the Holy Lands. “’Tis that third possibility that concerns me most.”
    “We could attack them, sir.” Lindel’s eyes gleamed with the suggestion of a fight.
    “Nay, we could not bring our full force against theirs, for someone would have to guard the widow and her charges. That would leave us outnumbered.”
    Soames frowned. “As yet they do not know we watch them. Let us leave the less-experienced men to guard the widow. The rest of us are among Edward’s best fighting men and have been outnumbered many times before. Do you doubt we could use surprise to our advantage?”
    “I am confident in our abilities, as ever. And surprise, as you say, would be an advantage. But not, I think, sufficient advantage to overcome the difference in numbers and the fact that they hold the higher ground. No, attacking them now would be a foolish waste and could leave us prey to others. As long as we are prepared to defend ourselves and they remain on the opposite side of the river, we need do nothing more than keep careful watch.”
    “Aye, sir.” The two men echoed their understanding.
    “Lindel, go get you some food from the cook. Then, continue to keep watch on those men across the river.” The warrior nodded and walked away.
    Haven turned to his second-in-command. “Soames, we are making better progress since York, but we will still fail to reach Edward in Chester at our current pace.”
    “I doubt the boy and his aunt can go much faster, sir.”
    “I agree. That is why I have decided to go on ahead with the widow. We can be in Chester within a few days’ hard riding. I can wait for you there, once I have discharged my duty to Edward.”
    “Should you not take more men with you for protection?”
    “Mayhap, I should. But I do not intend to fight. Should I come across any trouble, I intend to avoid it. A third rider might make that more difficult to do.”
    “Another man could delay an attack long enough for you and Lady Genvieve to escape.”
    “’Tis a good point. I will think on it.”
    “Think you that the lady can keep up?”
    “1 will make sure of it.”
    Soames nodded. “As you say, sir.”
    “Good. Have Watley prepare my steed and the gray mare. They are the fastest and strongest. When they are ready, the widow and I will leave. You must follow with all possible speed.”
    “Aye, sir.”
    “And, Soames…”
    “Sir?”
    “Have a care for the boy. I doubt it much that Thomas has ever been separated from his mother before.”
    “Aye, Sir Haven.”
    “I will go inform the widow of our change in plans.”
     
     
    Across the clearing, Gennie rubbed her upper arms. The heat of de Sessions’s embrace lingered there. She still tingled from top to toe, as if the wings of a thousand butterflies beat against her skin from the inside. The feel of his lips on hers remained. Even Therese’s sour complaints had not lessened the remembered sweetness of Haven’s touch. How, Gennie wondered, could she find pleasure in the arms of the man who had betrayed his friend—her husband? She must be mad.
    Therese had departed after spilling her venom about the discomforts de Sessions imposed upon them. Merci Dieu. Gennie had not even had the energy to scold the