Daring Damsels

by Domning, Denise

  Anticipation clutched Fane’s gut like a cruel hand. He struggled not to yell and slam his fist through the nearest wall. He had suspected Garmonn was involved with the rebels. His instincts had rung true.

  Today, he would learn Garmonn’s part in the traitorous plot.

  Yet, now Garmonn had Rexana. She had gone with him of her own free will. What had he promised her to lure her away?

  Under his breath, Fane prayed for her safety.

  If Garmonn dared to harm her—

  He shut his mind to the worry flooding through him. “You have done well,” he said to the guards. “To the horses.”

  He shoved two silver coins into the merchant’s hands, then loped to the market’s outskirts. His destrier stood tethered in the dappled shade of large oaks. There, thirty armed men watched the peasants, merchants, and travelers who passed by. As he neared, the knights mounted their horses and looked at him, awaiting his command.

  Fane leapt onto the destrier, then took his iron shield from one of the knights. Over the metallic jangle of his horse’s bridle, he heard the clop, clop of a cantering mount. He wheeled his destrier around. Kester rode toward him.

  “They took the north road,” he called.

  Fane nodded. Rexana and Garmonn were not far ahead. At a brisk clip, Fane and his men would soon catch up to them.

  He looked back at the knights. “Keep your weapons ready. The lady’s safety comes above all. She must not be harmed.”

  Kester quirked his brows. “Lord Villeaux?”

  “He, like Garmonn, has two choices: surrender or die.”

  The verdant forest, not far from Ickleton Keep, was familiar to Rexana. Memories prowled through her mind, rousing a nest of torment. Fane striding out of the trees. Fane telling her in his husky voice that at last, they would make love. Them rolling over and over in the sweet-scented glade and making wild, passionate love.

  Why had Garmonn brought her here?

  Her chest tightened until she could scarcely breathe. Yanking on the reins, she halted her horse on the shaded road.

  Garmonn glanced over his shoulder. He scowled and wheeled his horse to face her, its hooves ringing on stones. A muscle ticked in his jaw.

  Dread skittered through her. That dangerous unpredictability gleamed in his eyes. It had been her only warning before he had grabbed his bow and shot Thomas. Yet, he did not have a bow with him today, and she doubted he had brought her all this way to kill her. “When will we see Rudd?”

  Garmonn tipped his head toward the trees. “Your brother is waiting in the glade.”

  She bit back a dismayed cry. How could Rudd have told Garmonn of the special place? Long ago, when children, they had promised to keep the forest pool their secret.

  As though sensing her disappointment, Garmonn shrugged. “Rudd vowed we would be safe from Linford’s men here. Come.” He did not wait for her to reply, but turned his horse and rode into the woods.

  Unease plummeted into Rexana’s belly like a rock. Who did he mean, when he said “we”? How many others had he brought to her sanctuary? What would she find when she rode into her beloved glade?

  Part of her shrieked that she did not want to know. Part of her insisted that she turn around and ride like demons from hell chased her.

  Yet, she could not turn back. Not when she would see her brother.

  Not when she was honor bound to help him.

  Garmonn melted into the trees’ shadows. Guiding her horse onto the trail, she followed. Beneath the shifting canopy of boughs, the air seemed oddly silent. No birds flitted in the branches overhead or welcomed her with their bright chirps. She squinted up into the trees and gasped.

  A stocky man in green garments dropped from the branches a few yards ahead. He landed on the trail near Garmonn, a bow in one hand and a quiver of arrows slung over one shoulder. There were other armed men in the trees. Watching her.

  The burly archer looked at Garmonn. “Milord.”

  Garmonn laughed. “Keep watch. Do not let anyone pass.”

  “My pleasure.”

  As the archer looked at her, Rexana shivered. She recognized him from some of Lord Darwell’s feasts. If her memory was correct, he was the son of a lord who had misruled his estate and owed a huge sum of unpaid tithes to the crown.

  Was he a traitor?

  She held his gaze as she rode past. He sneered, his head dipped in the barest attempt at a bow, then he stomped away. Mutters and coarse laughter rippled through the forest behind her. Did they mock her because she had married Fane, or because they did not expect a lady to visit their lair?

  Squaring her shoulders, she stared at the thinning trees ahead. Let them laugh. Once she had found Rudd, they would ride away from this place together. If he had not yet gathered proof of his innocence, she would help him do so.

  As she rode into the sun-slanted clearing, her heart lurched. The grasses and wildflowers were trampled flat. The scent of crushed violets hung in the breeze. Her beautiful glade was overrun with armed men and their mounts.

  There were at least twenty ruffians. They groomed horses tethered nearby, bathed in the pool, and sat in the shadows sharpening their weapons. Many turned to look at her, their gazes wary.

  Anger and fear swarmed in the pit of her stomach.

  A sense of imminent danger hummed in her mind.

  She must leave here as soon as possible.

  “Rexana?”

  Rudd’s shout carried above the low chatter. She glanced at the pool. He strode from the bank, shaking water from his hands. His expression held astonishment and a trace of worry. She smiled, and, when he smiled back, some of the tension inside her melted.

  He loped up the muddy bank toward her. Someone had given him new clothes. His tunic and black hose looked more of the fine garments he normally wore. Vestments that befitted a titled lord, not a prisoner.

  She slid off her horse and ran to him. He embraced her, his breath ruffling her hair. “Zounds, Rexana! How did you come to be here?”

  “I saw Garmonn at Tangston market. He said he knew where you were.”

  Rudd’s body tautened. “’Twas dangerous to bring you. Linford—”

  “—does not know I am here.” She sighed against her brother’s shoulder. “How could I not come? I have worried about you. I had received no word of your fate for days.”

  Rudd pushed her to arm’s length. She sensed tension drop between them, invisible yet tangible. “Rudd?” she said softly.

  Nearby, Garmonn halted his horse and dismounted.

  “I did not expect to see Rexana,” Rudd called to him, “but I thank you.”

  Garmonn shrugged. “’Twas no trouble. After all, she will soon be—”

  Rudd abruptly shook his head. “Later.”

  Chuckling, Garmonn patted his horse’s lathered neck.

  Unease rooted deep within Rexana. Yet, before she could ask Garmonn to clarify his unfinished statement, he clicked his tongue and led his horse toward the tethered mounts.

  Rudd caught her hand and drew her to a quiet part of the glade, where hazy sunlight slanted through the oaks. He released her, then dragged his fingers through his hair.

  Frowning, she planted her hands on her hips. “What did Garmonn mean when he said—”

  “Listen to me,” Rudd said in a strained voice. “You must get away from this place. ’Tis not safe. I will convince Garmonn to take you to the main thoroughfare and—”

  “You will come with me.”

  “I cannot.”

  “Why? What holds you to these men?”

  He did not answer. Yet, the glint of his eyes bespoke fierce loyalties, and vows made in secret.

  Oh, dear God.

  She pressed trembling fingers to her lips. “Who are these men?”

  His mouth twisted. “They are who you expect them to be. Traitors.”

  Her words rushed out on a strangled moan. “Are you . . . a traitor?”

  Rudd looked away. Shadows slanted over his handsome face, castin
g part in grayed darkness. Her fingers curled against her skin, and she fought the dizzying pull of emotional chaos.

  Why did he not answer her? Why?

  “I want the truth. Tell me.” Her tone sharpened. “Tell me you are innocent of treason.”

  “Rexana—”

  Fury shrilled inside her. “I have risked a great deal to try to help you. I have risked my life, my marriage—”

  “Marriage? Ha! You are glad to be free of Linford.”

  Her innards constricted with a hurt so deep, it snatched her breath. A sob wrenched from her. “Rudd.”

  “You do not care for Linford. He forced you to wed him.”

  “He did. Yet, I have come to know him well. He is a just and honorable man.”

  Rudd cursed. He stared off across the glade, before his angry gaze returned to her. “If you have come to convince me to surrender, I refuse. I would rather die than rot in his dungeon.”

  “Fie! I do not believe you are guilty of treachery. I came here to help you.”

  His expression softened a fraction, even as he shook his head. “What happens now, I must do on my own.” He touched her arm. “Leave here. Please. I beg you.”

  “I will not leave without you.”

  He closed his eyes, as though fighting for patience. When bold footfalls approached, his voice roughened. “I must stay. My task—”

  “—is not yet done.” Garmonn came to Rudd’s side and clapped him on the back. “I have brought fare for Rexana. We must make our lady guest welcome.”

  His queer grin made her shudder. She glanced at the sliced meat and bread set out on a metal plate, and forced a polite smile. “Thank you, but I will not be staying.”

  His smile thinned. “Of course you will.”

  Rudd scowled. “Nay, she—”

  “Rexana goes nowhere, until you have done as you promised.”

  “Promised?” Rexana echoed. Fear tightened the word to a rasp.

  “Rudd did not tell you? Why, he is going to kill High Sheriff Linford. Your accursed husband.”

  Rexana gasped. “Murder Fane? You will never succeed.”

  “Rudd’s plan is sound,” Garmonn said. “’Twill work.”

  Horror coiled up inside her. Clutching a hand to her breast, she covered the aching heart of her that hurt more than she could bear. She stumbled back a step. How could her brother plot such a terrible crime?

  Now that she knew of it, she could not let him succeed.

  Longing and love for Fane sang through her every vein. She would never allow her brother to kill Fane. Never!

  She stared at Rudd. Anguish honed each of her words. “You are a man of honor. Will you prove yourself a criminal?”

  “My plan is the only way—”

  “Nay! I know you are innocent. Together, we will prove it. I will help.”

  Garmonn laughed. “Aye, you will help.” His eyes gleamed with a hideous fervor as he smirked at Rudd. “She cannot leave now she knows the plan.”

  “A pity you were careless and told her,” Rudd snapped.

  Rexana’s skin prickled with a sickly heat. Did Garmonn mean to hold her prisoner? What did he intend to do with her? Forcing a brave tone, she held his stare. “I have no intention of staying here. You cannot stop me from leaving.”

  She turned on her heel to stride toward her horse.

  Garmonn whistled. The men in the glade grabbed their weapons and sprang to their feet.

  They blocked all routes out.

  She whirled and glared at Garmonn. “Let me go.”

  He sauntered toward her. His mouth slanted into a hideous smile. “You still do not understand, do you, Rexana?”

  “I understand you have corrupted my brother’s vision until he no longer thinks clearly.” She saw Rudd flinch, but she refused to meet his gaze. “You, Garmonn, are a heartless manipulator. I know for certain you are a criminal.”

  His face took on a merciless cast, the look she had seen before he wounded Thomas. As Garmonn strode toward her, grasses snapped. The sound seemed louder than arrows shot from a bow.

  She shivered. Cold. Hot.

  “Garmonn,” Rudd shouted. “Stop.”

  Garmonn’s pace did not slow.

  Her legs threatened to buckle, but she held her ground.

  “You speak with such a rash tongue, Rexana. Why do you provoke me?” Before she could jerk away, his hand sank into her hair. He held the back of her head firm, and brought his mouth close to her ear. His angry scent flooded her nostrils. “I warned you once what would happen if you spoke of that day.”

  Fear screamed through her. She would never forget.

  “I shot him for you, Rexana. When we marry, these worthless peasants will be our people. We can do with them as we please.”

  “Nay!” she had said, her voice barely audible over Thomas’ agonized cries. “You should not have done this. How could you be so cruel? I will see you punished!”

  “How he screams. I should have shot him dead.” Garmonn’s face had hardened into a sneer. “If you tell anyone—anyone—I will kill Rudd. I know many ways to slaughter a man, Rexana. I learned well on crusade.”

  Rudd came to Garmonn’s side. “Release her.”

  As she struggled to snuff the memory, fear plunged into her gut. If Garmonn wished to harm Rudd in this glade, ’twould be desperately easy. Despite his skills with a sword and crossbow, Rudd could not defend himself against twenty men.

  Would Garmonn hurt Rudd in order to make her cooperate?

  As though sensing her thoughts, Garmonn relaxed his hold. He stepped away, his hand dropped to his sword, and he smiled.

  Foreboding rushed through her. She forced herself to speak with calm, to find logic despite her fear. “What do you want of me? Why did you lure me here? You had a reason for bringing me. ’Twas not to see Rudd.”

  Admiration lit Garmonn’s eyes. “Mayhap you do understand. You see, you are the one thing that will lure Linford to us.”

  “What?”

  “You will lead him into a trap. You will watch him die as a barbarian deserves to die.”

  Oh, God!

  Rudd frowned. “Wait a moment—”

  “He manipulated our king with tales of imprisonment and heroic escape,” Garmonn muttered. “He convinced King Richard to appoint him High Sheriff and grant him a rich keep.” He thumped his chest. “I, too, fought in the east. I, too, battled Saracens and spilled blood for my king. What did I get in reward? Naught.”

  Anger burst inside her.

  “Garmonn—” Rudd said.

  “You returned home from Crusade alive, thanks to Fane’s bravery,” Rexana bit out. “Is that not a reward?”

  Garmonn’s face turned scarlet. “I will have what is owed to me. What was promised to me long ago. What will lead me into the king’s honored circle.” He reached out to cup her breast. “I shall have you.”

  She slapped his hand away. “Your plan is flawed. I am already wed to Linford.”

  Laughter ground between Garmonn’s lips. “Soon, he will be dead.”

  “I will not let you kill him. I will stop you.”

  “How?” He gestured to the armed men surrounding her. Coarse chuckles rippled through the throng, and she fought a suffocating wave of anxiety.

  Rudd swore. He shoved Garmonn’s arm. “What are you doing? This plan is not what we discussed. You agreed she would not be involved or harmed. You promised.”

  “I changed the arrangements.”

  Worry shone in Rudd’s eyes before his gaze narrowed. “Escort her out of Warringham if you are concerned she will tell of our plot, but let her go. Do it, or I will not kill Linford.”

  Garmonn’s jaw hardened. His hand on his sword’s grip, he turned to Rudd. “If you value your sister’s life, you will do as you agreed.”

  Rudd’s eyebrow arched. “You threaten me?”

  “Linford must die. We both know ’tis so.” With a twisted smile, Garmonn looked back at her.

  Panic reared inside Rex
ana like a frantic horse. She fought her stomach’s violent lurch. Never would she let him use her as a pawn to destroy both her brother and Fane.

  Rexana caught up her skirts. She bolted for the nearest trees. Men shouted, running for her. She darted from side to side, lunging through gaps between her pursuers.

  Rough hands caught her arms. Hauled her back.

  She broke free. Tripped on her bliaut. A man catapulted into her from behind. She fell face first onto the grass. Gasping, she spat seeds out of her mouth, pressed her hands flat, and tried to rise.

  “Nay, woman.” Garmonn sat on top of her, panting. His thighs framed her bottom. She shuddered at the hard, warm weight of him crushed against her. She squirmed. Tried to wriggle free. With a grunt, he caught her arms and wrenched them behind her back. “Rope,” he bellowed.

  She struggled. Kicked. Screamed. Men knelt beside her to pin her down. The hemp rope scratched her fingers and hands. The binding tautened. Dug into her wrists. She bit her lip against the discomfort.

  Garmonn tested the ropes, then hauled her to her feet. He shoved her toward a group of men. “Watch her.”

  She blinked, fighting tears. She stared at Rudd. With her eyes, she pleaded for him to help her, to defy Garmonn, to rebel against the horrible plan he had devised.

  For an instant, her brother’s gaze flickered. Then, his expression changed to stony determination. As Garmonn passed, he looked at Rudd. Rudd nodded. Together, they strode across the glade.

  Her tears welled. She had not misjudged her brother, had she?

  Fane fought the painful oath that rose in his throat. He stared at the forest visible on the road. Remembered.

  Ah, God, how he remembered.

  With effort, he suppressed the tantalizing memories. Rexana’s cries. Her delicious scent. Their wild, glorious consummation. He would not be distracted in this vital time. He must fulfill his duty.

  Tightening his grip on his shield, he glanced back at his men. “If the traitors do not yield, kill them.”

  Fane fixed his gaze upon the road ahead and spurred his horse to a canter. The breeze cooled his face and tangled his hair. As he plunged into the forest’s shade, his blood pumped fast and hot. He reached for his sword. The blade hissed out of its scabbard.