The Piper's Pursuit

by Melanie Dickerson

  “The healer is making up some of Steffan’s healing salve. She assured us she will have it ready before sundown,” Frau Goschen said. “Now, don’t worry, Fräulein Katerina. He will be well.”

  “Shouldn’t he stay more than one night?” Kat asked. “To rest and heal?”

  Steffan folded his arms across his chest. “You all are making too much of this. I can ride in the morning.”

  Frau Goschen shrugged her shoulders. “He will not listen,” she said as she shook her head. “I left the children with the servants, rolling dough for pasties. Come,” she said, addressing the children who were left in the stable, “and you can help too.”

  The children all hurried out with Frau Goschen.

  Kat and Steffan were left alone in the stable—the first time they’d been alone for days. Steffan lightly kicked at the hay on the floor. Finally, he slowly turned and looked her in the eye.

  He didn’t say anything, so Kat said, “Why do you want to leave me here?”

  “To look after the children.”

  “You already found these women to look after them. Obviously you don’t want me to go with you. Do you think I’m not tough enough to keep up with you?”

  “It’s going to be very difficult, Kat.” His voice had softened.

  “I know that. But I want to come.”

  His expression seemed to freeze. He stared into her eyes. “Why?”

  Her heart thumped against her chest and her breath shallowed. She looked away and shrugged. “I want to make sure you get to Hagenheim. And with two of us, it’s more likely we will arrive. Without being stopped by Hennek’s men or . . . robbers.”

  She glanced up at Steffan again. His brows were raised. “I should see to buying you a horse, then.”

  So he was agreeing?

  “I met a horse trader on this street earlier. I believe he had a perfect gelding. I shall return very soon, in less than an hour.”

  Before she could decide to thank him or tell him she wanted to see the horse first, he was out the door.

  Why did he call her Kat a few moments ago? And then, the way he looked at her, when she said she wanted to go with him. It had felt so . . . close, as if he were feeling the same tender feeling she was. Could she have imagined it? Or was it pity, seeing her own tender look but not reciprocating it?

  “Oh, let it not be pity,” she whispered, plopping down in the hay and realizing the women had left her a bundle of food and a cup of water.

  Her heart fluttered, but this time in fear that Steffan might think she loved him. She started eating the bread and cheese, squeezing her eyes closed. She didn’t love him, did she? She had better not. He could not possibly . . . How could it work out if . . . ? Where would they live? What would they do to support themselves?

  How foolish she was being! Of course he did not love her. Perhaps she should let him go alone to Hagenheim and keep some distance between them. But her argument had been true. Anything could happen, and the two of them would more likely reach Hagenheim if they traveled together than if he went alone. And if she was not ready to let him go on an adventure without her, then why should anyone judge her? He was handsome and capable and . . . she trusted him.

  Her cheeks heated and fear filled her stomach like hot coals. She cared for him, and it was terrifying.

  Nineteen

  Steffan knew he should leave Katerina in Keiterhafen. He should sneak away tonight and ensure she was safe with the women who had taken in the children. He would never forgive himself if something happened to her while they were riding to Hagenheim. And he wasn’t worried anything would happen to him. Of course he’d get to Hagenheim all right. He’d been riding alone for a year now, ever since he left the Teutonic Knights and Wolfgang and his sister-in-law in Poland. But . . . he wanted her with him. He couldn’t understand it. Was it because she wanted to go and he didn’t want to say no to her? Or was it because he didn’t like the thought of not seeing her for several days?

  Perhaps it was best if he didn’t examine his motives.

  He quickly found the gentle but young and vigorous gelding he’d noticed earlier and paid the horse breeder what he asked without haggling, then walked him back to Frau Goschen’s stable.

  When he entered, Kat was sitting in the middle of the stable holding her face in her hands. When she heard him, she quickly pulled her hands away.

  “Here’s your new horse.”

  Katerina stepped toward the animal, smiling. Steffan lay down on the hay and watched her as she rubbed the horse, talking softly to him. She was so gentle and kind to animals and children, but he had no doubt she would cut a man to ribbons if he laid a hand on her, and she had no trouble facing down a wolf and stabbing it straight through. She reminded him a bit of his sister-in-law Mulan, even though the two were not very similar in appearance. Katerina’s hair was not black and her eyes were blue instead of brown, and she was taller and broader in the shoulders, but both women were fierce and strong. He imagined the two would be great friends.

  His eyes were closing on their own. He was more tired than he’d realized, and the cut on his chest was paining him. Frau Goschen came into the stable and started talking to Katerina, asking her if she’d like to take a bath. She responded rather enthusiastically. Well, enthusiastic for Katerina.

  “We’ll let Steffan sleep,” the woman said, and he was grateful, though he badly needed a bath himself. Perhaps he would be able to take a quick bath before they rode to Hagenheim in the morning.

  * * *

  Katerina was up before the sun the next morning, saddling her horse alongside Steffan, who was saddling his. She knew she’d soon be galloping east, getting dusty from the road, sweaty from the exercise, and dirty from resting on the ground. But at least she’d had a bath the day before, which had quite refreshed her. Steffan had taken one after he’d slept an hour or two, then she’d slept in the house in a makeshift bed on the floor while Steffan stayed in the stable.

  She’d noticed he looked flushed again just before she left him. And this morning he was moving a bit slow.

  “Are you well, Steffan? Did you apply the healing salve to your wounds this morning?” She turned to watch him.

  “Yes. Why would you ask?” He adjusted his saddle and didn’t look at her.

  “Are you sure you are well? Let me see your face.”

  There wasn’t much light in the stable before dawn, but when he turned to her, she could see the frown. She stepped forward and raised her hand to his forehead and pressed the back of her hand to his skin.

  Her heart beat hard as she realized how close she was, that she was touching his brow and gazing into his eyes. He bent his head toward hers. Would he kiss her?

  She held her breath. His eyes were searching hers. Had he seen her staring at his lips a moment before?

  What was she doing? He must think her wanton. She jerked her hand away and took a step back.

  He blinked and raised his hand to her cheek. “Thank you for caring.” With the back of his fingers he caressed her skin very lightly, then let his hand fall to his side. “I did feel a bit feverish last night, but I am well this morning. Must have been the lack of sleep, and it was a very warm day yesterday.”

  He went back to readying his horse as if nothing had happened. She did the same, because nothing had happened. She’d been concerned about him having a fever or being ill, that was all. Nothing more. But her heart still thumped erratically. What would it have felt like if he had kissed her? Would she have been horrified? Would she have berated him? Or would she have liked it, only to feel like a fool when he went back to Hagenheim and she never saw him again?

  Her heart finally went back to beating normally. Soon they were on the road east to Hagenheim, riding their horses at a fast trot. No doubt Steffan didn’t want to tire them out too soon. Katerina was determined to show him she could keep up, no matter how fast he went, so she made sure to stay alongside him and not behind him. Once or twice she even overtook him to see if he wanted
to go faster, but he never picked up the pace.

  They had been riding about two hours when she noticed Steffan seemed to be slowing down. When she glanced at him, his shoulders were slightly bowed. Maybe it was a military tactic to conserve his strength. Was she imagining that they were moving slower and slower? She urged her horse to move faster and looked back at Steffan. His face was definitely flushed. Had the fever returned?

  “Let us stop here,” Kat said.

  “Why?” He had a stubborn look in his eyes.

  “I need a rest.”

  Steffan guided his horse off the road. The sun was halfway up in the sky, and it was warm. They dismounted and Steffan took a drink, then ran a hand over his cheek.

  “Steffan, are you feeling all right?”

  He blew out a breath. “I think I should have used some more of the healing salve this morning.”

  “I thought you said you used it. You did bring it, did you not?”

  “Frau Goschen made sure I brought some.”

  “Thank You, God, for Frau Goschen. Do you need any help?”

  “I can do it.” He was already taking out the container from his saddlebag. Without a word, he turned his back on her and drew off his shirt. Then he started smearing the salve on his chest, then his arm.

  Her cheeks flamed as she took a quick look at his muscular back and shoulders before turning away. She pressed a hand to her eyes and had to suppress a giggle at her foolish reaction to him.

  When had she ever giggled? She couldn’t remember.

  But this was serious. What if the healing salve didn’t work?

  She opened her mouth, then closed it. How could she say this without making him angry? “Perhaps you should go back to Keiterhafen now, before you get sicker.”

  He started shaking his head. “I am not sick.”

  “It’s the only thing that makes sense, Steffan. If you go back, Frau Goschen can tend you and I can go on to Hagenheim to fetch Duke Wilhelm.”

  “No. I am well enough, but I just need to remember to keep applying the salve. I shall be well in a few hours. Let us ride on.”

  “In a few hours? It surely will not work that quickly. What if you become so ill you cannot ride? I shall have to stay with you until you are better, and then no one can go fetch Duke Wilhelm.”

  “Do you think me a child? I will not become as sick as that.” But his eyes were red-rimmed.

  “Truly, you do not look well.”

  “I can make it to Hagenheim, and we have an excellent healer there, should I need one.”

  Perhaps she was making too much of it. Perhaps he was well enough and she shouldn’t worry. “Since we are stopped, we may as well rest for a few moments.”

  She lay down on the grass, closed her eyes, and pillowed her head on her hands. Steffan did the same. She could sense his eyes on her.

  “You are very worried about me,” Steffan said.

  She opened her eyes. He was smiling at her.

  “I am worried you may be sick. You slowed down a lot.”

  “I slowed to save the horses.”

  “Your cheeks are still flushed. Do you feel feverish, as you did last evening?”

  “I think I could have a fever.” His smile grew wider.

  She felt her own cheeks grow hot. He was trying to lure her over there to touch his forehead again. Would he try to kiss her if she did?

  Part of her was outraged that he would use a possible illness to get her to come closer. The other part made her catch her breath at the thought of him wanting to kiss her.

  She pressed her hand to her own burning cheek. This was preposterous. This was not how Katerina of Hamlin behaved or thought. But would it hurt to kiss him, one innocent kiss?

  A memory flashed before her eyes, of Hennek saying, You know you want me to kiss you as he bent over her.

  She’d shoved him away, but she could still see his fat, slobbery lips.

  But Steffan was no Hennek, and he was not hovering over her.

  “You look well to me.” She gave him her best frown.

  When he had brushed his hand against her cheek, she hadn’t flinched. She was not repulsed or angry. And she couldn’t stop thinking about kissing him.

  Was this good? Or bad?

  After trying to sleep while her thoughts went around and around in her head, she opened her eyes. Steffan’s breathing was steady and heavy, indicating that he had fallen asleep.

  How sick was he?

  But it was good he was sleeping, was it not? She knew precious little about caring for wounds. She should rest so that she didn’t fall behind later because she was so tired.

  Kat opened her eyes and realized she’d fallen asleep too.

  Steffan lifted his head off the ground. “I hear horses,” he whispered.

  They both scrambled to their feet and stood still, listening. Steffan’s hand was on her shoulder.

  The horses’ hooves were getting closer, and it sounded like several.

  “Get the horses.” Steffan turned and rushed to where their horses’ reins were tied to a tree nearby. He untied them in a moment and led them farther off the road into the trees.

  They hung on to their horses’ reins and put calming hands on their heads. Steffan stared hard toward the road. When the horses and riders galloped past, Katerina thought she recognized one or two of Hennek’s guards.

  “Hennek’s men.” Steffan rubbed his chin.

  “It was a good thing we took a rest when we did, was it not?”

  He turned toward her and his jawline softened as he gazed into her eyes. “It was a good thing.”

  He lifted his hand and caressed her cheek for only a moment, as he had early that morning. “Thank you,” he said.

  “For what?”

  “For trusting me.”

  “What makes you think I trust you?” But Katerina couldn’t suppress the smile that drew up the corners of her mouth.

  He lifted his arm and wrapped it around her shoulders.

  “Because you let me do this.”

  She froze, her gaze caught by his. A voice in her head said, “You’re being foolish, like your mother, who trusted a man such as Hennek and even fell in love with him.”

  Steffan is nothing like Hennek.

  Kat slipped her arms around his back and pressed her cheek against his shoulder. Steffan wrapped his other arm around her. She took a deep breath, reveling in the feel of his shirt against her cheek and her arms around him. He was so warm. In fact, oddly warm, as she realized she could feel heat emanating from the cut on his chest.

  She squeezed her eyes closed, wishing she could shut out the feeling of dread that was sweeping over her, remembering the man who had died after getting bitten by the Beast of Hamlin.

  Steffan had been bitten by the beast.

  She lifted her hand and pressed it to his forehead, then his cheek. “You feel warm.”

  He placed his hand over hers, keeping it pressed against his cheek.

  She took a step back, forcing him to let go. She turned away from him, her heart pounding harder than ever. She went over to her horse, unsure what to do.

  Now he would think she was weak and silly. She trusted him, but getting too close was still frightening. Would she always be this way?

  Twenty

  “I can make it to Hagenheim,” Steffan repeated. “I’ll keep reapplying the salve every time we stop. It will cure me. You will see.”

  “Then let us go to Hagenheim. And pray that Hennek’s men do not circle around and find us.” But her hand was shaking as she reached for her horse’s bridle.

  Steffan was still thinking about how Katerina had let him put his arm around her, then had placed her head against his shoulder. His heart had soared. He’d been afraid to move, afraid he would scare her. It hadn’t lasted long, but it gave him hope that she was beginning to trust and care for him.

  They mounted their horses and set out for Hagenheim, riding a bit slower now that they knew Hennek’s men were ahead of them. And no
w that they were riding slower, they were able to converse more easily. Katerina asked him questions about his family, and he told her about the adventures he’d had in the last year since he left Poland. She told him about the funny things that she and her friends had done when they were children, ways she had outsmarted Hennek, and how she had bribed Hennek into allowing her to study under one of the priests in Hamlin.

  He’d never heard her talk so much, but he liked it.

  “Father Bogdan always encouraged me in my studies, telling me I was more clever and studious than any boy he’d ever tutored. I did enjoy learning. What about you? I’m sure you must have had an excellent tutor.”

  “I only enjoyed being outdoors and learning about fighting, improving my skills of sword fighting and jousting, that kind of thing. I’m sorry to say I refused to do my assignments most of the time.”

  “I’m sure that’s only because you just enjoyed battle skills more than science and mathematics.”

  Steffan sighed but didn’t comment further. He should have obeyed his tutor, if for no other reason than so that he wouldn’t have to admit to Katerina that he was a terrible student.

  They rode on in silence. Steffan was listening for Hennek and his men. They went on for the rest of the day, stopping to rest the horses, get water, and reapply the healing salve to his chest and arm. Each time they stopped, she looked at him longer, smiled at him more, and just seemed . . . less guarded. But he was getting better, feeling less feverish and probably looking less feverish, so she had no reason to press her hand to his forehead. And he was purposely allowing her to decide how close she wanted to get to him.

  Soon they mounted their horses again and started back down the road. Unfortunately, the clouds were growing dark and the wind was picking up. A storm was brewing.

  * * *

  Katerina hated storms. The lightning, the thunder, the wind, the stinging, drenching rain. And it was all coming down on them hard. Soon their horses were struggling in the thick mud.

  They’d hardly encountered anyone on this road for hours when they saw a man traveling toward them, riding on a mule.