A Warrior's Promise by Donna Fletcher Page A

the cause of her suffering.
    â€œThat’s all right,” she said. “My da says I can
test the patience of the Lord himself.”
    â€œI think I agree with him.”
    Charlotte laughed again. “I believe you and my da
would get along well.”
    â€œI look forward to meeting him.”
    Charlotte’s smile vanished. “Do you think we will
find him?”
    â€œI have no doubt we will,” he said. “We’re both
determined.”
    She nodded and rested her head against his chest,
as if it were something she had done many times before.
    â€œI would suggest we stay here and allow you to rest
a day—”
    She was out of his arms in a blink. “We cannot lose
one day, and I am fine. Besides, more soldiers could be tracking us. We must
keep moving.” She laid her hands on her slim hips and sent him a grin. “Unless
you’re too fatigued to go on, old man.”
    He shook his head and chuckled though it lacked a
smile. “If it’s a challenge you’re looking for, be careful. This old man of
seven-and-twenty years has more stamina than a lassie barely familiar with
life.”
    She sauntered around the campfire. “Dare you say
now?” She shook her head. “I’d not be spewing claims that have no substance.
What match can you be for the likes of a lassie of only eight-and-ten years? No
doubt I’ll be tucking you into bed soon enough.”
    Bryce’s brow narrowed. “It wouldn’t be you who
would do the tucking, my love.”
    His implication not only flushed her cheeks bright
red but set a vivid vision racing in her head; Bryce and her completely naked in
bed and him tucking himself deep inside her. Damn if it didn’t heat her body and
set it tingling.
    Bryce stepped closer and leaned down to whisper in
her ear. “See, I do intimidate you.”
    Charlotte went to respond, but his whispered
warning came quicker.
    â€œOpen that mouth, and I’ll kiss it closed.”
    She stilled, part of her not daring to test his
threat and another part aching for him to do so. She kept quiet, reason winning
out over desire this time. Finding her father was far more important than her
craving to be kissed, though she wondered how long before that craving insisted
on being satisfied.
    Bryce stepped away from her. “Let’s eat and be on
our way. I got fish enough for the both of us. And we won’t be having another
meal until we settle for the night.”
    It didn’t take them long to eat and be on their
way, barely a word spoken between them until well on their journey.
    â€œDo you have a destination in mind?” Charlotte
finally asked from behind him.
    Bryce didn’t turn. He kept the quick pace he had
set earlier upon departure. “An area more than a destination; we’ll need to find
those desperate to barter.
    â€œDesperate for what?”
    â€œFreedom from tyranny,” Bryce said.
    â€œAnd how do you propose to give them this
freedom?”
    â€œBy welcoming them into my clan, where they will be
safe until the true king takes the throne.”
    â€œYou gather an army for the true king,” she
said.
    â€œI gather those willing to fight for their
freedom.”
    â€œJoslyn at the village Tine. You offered her a home
with your clan. That’s why her smile was so wide.”
    Bryce nodded and was about to answer when he heard
a noise.
    A sudden scurrying sound halted both of them, and
Bryce reached his hand back, grabbed Charlotte, and yanked her next to him. He
motioned for her to remain close to him, and they cautiously continued on.
    They traveled an hour or so longer when they heard
the sound again, only this time the sound didn’t stop. It grew louder and louder
as it got closer, and closer and closer. Before Bryce could warn Charlotte to
run, a large animal burst through the trees and lunged itself at Charlotte.
    Bryce was quick to draw his sword, but Charlotte
screamed,