Steel Maiden by Kim Richardson Page A

know where you’re going at least?”
    I nodded. “I’m heading west to Goth. The
stone is somewhere in that realm. I’m guessing that’s not a
secret.”
    I didn’t add that the high priest had told
me about the stone being inside the Hollowmere. I had a feeling
that information was only for my ears. I felt guilty about not
saying anything since he had helped me, but I couldn’t risk it.
    The stranger nodded.
    “There’s a map tucked in the side pocket and
a compass. But for now, follow the main road till you get to the
end of Anglia that borders the West Sea. That’ll take you about two
days. Keep to the road till you hit the long narrow passage called
Death’s Arm. Goth is a three day ride from there.”
    “Thank you,” I nodded.
    Our eyes met, and I blushed from my neck to
the top of my head. “Why are you helping me?”
    He looked at the priests behind me.
    “Don’t thank me just yet. You might regret
it when you see what we’ll be facing.”
    He was quiet for long enough that I thought
he wouldn’t add anything else. But then he added, “You looked like
you needed it more than the others. I just didn’t feel right having
you go off on this race without a little assistance. It wouldn’t be
fair. I don’t want to offend you…but you’re the least experienced
here.”
    We stared at each other in an awkward
silence. I opened my mouth but closed it again. He started to turn
away.
    “I’m Elena,” I blurted as I held out my
hand. “Elena Milegard.”
    It was the least I could do, but I also
wanted to know his name.
    He took my hand and smiled. His perfect
teeth and perfect smile made me weak. His callused hand, strong and
sturdy, was gentle. He lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed it.
His lips were smooth, his breath hot, and it tickled my skin. I
almost fell out of the saddle. Thank the Creator I was sitting.
    “It’s nice to meet you, Elena. Landon
Battenberg, at your service.”
    His blue eyes pierced mine, and I could see
by his smug smile that he knew the effect he had on women, on me.
The name Battenberg seemed familiar to me, but I couldn’t think
past the way his lips had brushed my hand. I wondered how soft they
would feel against my own lips.
    “Well, thank you again, Landon.”
    I straightened, and it took all of my
self-control not to show how much I’d enjoyed his gentle kiss.
    “Good luck, Elena.” Landon’s face turned
serious. “You’re going to need it.”
    He walked away. His broad shoulders swayed
back and forth, and I could still feel the warmth on my skin where
he had kissed it.
    I bit my lip and said softly, “I’m sure I
will.”
    Despite myself, I smiled as I watched him
mount his own warhorse. It was a great bronze-colored steed,
powerful yet graceful, just like Landon. I couldn’t tear my eyes
from him. But I couldn’t let his good looks and his five minutes of
kindness distract me. This was a race after all. And I was in it to
win it.
    As Landon turned my way, I pretended to look
elsewhere. That’s when I met Mad Jack’s glare.
    I was shocked to see fierce anger in his
eyes. It was like a silent accusation. And although I wasn’t sure
what was going on, I couldn’t help but feel the guilt that spread
through me. But why? What hold did he have on me?
    Shrugging, I opened my mouth and mouthed what? But he just steered his horse to the opposite side of
the line from the Pit folk, like he was trying to put as much
distance as he could between us.
    I hadn’t realized that I’d been holding my
breath. I was stunned and a little hurt by his gesture. He didn’t
own me. I could speak to whomever I chose.
    Suddenly, bells chimed.
    The crowd hushed and an uncomfortable
silence spread across the grounds. As the crowd drew in a
collective breath, I suddenly felt nauseated. I tried not to think
about Mad Jack and why he made me feel so miserable inside. I
focused on the race. If I wanted to win this thing, I’d have to
keep my feelings in check. I sat still on my