The Sword and the Flame by Stephen Lawhead Page A

how was it accomplished?”
    His stern tone helped Bria to calm herself. She began to speak more easily. “Yesterday, during the hunt. The prince was to ride in the hunt—he was so proud; it was his first. Toli rode with him. Quentin and Durwin went along, but were to return to join the festival after leading the hunt.” She sniffed again, but kept her voice steady. “The king was a long time returning; we thought he had taken up the hunt as well. Then Toli came and . . . he told us what had happened . . . Oh . . .” She paused, gathered her strength, and continued. “They were attacked and fought off their assailants. Toli followed, but lost the trail. When he rejoined Durwin and Gerin they . . . Durwin was dead and the prince gone. Quentin sent Toli for help. That was yesterday. I have not seen them since.”
    Theido did not speak, but his dark eyes and the scowl on his face showed what he was thinking.
    Ronsard smashed a clenched fist into the arm of his chair. “Who would dare such a thing? It is an outrage!”
    â€œWe must organize a search at once, though—I will be frank—too much time has passed already. If the kidnappers were on horseback, they could have ridden far.”
    â€œStill,” put in Ronsard, “if ransom is their game, they may not have gone far at all. Indeed, they may be close at hand.”
    Theido nodded sharply. “Yes, yes. There is something in what you say. But we must hurry in any case. My lady, in the absence of the king, will you give us the authority to command a body of knights?”
    â€œAnything you require.”
    â€œGood,” said Ronsard. “I know those well who served under me. We can start there.”
    â€œGo,” Theido told him. “Roust them out, and see that they are outfitted for the trail. I will follow directly.”
    Ronsard stood and gave a little bow to the queen. He smiled stiffly and said, “Take courage, my lady. We will find the boy.” He strode out of the room and was gone.
    â€œIs there anything else you can tell us?” Theido asked Bria.
    â€œI know so little. No . . . I have told you all I know. Toli could tell you more, but he is gone. Lord Bossit might know something.” She reached out and took Theido’s hand. “Find him, good friend. Save my child, as once you saved my father.”
    Theido pressed her hand, and she felt his confidence flowing into her in that touch. “One way or another we will find him, I know it. I do not know how long it may take, but we will rescue him unharmed. You may believe it; you must believe it.”
    â€œI do believe, and I pray that it is so,” she said.
    â€œYes, pray. Your mother has taught me the power of women’s prayers. The god, I think, does listen most intently to a woman’s heart.”
    â€œThen he has heard mine through the night.” She bent her head. “Oh, Theido, if anything happens to him I do not th—”
    â€œWe will bring him back hale and whole,” he soothed. “You will see.” He stood slowly. “I must go now and find Lord Bossit. The sooner we make a start, the better.”
    â€œYes, go. And Theido . . . thank you for coming. You have no idea what it means to me.”
    â€œWould that it were a happier time, my lady. But these days shall pass quickly, and all will be right again.” The lanky knight dipped his head to her and went out.

    In the last hours of the night, when all the earth was still and waiting for the new day, Quentin had stopped along the road to rest and had fallen asleep beneath a larch tree, his cloak spread over him. Sleep offered no release or comfort; fitful, troubled was his rest, broken by dreams of futile chases and violent clashes with an unseen enemy. There descended upon him a helpless, hopeless feeling of dread and loss that pierced his heart as cruelly as any poisoned dagger, and though he slept he ached with the