[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
wildly, her muffled cries being ignored. Struggling, she was carried through the door and into
the hut, where the atmosphere turned to one of mayhem with high-pitched screeches, floating
feathers, twisted jesses, and jangling bells. The hooded birds of prey sensed the danger and
flapped pitifully as their leather straps secured them to their perches.
Bridgett was gagged with a piece of linen had a canvas bag tossed over her head. She
could feel the presence of two people as together they tied her tightly with coarse rope, making
her escape impossible. A strong male body then hoisted her, squirming and fussing, over his
shoulder. He stopped at the door, his accomplice obviously making sure the path was clear for
their getaway. Walking towards the rear of the building, he deposited her in the back of some
kind of cart. Wriggling in next to her, he wrapped his arms securely around her. He held her
down with his body weight obviously trying to prevent her sounding the alarm.
The cart lurched forward and Bridgett heard the slap of reins upon a horse s rump. She
could feel her captor s attention being diverted as he strained to see their surroundings. She
knew they must be covered, lest they would be spotted by someone as they passed. Risking his
vengeance, she seized an opportunity to view whoever it was that was whisking her away.
Quickly, she bent at the waist and grabbed the top of the bag with her reaching hand to pull it off.
Straightening up, she came face to face with a stunned Walter.
Hell, he whispered huskily. What do you think you re doing? Starring, with wide
eyes, he remained silent.
Peering up, Bridgett could just make out the seated figure of the driver, perched above
her head. Some sort of canvas top covered the area she was in, allowing only small views of the
scenery between the cracks created by the flowing material. The driver donned a filthy woolen
cape, the hood obscuring the identity of the driver. Slapping the reins again, the driver guided
them towards the main gates, where they obviously meant to leave the castle walls. Bridgett
prayed Dermot or the other sentries atop the walls would question the departure or even forbid it.
Slowing moving before the iron and wooden portcullis, they stopped while awaiting the
guards.
Who goes there? bellowed the tired Welshman from atop of the barbican. Bridgett
could just see Dermot peer through the crenel, as he squinted in an effort to identify the driver of
Heartless Warrior Donna McAteer 73
the cart. The hooded head of the driver lifted slightly, as if trying to remain hidden beneath the
voluminous covering.
Aye, my good man, I have here one decaying corpse headed for the graveyard. The
voice sounded female and elderly. Who would Walter be consorting with who is female and
elderly? She waited for an answer. Best not delay me my good man, the stench is already
overbearing. Can you not smell it from atop the wall? Her screeching was most annoying and
gave Bridgett no clue to the identity.
Nay, I smell nothin lassie. But I suppose I should take your word for it. Pass through.
The driver s body seemed to visibly slump with relief. Yet it was common knowledge that
Dermot manned the walls quite often and was probably beyond caring. Fatigue had probably set
in as he had been on patrol atop the wall walks for the entire night and no doubt sought only to
find his blessed bed.
Tremendous creaking and clanking ensued as the drawbridge began lowering and
Bridgett knew this was her last hope for escape. She began to twist and squirm in Walter s hold,
attempting to scream through the packing in her mouth. She could hear the drawbridge slam
against the ground and struggled even harder against the ropes and Walter s powerful grasp. Her
muffled cries did not reach the top of the wall.
As the portcullis gate rose, the pitiful cart rumbled onto the wooden surface and down the
small incline leading out into the meadow. Tears pooled in Bridgett s eyes as she fought her
fears and concerns. She could not imagine why someone would want to take her from Exeter.
The driver slapped the horse into a full gallop, probably realizing their perilous situation
should Wraith catch them. They probably knew they needed a good head start if they were to
maintain distance between themselves and their furious liege. Bridgett prayed the deceptive
story would not stall a pursuit by Wraith and his men.
Walter released his oppressive hold on her, there was nowhere for her to go. Gazing
under the billowing cover, Bridgett noticed the passing landscape indicated they traveled north.
She became concerned as well as puzzled in the direction of their course. Bridgett looked over at
Walter, and motioned that she wanted him to remove her gag. He slowly shook his head as he
stared blankly at her. Knowing he would have to endure guilt-ridden words from her, he
probably preferred to keep her quiet.
Hours passed and the bumping became bruising and painful. Walter slipped his head out
of the canvas cover at the front of the cart, obviously seeking fresh air and the knowledge of their
whereabouts.
Hell and damn, Walter, why don t you warn a person before you scare the life out of
them? The female voice now sounded neither elderly nor frail. It was now strong and clear,
and could be heard above the old nag s slow trot.
I think we should change drivers for awhile, the ride is quite uncomfortable back here.
Walter s voice sounded upset and commanding as he pushed his upper body through the
covering.
Nay, tis safer if you are in the back to restrain our prisoner, Walter. The female voice
sounded familiar, yet Bridgett could not quite place it.
Bridgett felt Walter s muscular thigh next to her shoulder as he again seated himself next
to her. The constant bouncing and thrashing about was causing her to be nauseous, in addition to
giving her headache. Yet, her bound hands prevented her from pushing herself into a seated
position. Sweat beads dotted her face and she breathed deeply through her nostrils, her mouth
felt as dry as cotton with the gag in place. At least she could see the countryside as it passed by
Heartless Warrior Donna McAteer 74
behind them. Intermittently, she would catch a full glimpse of the road behind them as the
canvas cover flapped around aimlessly.
They had been gone only a few hours and it was doubtful that Wraith even knew she was
missing yet. She prayed that someone had seen her abduction around the falconer s hut. If not,
she might not be found. Wraith was an extremely busy man and would be engaged in a myriad
of activities that would keep him occupied for almost the entire day. She dared not guess what
her fate might be if Wraith did not discover her absence in time.
Suddenly, the cart slowed its pace and came to a stop. Walter stood up through the gap
between the covering and the front of the cart and in his place moved a matted, smelly, gray
cloak that situated itself directly beside Bridgett. Wrinkling her nose from the offensive odor,
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]