Borderland Beauty (12 page)

Muscles bunching, he felt the familiar surge of energy underneath his skin as he readied himself for a fight. He gritted his teeth and slammed down the visor of his helm as he spotted the reivers slashing their way through the village.

Kicking at his mount, he let out a yell and the two groups of warriors crashed together, steel screeching, hooves thudding. Dominic swung his sword with measured strength, ensuring every hit was as effective as the last. The stampede of horses merged together but Dominic had no problems identifying the reivers, who rode nags and fought wildly, with little care for friend or foe.

He clashed with a heavy-set man whose blows sent his arm shaking, ducking and blocking his powerful hits. Dominic retaliated as the man tired and he swiped across the top of his enemy’s arm. A sword swung at him from behind and he twisted in his saddle, barely parrying it. He swiped back and slashed across the man’s chest. The reiver cried out and the horse reared, throwing his rider before bolting down the street.

The tide turned as the Thornewall men fought on. The reivers were ferocious fighters but they lacked training. Dominic and his men pushed them back until they retreated. Urging his steed after them, his men followed and they chased the enemy through the very street from which they had entered.

The reivers slashed as they went, swiping through the remaining market stalls. A few villagers lingered, but Dominic was riding too hard to see if any of them were hurt. He prayed they were not. His throat tightened as he noticed a group of women walking wearily up the street. They panicked and scattered to the edges of the street. It was only then did Dominic recognise Lucy, her fine gown standing out in bold contrast to the war-torn market.

A battle cry reached his ears and he realised it was his own, as a reiver recognised her as a noble and reached to grab her as he bolted past. Her eyes connected with Dominic’s and she ducked at the last moment. Dominic stared on in horror as the soldier turned and made another grab for her.

Lucy ran as he pursued her, snatching at her gown. Her scream wrenched Dominic’s heart and he pushed forward. Dangling from the reiver’s arm, Lucy flailed and fought until Dominic was upon them. He sliced through the man’s arm and snatched at Lucy before she could fall. He flung her behind him as he thrust and cut at her attacker.

The clutch of her arms around his waist brought him out of his blood-lust and he hauled his destrier to a stop. The rest of the soldiers gave chase and they both watched for a moment as they drove the reivers out onto the surrounding hills.

Turning, he latched his hands around Lucy’s waist and hauled her onto his lap. Slamming up his visor, he patted over her frantically as she made sounds of protest.

“Luce, are you well? Are you harmed at all? God’s teeth, I should never have let you out of my sight.”

She attempted a shaky smile as she pushed away his hands. “Nay, I am well, do not concern yourself.”

Staring at her, he pressed his fingers into her arms as if trying to convince himself she was indeed unharmed. He had nearly lost her. In a mere moment, she could have been gone from his life.

“Dominic!” she snapped, bringing his focus back to her face. “I am well enough. You need not concern yourself.”

Loosening his grip on her arms, he nodded slowly. Ack, how could he have lost her when he still did not hold her heart?
Will I ever?

Dominic settled Lucy onto the front of his saddle and directed the horse to the keep. For the moment, there were worse things to worry about than Lucy’s heart. Like whether Thornewall had suffered damage greater than a few overturned stalls and broken cottages.

~* * *~

Aware of Dominic’s arms around her, Lucy sat bolt upright in the saddle. The knot in her chest refused to shift and she realised that if he touched her again, she would surely crumble. She closed her eyes as they climbed the mound towards the castle.
The reiver…and Dominic…
Tears welled behind her lids. As long as she lived, she would never forget the image of him slashing his way through the soldiers. She opened her eyes and glanced at his arms. All was well, he was safe.

He sat just as rigidly, making no attempt to touch her. She should be grateful, Lucy thought, for he would most certainly break through the thin control she had on her emotions if he did. Her heart disagreed. It yearned to be in his embrace. It didn’t matter that she knew he was safe, she needed to feel his arms around her to be sure. But it could not be. Once in his embrace, she would have no control over herself and it would surely lead to heartache.

The soldiers on the wall called out as they saw Dominic approach and the drawbridge lowered with a crash. The sound of horse hooves clattering echoed as they passed through the gatehouse and peasants swiftly stepped aside as Dominic guided his horse to the stables.

Dismounting easily, he helped Lucy down before thrusting the reins into a soldier’s hands. Lucy moved forward to thank him, but he turned from her as another soldier approached. She lingered at his side, taking in the stark expressions on the villager’s faces. A good number of them were within the walls, something to be thankful for at least.

Dominic clutched his helm in one hand and pinched the bridge of his nose as he spoke to the soldier. “What news? Have we many injured?”

“Nay, not within our walls at least. A few scratches at most. But we’ll not know the true cost until we have checked the village.”

“Aye.” He sighed. “Have some men stationed around the outskirts. I’ll not have them sneak up on us again. Repairs will have to be made on the morrow. Is the physician here?”

“Aye, my lord. He is in the guard’s quarters, awaiting the injured.”

“My thanks. As soon as the captain returns, have men sent out to check for injuries and damages. We were lucky they did not bring fire, for we surely would have had worse to deal with. I think it unlikely but if there are those with damaged homes, ensure they are aided.”

“As you bid, my lord.” The soldier nodded and dipped his head before hurrying back to the gatehouse.

Dominic gave her a grim smile as he swiped a hand through his hair. She clutched her fist by her side, fighting the urge to run her fingers through the disarray. “Will there be many injured?”

He shrugged but his posture remained tense. “I pray not.”

“T-Thank you for your aid. I fear…” She shuddered involuntarily. “I fear I should have ended up in the reiver’s hands had it not been for you and your men.”

He reached for her and Lucy swayed forward, but the shouts of men at the gatehouse made them both pause and look to the commotion. Lucy’s heart stretched, wishing she had fallen into his arms and wept with relief and fear.

The group of men split apart and Lucy realised they were carrying an injured man. Dominic cursed as he spotted him and hastened towards the men. Lucy snatched at her skirts and followed after but Dominic put out an arm before she could get close enough to see the soldier’s injury.

“Tell the physician to ready himself, lass,” he ordered.

Lucy flicked a look at Dominic’s face and nodded briskly before hurrying to the guard’s quarters.

Inside the dark room, the physician had laid out his tools. The old man glanced up at her as she ducked through the door.

“There is an injured man,” she panted. “‘Tis a severe wound, I believe.”

He nodded briskly. “Will you light the candles, my lady? I need more light.”

“Of course.” Lucy glanced around and spied a taper on the fireplace. Dominic and the other men entered as she finished lighting the candles.

She snatched at the few discarded cups left on the table and they lowered the injured man onto it. They laid the man down and Lucy swallowed down bile as she spied the laceration across his chest. Dominic flicked a look at her and motioned for her to move back. She moved onto her tiptoes to see through the wall of men as the physician peeled away the soldier’s armour.

Lucy glanced over her shoulder as another man entered the quarters, his expression harried, and she recognised him as the Captain, James. He pushed aside some of the men and positioned himself next to Dominic. Between them, they eased him out of his damaged chainmail. The man’s chest sheened with sweat and his harsh breaths echoed in the silence.

As the physician made to inspect the wound, Dominic backed away and came to her side. “You should not be here, lass. Leave now. I will let you know how Thomas is shortly.”

“I want to stay.”

“Nay, ‘tis not a sight for a lady's eyes,” he told her firmly.

“But I may be able to he—“

“Go," he said with a clench of his jaw. “We may have to seal the wound. ‘Tis a sight that I can barely stand. Go now, Luce. Pray, for once, do not argue with me.”

Recognising the strain in his body, Lucy nodded briskly. As much as she wished to help, she would not add to Dominic’s worries. “I will wait outside but should you need a woman's touch, I would gladly offer it.”

“Thank you, but I fear Thomas needs more than the gentle touch of a woman.”

“As you will.” With a last look at Dominic, Lucy ducked out of the room.

She paced as she waited, the cold air biting through her cloak. The hammering of her heart failed to calm and she watched the door, waiting for some news. The ear-piercing wail made her jump. Was it her fevered imagination that thought she could smell the acrid stench of burnt flesh?

As much as she agonised for the soldier, she longed to be by Dominic’s side.
To offer him comfort?
Or mayhap she wished for comfort from him. Whatever it was, she only knew that she needed to be with him.

Spinning around at the sound of crunching boots, her shoulders dropped as she realised it was James. Her disappointment must have shown on her face as James gave her an apologetic smile as he approached.

“Lord Dominic begs a word with you, my lady.”

“Thank you.” Lucy tugged her cloak around herself and stepped into the room, forcing her expression to remain impassive as the tang of blood and charred skin reached her nose. She approached Dominic as he talked with the physician, their shoulders hunched over, their heads close as if sharing secrets.

“There is naught I can do, the damage is too great,” the physician told him quietly.

Sweeping a hand through his hair, Dominic nodded wearily. Lucy’s heart clenched as his eyes met hers briefly.

Dominic motioned to James with the wave of his hand. “Summon the priest and have Thomas taken to the guest chambers.” He turned back to the older man. “Does he have long?”

The physician shrugged. “A few hours at best.”

Dominic released a long breath. “His wife will want to be by his side.”

James nodded. “Shall I send for her?”

“Nay, I will go for Beth. I shall bear the bad tidings, ‘twas my fault Thomas was harmed.”

Lucy pressed her hand gently to his arm. “‘Twas not your fault, Dominic. He was doing his duty.”

He offered her a sad smile. “Would that I could believe that. Pray, Lucy, will you do me an act of kindness and stay with Thomas until I return with his wife. A woman’s touch offers much comfort to an injured man.”

She nodded quickly. “Aye, of course.”

“I thank you. I will return shortly.”

Dominic brushed the tips of his fingers briefly over hers before spinning on his heel and she watched him hasten away with a heaviness in her heart. It seemed Lord Dominic was not as carefree as he appeared. Lucy suspected his duties weighed more profoundly upon his shoulders than he ever revealed. A part of her wished that he would reveal his worries to her. Could she possibly ease such a burden? And why did she even want to? His obvious devastation pulled at her heart. Ack, he was far from the thoughtless, arrogant man she had thought him to be.

You knew that already,
her mind whispered to her.

Why had it taken this terrible act to make her realise that?

James and another soldier smoothly eased Thomas into their arms and carried him carefully out of the quarters. Lucy winced as fresh blood pooled from his wound but Thomas bore the pain bravely with the clench of his teeth. She forced down the tears that sat in her throat. If he could show such fortitude on the brink of death, then she owed him the same show of courage.

Lucy followed silently as they transported him up the winding stairs and into one of the vacant chambers. The men settled Thomas on the bed and James gave Lucy a tight smile.

“I will go for the priest now. Lord Dominic should not take long -- Thomas’ wife lives not far from the keep. Shall I send Winnie to you to aid you in your care, my lady?”

Lucy shook her head. “Nay, I need no help.” Dominic had put Thomas in her care, and she felt the responsibility keenly. “I will look after him well, James, I promise.”

“Thank you, my lady.” He squeezed Thomas’ shoulder. “I shall leave you in the lady’s capable hands, Thomas. Your wife will be along soon.”

The injured man gave a weak nod and attempted a smile that came out as a grimace. With a last anxious glance, James and the other soldier left. Lucy dragged a chair over to Thomas’ bedside and darted a look around, twisting her hands in her skirts. In denying any aid, she realised she had nothing to tend him with. A washbowl of water awaited guests but she had no cloths.

Flicking a glance at her tattered gown, she yanked at her cotte and tore some ragged strips from it before snatching the bowl and bringing it to his side. Lucy carefully damped at Thomas’ sweat-soaked forehead and eyed his wound. Christ, he would not last long.

Thomas watched her through clouded eyes as she cleaned it up as best she could and tucked him under the sheets. She did not want his wife seeing him caked in blood. Biting at her trembling lip, she stroked at his forehead. Death by violence was sadly common in the borderlands but she seldom experienced it firsthand. Had it not been for Dominic’s quick response, she and many others may have been injured or killed.

Tremors racked Thomas’ body and Lucy watched as his skin visibly paled. God, where was Dominic? If he did not hurry, his wife would not get the chance to say goodbye. Her chest ached for the young couple.