Knight Protector (Knight Chronicles) (30 page)
Read Knight Protector (Knight Chronicles) Online
Authors: Rue Allyn
She sagged back against him.
“What ails you?”
“My shoulder. I hurt it in the river.”
Robert did not hesitate. He lifted the cloth and tore her shift away from the injury.
“Sir,” the taller of the older women erupted in protest.
“Indeed, stop,” wailed the shorter one.
Ignoring the maidenly objections of her companions, he studied Lady Juliana’s arm and shoulder.
Her skin was pale and clammy everywhere but at the joint. There, angry red flared across a misshapen knot beneath the skin. “’Tis not broken,” he said.
“Not broken? What of the pain she has and the swelling?” the first Beguine doubted.
“Nay. I have seen such after battle. Through too much strain, some men’s arms leave their shoulders. When the shoulder is broken, the bones offer no support. If ’tis just displaced, the bones are still strong and can support the arm somewhat.”
“Can it be fixed?” Lady Juliana whispered.
“Aye, and you will be completely well, but ’twill hurt a great deal to put it right.”
“If you can fix it, then do what you must.”
She is right. Much though I prefer not to hurt her, ’tis best to get this over quickly.
Once he had preferred not to kill, too, but he had done what he must to defend the innocent. That death would stain his soul throughout eternity. Robert instructed the two older women to brace Juliana’s body against them. He lifted her arm and placed one hand over the twisted joint. “Ready?”
She smiled and nodded. “I forgive you.”
How does she know that I need forgiveness?
Rather than ponder that question, he gripped her wrist, pulled on her arm and pushed on the joint.
A loud
pop
sounded.
Juliana fainted.
“Monster,” the smaller of the two Beguines said. “You have made it worse.”
No good would come of wallowing; he had again done what needed doing. “Nay. I have caused her pain. For that I am truly sorry. But when she wakes, she will feel less hurt than before. Check for yourselves, then bind the arm. The joint must bear no strain for at least three days.”
The women turned away from him in stony silence.
He went to his gelding, hoping to find a dry shirt, but water soaked everything in his saddlebags.
“Here, sir.” A large peasant held out a rough-spun tunic and leather jerkin. “These should fit. They are dry and even summat clean.”
“Thank you . . . ?”
“’Enry, sir.” The fellow tugged his forelock. “I be groom for the ladies.”
Robert’s brow wrinkled.
“The Beguines. I tend the mules and help with loading and unloading.”
“Ah. Thank you, Henry. Have you ells of wool within your mule packs?”
“Aye, sir. Enough woolen cloth for all those poor souls and more.” He gestured at the survivors huddled nearby.
“What of those on the other side of the river?”
“They called across that they would camp the night there. They said summat of building a raft afore morning.”
Robert searched both banks to see that everyone was being cared for. “Excellent. When ’tis done I will speak with them about how best to bring the raft across the river.”
“Sir?”
“Yes, Henry.”
“The sun’ll set soon, and the ladies’ll need shelter.”
“Then we had best find some. Did you perchance pass a hospice, inn, or abbey on your way here?”
“Nay, sir. I was hoping that you had.”
Robert shook his head. “From the northwest, ’tis more than a day’s ride back to the nearest place that offers hospitality.”
“What will we do, sir? The women cannot travel far, and I think the guide has broke his leg.”
Robert eyed the heavily laden pack mules. “Do the Beguines have a tent amongst their belongings?”
“Oh no, sir. We allus slept at inns. Them mules carries all the things the ladies be bringin’ to the beguinage in Palermo. Was no room for tents wi’ all the supplies they brung.”
“Then we will have to make do.”
“Yes, sir.” Henry nodded eagerly, but the blank look in his eyes told Robert the man had not even a vague idea how to proceed.
“Here.” He handed Henry the destrier’s reins. “Be kind enough to tend to my horse, and I will search out a spot where we may all rest this night.”
“Oh, aye, sir. I’ll take right good care of yer ’orse, sir.” Henry heaved a great sigh, smiled, and left.
Turning his gaze on the spot where the women tended Lady Juliana, Robert stripped off his wet shirt and donned the dry clothing. Too bad a soul could not be changed as easily as clothing. If such were possible, his life would be much different, and he would never have met Lady Juliana Verault.
Praise for
Knight Errant
:
“...an expertly woven tale of intrigue and adventure and suspense. While the characters are fictional save for Edward II, Ms. Alyn creatively weaves medieval history into the plot and the rule of the church in the persecution of women will not be lost on the reader ... This medieval historical romance is one readers should not miss!” --5 stars,
InD'tale Magazine, Reviewer M. P. Ceja
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For more books by Rue Allyn, check out:
The Wildflower Series
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