Free Blood in Snow by Robert Evert Page A

TWO

Chapter Nine
    Edmund and a score of Rood’s most battle-hardened men crouched behind some evergreens along the steep hills that pushed up against the River Bygwen. A mile downriver, a band of King Lionel’s scouts approached, horses stumbling up the rocky path that eventually led to Rood’s west gate. Between the hills to Edmund’s right, Pond, Abby, and Becky sat in a wagon, waiting for the signal.
    Hendrick tensed, bow at the ready.
    “Patience,” Edmund whispered to him.
    “What if this doesn’t work?” one of the guards asked.
    “It will,” Edmund replied, though he wasn’t sure he believed it himself. “Don’t underestimate Mr. Pond. But if it doesn’t work, you know what to do.” His own grip tightened around the hilt of his black-bladed short sword. “Hush. They’re getting closer.”
    He gestured to Pond.
    Down in the wagon, Pond snapped the reins. His team of horses pulled the wagon out from between the hills and along the riverbank.
    The wagon lurched onto the snow-and-leaf-covered path, headed southward, bumping over rocks toward the band of knights. Immediately the knights called them to a halt. Pond reined in his horses directly below Edmund and the guards of Rood hidden among the trees.
    “Who are you?” the lead knight shouted to Pond and Abby. “And whom do you serve?”
    “I’m … Mr. … Horgenswagle,” Pond called back.
    Hidden behind a bush, Edmund clapped his hand to his forehead and groaned.
    “And we serve King Lionel.” Then Pond added, “Or at least we serve him as much as a lowly traveling merchant and his beautiful wife can serve His Royal Highness.”
    Come on, Pond! Don’t blow this!
    “Splendid!” The lead knight checked his horse in front of their wagon. “Splendid, indeed!”
    Becky bared her teeth, growling, but stopped when Abby stroked her head.
    The other knights gathered around, but wedged between the steep forested slopes and the icy waters of the River Bygwen, they didn’t have much room to maneuver, especially if they tried to pass Pond’s wagon.
    “Well then, my good man,” the lead knight continued with a cautious eye on Becky. “You may indeed serve His Majesty if you would be so kind as to give us some information.”
    Stray snowflakes floated from the sky. The knights watched them with obvious apprehension.
    “My wife and I would be more than happy to help in any way we can,” Pond replied.
    Come on, Pond. Don’t be so stiff. Act like a traveling merchant!
    “Then tell us—where are we? Our maps of this region appear to be outdated. There’s supposed to be a road following this river.”
    “Where’re you trying to go?” Pond asked in forced puzzlement.
    “We are searching for the chief city in this region,” the lead knight replied. “It’s called Rood, I believe.”
    Pond laughed loudly.
    Pond! What are you doing? Act more naturally!
    “Rood!” Pond said with even more theatrical laughter. “Why, you are horribly lost!”
    At this, an irritated Abby quickly took over.
    “I’m so sorry, my lord.” She curtsied slightly to the knights. “What my husband is trying to say is we believe you are following the wrong river.”
    “The wrong river?” the lead knight repeated in dismay. His company complained and muttered, breath puffing in the cold air. “Is this not the River Bygwen?”
    Pond opened his mouth, but Abby shushed him.
    “No, my lord. You’re a bit off your mark, I’m afraid.”
    Grumbling intensified.
    “That would explain why there isn’t a road here,” one of the knights said to their leader. “Least ways, one that isn’t overgrown with trees.”
    “Damn our lack of preparations!” another knight said, fists clenched. Then, noticing Abby’s discomfort, he bowed in his saddle. “Pardon me, my lady. We’ve been riding without proper maps or guidance for several weeks now, and my frustration got the better of my judgment. Please forgive my language.”
    “Your frustration is understandable, my