Free The Silver Sword by Angela Elwell Hunt Page B

have continued without stopping, heedless of the cries and calls of the common folk in the street. But this was an unusual carriage and its owner a most notorious nobleman.
    The vehicle had not gone twenty paces past them when the groom pulled the horses to a halt. The restless team pawed the ground, unable to understand why they had been halted during what should have been a routine trip through a street of tradesmen, a small row of shops shuttered to observe a holy Sunday.
    Anika shivered, but not from the cold. A window blind in the carriage rose and a pair of dark eyes peered forth.
    â€œErnan,” Petrov warned in a dark voice as he wiped mud from his sleeve, “perhaps we should return home by another street.”
    â€œI’ll not be backing down when I’ve done nothing wrong.” Ernan said, lifting his chin. He strutted forward a few steps. “’Tis a bit odd, don’t you think, that a man and his daughter can’t even walk down their own street without nearly getting run over?”
    â€œFather,” Anika called, her adrenaline level rising. “Sir Petrov is right. A book I want to read is waiting at home. Let’s be away now.”
    Oblivious to their cries, Ernan O’Connor strode forward like David to meet Goliath. With mud still clinging to his face, he stalked to the side of the carriage and planted himself by the doorway, his hands on his hips, his eyes snapping with righteous indignation.
    â€œNever fear, child,” Petrov murmured, placing his hand on Anika’s shoulder. “Your father can handle himself.”
    To Anika’s horror, the carriage door creaked and opened. At once Lord Laco’s imposing figure filled the opening, while in the two windowsAnika recognized the faces of Cardinal D’Ailly and the obstinate youth she had seen weeks ago at Bethlehem Chapel.
    She felt a sudden chill. Surely the bloody events of the past week had conspired against them. These men, especially the cardinal, would be in no mood to hear protests from a man known to be Jan Hus’s ally.
    â€œHave you something to say to me, sirrah?” Lord Laco’s stentorian voice echoed through the street. “Why stand you gaping up at my carriage?”
    â€œI should think you have something to say to
me,
sir,” Ernan answered. Despite her fear, Anika felt her heart swell with pride. What Ernan O’Connor lacked in stature and wealth, he more than made up in boldness and courage.
    â€œYou have urged your groom to drive the horses at a dangerous pace through the city,” Ernan went on, pounding the air with his broad fist. “Last week two children were struck by a reckless carriage just like this one. Now my face bears witness to the proximity of your carriage wheels. How could I be bathed in mud if your driver wasn’t reckless? You must caution him—there are ladies and children on this street.”
    â€œLadies?” Lord Laco’s thick lips twisted into a cynical smile. Pointedly, he looked directly at Anika, then returned his gaze to her father. “I see no ladies. I see only an ignorant peasant girl, a broken-down old man, and a heap of Irish scum. So if you take care to remain out of my way, we shall not impede your progress any longer.”
    â€œFather—” The youth who had humiliated Anika in church tugged on the nobleman’s sleeve. Lord Laco retreated into the coach for a moment, then returned to the doorway. When he spoke again, his tone was almost contrite. “I beg your pardon, Ernan O’Connor. My son has just reminded me that I have good reason not to be harsh with you.”
    â€œMe, sir?” Ernan frowned.
    â€œYes.” Lord Laco’s tone became as smooth and sweet as butter. “You have a comely daughter, sir, who seems old enough for properemployment. My son would like to hire her as a chambermaid. She will be well treated, of course, and housed on my estate.”
    â€œMe