Free Lines of Fire (The Guild House - Defenders Hall) by Janet Lane Walters Page A

the steed could be tied to the cart.”
    Alric shook his head. “The depth of the tracks indicates a rider. Few peddlers can afford a riding bihorn. Didn’t you buy yours?”
    “My father gave the animal as a gift.”
    “Fortunate for you. For my first tour I rode a stack steed and saved to purchase my own. During the return to the Hall we stopped at a farm that breeds bihorns. Storm Cloud’s dame had problems. I helped the farmer save her and he gave me a deal on her colt.”
    For a time they rode in silence. Alric noticed places where the carts had torn brush and weeds from the side of the lane.
    Robec drew even. “Do you think my sister has joined the peddlers?”
    “She was at least a day behind but unless she finds a different road she will meet them.”
    “Will they harm her?”
    “I don’t know.” Alric’s shoulders slumped. Had he chosen the right road? Though his lines of fire had indicated this was her route, how could he be sure? Three days was a long lead.
    At dusk they came upon a forest glade. The fire circle and the tracks showed the site was well used. Alric dismounted and helped Robec to the ground. Lines of pain etched his face.
    “Leg hurting?” Alric asked.
    Robec closed his eyes. “My rear, too. I’m not used to riding for hours.” He groaned. “Have we really found Kalia’s direction?”
    “I believe so. I want you to try something. Hold out your hands. Think about her and watch your lines of fire.”
    “Why?”
    “See the direction they point.”
    For a moment Robec stared at his hands. “I see what you mean. Don’t ever tell anyone you can do this.”
    Alric laughed. “Not until the time is right.” He added meat and vegetables to the bubbling pot. Once the stew thickened he dished it into two bowls. “Eat and then sleep.”
    By the time they spread their blankets, the fire burned low. Alric closed his eyes. Was Kalia safe? How long before they found her?
     
    * * *
     
    A touch on his shoulder followed by a hand pressed to his lips woke Alric. “Who?” he whispered.
    “Ganor. Rouse your companion quietly. Bihorns are saddled. Packs loaded on Storm Cloud. Swordmaster sent Right Hand and selected men after heir. About half hour away. Head through the forest to the main road north. Rila and I will follow and then we’ll set our plans to find your mate.”
    Alric pulled on his boots and donned his sword and knife. After rolling his blanket, he woke Robec. “We need to leave. Your father sent men.”
    Robec groaned. “Can’t. Leg swollen. Find Kalia and send her back alone.”
    “The pair Sando sent will follow. Are you sure you can’t ride?”
    “Yes. I’ll delay them.”
    Alric bolted to his feet. He grabbed Storm Cloud’s reins and led the bihorn away from the glade. Would Robec manage to delay the searchers? What would he tell them about the reason for choosing this road?
     
    * * *
     
    For two days after leaving the peddler, Kalia rode from dawn to dusk heading through the forest hoping to find the main road north. She believed she was far enough from the Hall to ride through a more settled area. As she rode, she puzzled over the identity of the driver who had seemed familiar. Finally she remembered. He was the Defender who had drilled Petan and Robec before they became trainees. He had also vanished from the Hall but she didn’t know why. Had he recognized her?
    Near sunset she crossed a rushing stream and saw a fire pit in a clearing beside what she hoped was the road she sought. After unsaddling Mist she started a fire and stared at the flames. What was she going to do? She had no idea where she was or where she headed. She had planned to join the rebels, but how could she find them?
    Why had her father tried to force her into a bond with Petan? Before many days of the bonding would pass, she would have been drained the way her mother was every time she returned from a visit to the Swordmaster.
    Petan wouldn’t stop before he had completely taken all her