Free The Knight and the Seer by Ruth Langan Page A

I should not kill you, woman.”
    “Because I am not your enemy.”
    “Aye. You claim to be merely a poor, befuddled soul whose simplest spells go awry, yet you boast that you can speak with the dead. This time, woman, you will prove it to me beyond a doubt, or you’ll pay with your life.”
    She tried to draw away but he held her fast.
    Though her heart was pounding in her chest, she lifted her chin defiantly. “I knew this would be your reaction. I was certain you would be reluctant to believe me. I asked for something that would open your heart and mind. Your father told me about an incident when you were very small.”
    “You’ll tell me of this…imaginary childhood incident, woman. And if it is something I can’t vividly recall, have no doubt that your blood will be on my hands.”
    Her voice trembled as she relayed the tale that had been told to her. When she finished, she could tell, from the stunned look in his eyes, that he not only remembered, but had been deeply moved by the retelling of it.
    He uncurled his fingers from around her wrist and took a step back, all the while staring into her eyes without a word.
    The silence stretched between them for so long, she finally touched a hand to his, only to have him jerk back.
    His voice was low with feeling. “You could not have learned this from anyone except my father.”
    Relief flooded through her. She stood very still, giving him the time he needed to absorb this knowledge and accept the implications of it.
    He took in a long, deep breath. His tone softened. “Forgive me for doubting you, my lady. I’ve never before known anyone who could talk to those on the other side.”
    “Nor have I ever had the privilege, except with my father, until now.”
    His voice nearly trembled with emotion. “Now that I know you can do what you claim, I would beg a favor of you.”
    Startled, she could do nothing more than nod. “Name it.”
    “Will you remain at Ross Abbey, at least for a while longer? For there is much I wish to ask my father.”
    She let out a quiet breath, too surprised to speak. It would seem that he was now ready to accept what he could not understand. If he was not fully convinced, at least he was willing to believe in her power, meager though it might be.
    Mistaking her silence for disapproval he quickly added, “I realize that life here is far from what you’re accustomed to in your kingdom. From what you’ve described, it will never be the paradise you left behind. But if you’ll give me some time, I’ll inquire in the village for servants. Though Ross Abbey will never take the place of your home, I’ll do all in my power to make it as comfortable for you as possible, if you’ll agree to remain.”
    She nodded. “I will stay.”
    He was already shaking his head. “Please don’t be quick to refuse for I know….” He stopped. Closed his mouth. Opened it again. “You’ll stay?”
    “I will. For as long as you need me.”
    He caught her hands in his and bowed over them. “Thank you, my lady.”
    “There is one thing, though. I must send a missive to my family letting them know that I’m safe.”
    He nodded. “If you but tell me how, I’ll see to it.”
    She thought a moment. “Is there a falconer in the village?”
    “There is.”
    She smiled. “If you would have him send the falcon heavenward with my missive, it will reach the Mystical Kingdom.”
    He nodded. “It will be done this very day. I am most humbly grateful, my lady, for I know this can’t be an easy decision for you.”
    As he brushed his lips over the back of her hands he had a quick recollection of the last time he’d kissed her. Looking up he could see the color rising to her cheeks and knew that she was remembering it, too.
    His first thought was to kiss her full on the mouth. He’d never forgotten her sweet taste. It had left him oddly hungry for more. Still, if he were to follow his instincts and kiss her, he might frighten her away. And though it galled