Free Zypheria's Call (A Tanyth Fairport Adventure) by Nathan Lowell Page A

saved us from Dandy Andy and his gang.”
    She started to protest but he cut her off again.
    “You did, mum, much as you try to deny it.” His eyes dropped to her chest for a moment before looking back at her face. “You bled for us, mum, and you nearly died protectin’ us. That’s just a bit of something to help you along the road. It’s not a lot and we have it to spare. Please, mum. Take it along with our thanks and the promise that you always got a home here.”
    Tanyth looked from face to face, each earnest smile telling her volumes. She looked at the envelope once more and pulled her hand back. “Thank you, all,” she said before her throat closed up again.
    William gave a small cough and nodded. “I’ll just go give Frank a hand with the team.” He gave Amber another peck on the cheek before joining Frank and Jakey.
    Tanyth looked at the envelope and at the earnest faces peering up at her.
    “Please, mum,” Amber said. “Take it. The village can certainly afford it and you’ve given us so much.”
    Tanyth tucked the envelope into her tunic. “Thank you,” she said. She swallowed and looked around at all the faces smiling up at her. “All of you.”
    Leaving Jakey, Frank walked around the team—up one side and down the other, speaking softly to each animal in turn, giving each a pat on the neck or a smoothing stroke down the croup, checking each buckle and shackle of the harness as he passed.
    When he made it all the way around he turned to William. “Looks like we’re ready, bossman.” He stuck out his hand.
    William shook it. “Take it easy, ole timer. We need them horses back safe and sound.”
    Amber handed Frank a folded pack of paper. “Shoppin’ list. No gingerbread this time,” she said and leaned in to give Frank a peck on the cheek. “Come back safe.”
    He smiled and nodded. “I’ll do my best,” he said. He nodded at Tanyth, “She’ll protect me at least on the ride into town.”
    Tanyth couldn’t think of anybody who needed less protecting than Frank Crane, but she laughed along with the villagers.
    With a heave and grunt, Frank climbed up beside her and took his seat, a foot on the brake lever and gathering the broad leather ribbons that guided the team. He looked to her with a boyish grin. “You finally ready?”
    She laughed in spite of the weight in her heart and looked around. “Where’s Rebecca?”
    “You mean Robert?” Frank asked, a quizzical expression on his face.
    “Robert? No, Re—”
    Her words cut off as a figure carved through the small group gathered around the wagon. Rebecca in her full kit strode around the side of the wagon and slung her pack over the low sideboards before vaulting aboard. She stood there, leaning against one of the clay barrels, hip-shot and grinning. Tanyth saw the pommel of a dagger gleaming under the edge of the woman’s vest. A quiver full of arrows hung on her back and she carried a bow slung over her shoulder.
    “Robert,” Frank said.
    “Robert,” Tanyth repeated.
    “’At’s me,” the young woman said, her voice the practiced tenor that shouldn’t have sounded so fitting coming from her mouth.
    Frank looked over his shoulder at Rebecca. “Well, boyo, you’re gonna wanna find a seat. We got a few rough patches to get through before we get out on the Pike.”
    “Can you use that thing?” Tanyth asked, jerking her chin at the bow peaking over Rebecca’s shoulder.
    “Ask him,” Rebecca said, pointing at Thomas.
    Tanyth looked to Thomas who nodded. “She’ll do. Make her practice on the way to Kleesport. If she don’t get enough game to feed ya, make her go hungry.” He winked at Rebecca. “Keep your gut dry, and your eye on the target.”
    “Anything else?” Frank asked, a smile that carried equal parts understanding, sympathy, and urgency pasted on his face.
    “You always this excited to get on the road?” she asked him.
    “Only when I’m with you, mum.”
    “That eager to be shut of me then?” she