Free How The Warrior Fell (Falling Warriors series Book 1) by Nicole René Page A

last note.
    Leawyn sighed in relief and gently pulled the thick furs over Xavier’s body again.
    She stood, stretching her tired and sore limbs. She’d been cooped up in the tent for days, and she needed some air.
    Leawyn checked on her husband one more time, and seeing he was still resting quietly, she went outside.
    She was only a little startled to see it was nighttime. Most of the men were lying on the ground next to the fires. She looked to her right, seeing that her guard tonight was Hassef, a young man not much older than she. She smiled a little and shook her head when she noticed he was sleeping, soft snores escaping him.
    She’d hate to wake him, but someone needed to be with Xavier in case he woke up. Leawyn walked over to Hassef and shook his shoulder to rouse him.
    She stepped back when Hassef jerked awake, bringing his sword up with him. He had a moment of confusion in which he looked at his surroundings. She had to giggle when he blinked up at her.
    “Lady Chief!” Hassef gasped, jumping to his feet. “I’m sorry. I didn’t notice you there!”
    “Yes, I imagine it’s hard to notice anything when one is asleep,” Leawyn teased.
    Hassef’s cheeks had a slight red color to them when he ducked his head in embarrassment and shame. “Sorry, Lady Chief. I-I failed in my duties.”
    Leawyn shook her head, resting her delicate hands on his shoulder. “I was merely teasing you, Hassef. I am not mad.” She gave him a reassuring smile when he looked up at her hesitantly.
    “I actually only woke you so that you may watch over Xavier while I get some fresh air,” Leawyn explained.
    Hassef looked up at her and frowned. “I should escort you then, Lady Chief. You shouldn’t be walking in the dark alone.”
    Leawyn shook her head. “That will not be necessary, Hassef. I’ll be perfectly fine on my own, and I’m not going to go far,” Leawyn reassured.
    When Hassef opened his mouth to disagree, Leawyn gave him a stern look. “You will allow me to walk by myself, and I will allow my memory to escape me and forget you were asleep on your watch post.”
    Hassef closed his mouth with a snap, glowering at her. “Not fair,” he mumbled, shoulders slumping.
    Leawyn smiled in triumph, patting his cheek lightly. “That’s the spirit! Now, go on, I’ll return shortly.”
    Hassef sighed in resignation and started towards the tent. He turned around and gave her a strict look. “Be careful, and do not wander far, Lady Chief, I mean it.”
    Leawyn rolled her eyes and fluttered her hands over her shoulder. “Yes, yes, I know.”

    Leawyn slowly made her way to where the horses were. She made sure her footsteps were silent so she didn’t wake the warriors scattered about the camp. Many would not be as kind as Hassef and would actually make her go back into the safety of her tent.
    When she was a few steps away from the horses, both Killix and Deydrey lifted their heads. When they saw her, they gave her a soft knicker in hello, reaching their nose towards her. Leawyn smiled and quickened her steps towards them until she was able to rest her hands on their soft muzzles.
    “Hello, you two, miss me?”
    Deydrey nudged her with her nose, while Killix blew warm breath on top of her head, causing her to laugh.
    “I’ll take that as a yes then!” She smiled, taking turns in petting Deydrey and Killix, both of which were fighting for her attention.
    Since the night Xavier was attacked and brought back on Killix’s back, Leawyn and Killix became fast friends. Killix seemed to take an interest in her, and she was the only one besides his master he allowed to touch him willingly.
    The first couple of days  he  was the watch guard instead of one of Xavier’s men, for he refused to leave his master alone. Leawyn was sure he would have stayed outside the tent the entire time Xavier was sick if she hadn’t walked outside and made him stay with the other horses.
    Even still, Leawyn would sometimes catch him sticking his