Free Finder: First Ordinance, Book One by Connie Suttle

a terrible idea. It was; I wanted to weep when Rodrik lifted me up on the bed. Clenching my teeth to hold back the scream, I closed my eyes against the pain.
    "Baby, don't look," Rodrik said softly against my ear as one arm clamped around my body, holding me still while he used his other hand to cover my eyes. The old man gripped the dagger handle and pulled it out. Darkness thankfully came as the dagger left my body.
    * * *
    "Six men we lost, because I was too stupid to listen."
    "We might have lost all of them, and you as well," Rodrik pointed out softly, pouring more ale into Amlis' cup. The two of them were in Amlis' room at the inn, Amlis sitting before the fireplace, Rodrik standing restlessly at his side. "At least we had our guard up."
    "I should have been thinking with my head instead of my stomach," Amlis growled. "Scouts should have been sent out before we went anywhere. Yet we blithely walked into that trap, thinking that we were in my mother's lands and safe from this sort of treachery."
    "I've no doubt where they came from, though they carried no sigil," Amlis sipped his ale. He was well on his way to drunkenness and didn't seem to care. "We should have paid more attention and asked that woman at the inn days ago—the one who said a rider told her of Finder's gift."
    "Makes sense, but I let it pass me as well. We have paid, cousin. Those were good men around us."
    "Will Finder be all right?" Amlis turned his gaze to Rodrik.
    "The physician says she'll likely heal. I sent two constables to my father to report the ambush. We'll have some of his men here before daybreak. Others I sent out to bring in the dead. We'll examine them more closely once we've had some rest. These were no outlaws, cousin. These were well-trained and not hungry."
    "If I fail to listen to Finder again, I want you to beat me," Amlis drained his cup.
    * * *
    "It's willow bark, for the pain," the old man was back and pouring something down my throat. The brew was beyond bitter and I wanted to spit it out, but that would likely be unwise, since he appeared to have plenty of it on hand. Truthfully, I wanted to curl in a ball and moan, I felt so bad.
    "There, all done," the man soothed. Belatedly, I realized he was a physician and likely a good one. "Now, we'll clean the wound and replace the bandage. When you travel tomorrow, young woman, we'll tie the right arm to your side—I don't want any movement for several days, do you hear me?" At least he wasn't shouting as Etlund had done, and patted my good hand when he was finished.
    "How's the girl?" Rodrik wandered in and looked me over. I wanted to squirm uncomfortably under such close scrutiny.
    "I hear we might have lost all in your party if those horses hadn't spooked," the physician stepped toward the door, turning to look at Rodrik before he left.
    "That is true, and we still have no reason for that, as ours remained calm. My father is on his way with a cohort of men to help unravel this mystery. Do you recall any strangers in town?" Rodrik asked.
    "None, and I've already asked at the other inn. They say the same. No strangers, so these came from the south. I'd stake my reputation on that."
    "Thank you, Irvin. Astute as always. Will the girl be able to travel tomorrow?"
    "If you'd bother to listen to me, I'd say no. But you never listen, so be careful and don't push too hard. I realize young Amlis wishes to get home where his own men-at-arms wait, but the girl doesn't need to lift and carry for a moon-turn."
    "I understand that." Rodrik sighed and turned back to me, raking me with dark-blue eyes. "Rest as much as you can, Finder," he instructed. "We leave tomorrow morning."
    "Doing my job for me, now?" Irvin grumbled as he and Rodrik left the room together.

Chapter 5  
     
    "From the south, there's no doubt. Likely Yevil's principality." Rath examined clothing, tack and even two horses that the local constabulary had managed to capture. Unfortunately, they hadn't found the five men who'd