Shield of Fire (A Bringer and the Bane Novel) Read Online Free Page B

the area but saw no sign of the monk or Icarus. He shifted her in his arms and she stiffened. A visceral protectiveness rose inside Rhys at her discomfort. “I’m sorry.”
    “I’m all right.” Such brave words spoken with frail conviction. The lethargy in her voice belied the truth—if he didn’t heal her soon, she’d die. Her head lolled against his shoulder and her arms lay limp in her lap. Blood soaked through her dress. Eventually, her body would give up its fight. Desperation flowed into him as quickly as the sands of her life spilled out.
    Rhys cut a path through the thick woods, where the dense canopy of leaves shielded them from the rain and searching eyes. He dodged trees and brambles, but stumps and deadfalls hampered his progress.
    He knelt and settled her against a large oak. Soft black curls brushed his cheek, the feel like fingertips lightly playing across his skin. A hint of lavender mingled with the scent of mud and wet wool. She was too small, too weak, and he was too aware of how perfect she felt in his arms. Many years had passed since he’d last caressed the rounded contour of a shapely hip or sank into the softness only a woman could provide. Thoughts like these rattled his dedication to duty and honor. He pushed his musings to the place he rarely visited.
    “Lean back so I can take care of your wounds.” Healing came naturally to him, but for the extent of her injuries, his skills were inadequate. He hoped the treatment would sustain her until they reached safety.
    Her eyes searched his face. “Why—” She swallowed hard. “Why help me?”
    How could he answer this question for her when he couldn’t answer it for himself? This is what I do? This is who I am? The reply seemed insufficient. “You’re in need and I’m here.”
    She covered his hand with hers. Her touch released a longing for what could never be. Desire swarmed unbidden through the hollow part of his soul he’d thought long dead. “It’s not safe.”
    Unable to deny himself, he took her hand. “No, my lady, it’s not safe. What kind of a man would I be to leave you defenseless and hurt?”
    He knew nothing of this woman except that she was no mere human. Icarus wanted her, thus adding to her mystery. Rhys didn’t like unanswered questions. Why does she have the power of fire? Is she a Bringer? With great effort he eased open his fingers and released her hand, already missing her touch.
    The bushes behind him rustled and he stood, taking a defensive stance. He held up his hand to silence her words. No hint of the Bane nipped his skin or wafted in the air. That didn’t mean the monk hadn’t followed them.
    From the darkness emerged a black warhorse. Rhys smiled, walked to the animal, and rubbed its ears. “I’m glad to see you’re unscathed by the demon, Sampson.”
    Sampson nickered and tilted his head to receive the full benefit of Rhys’s attention. His constant companion, the horse lived and fought alongside him, and on a deeper level, kept the loneliness at bay.
    Rhys moved to the horse’s side and untied a blanket from behind the saddle. Digging inside his saddlebag, he searched for the few healing supplies he carried. Before the unexpected detour to the abbey, he’d been on his way to restock his provisions. Though not invincible, he rarely had need of them. And because he avoided interaction with humans, the opportunities to heal were few.
    He removed a tear-shaped glass glowb and a small bundle from the bag. After peeling back the oilcloth, he examined the salve and antiseptic. Meager. The medicine would be sufficient until they arrived at the inn—provided there were no more interruptions.
    With great care, he laid out each item on a flat rock near the tree. Two golden pendants with crystal centers, a vial of clear liquid, a small jar of salve, and several cloth strips comprised his medicinal cache. He lifted a pendant and hung the chain around his neck. After picking up the other necklace, he