Read Castle Walls for Free Online

consideration, removed his cloak. Cold and filthy or cold and clean - one is preferable to the other. He crouched shivering upon the bank and began filling the bag. Shortly thereafter, the aide hissed as he splashed icy water on his face.
    In mid scrub, Dominic froze, peering between his fingers. Directly across from him along the edge of the clearing, one of the small deer that lived in the forest nibbled at tender new growth. The aide's eyes lit and he reached for his belt knife, mouth watering at the thought of fresh meat.
    Suddenly tensing, the deer raised its head, looking about with wary intensity. Once again Dominic stilled, mentally cursing at whatever was disturbing his future meal.
    An arrow seemed to sprout like magic from the animal's ribs. Startled, the aide fell backwards onto his butt with a grunt even as the deer leapt and crashed away into the forest. Before Dominic could do anything, more noise was heard as the hunter pursued his prey. The stranger could be seen rushing forward just inside the tree line, a flash of metal and green.
    Dominic blinked. That was one of the royal guard! They should all be dead! Leaping to his feet, he barely had time to grab his pack and cloak as he chased after the soldier.
    Does the princess have a guardsman with her?
     
    After breakfast the new arrivals sorted through their meager belongings, collecting the few items that belonged to Ilia. The remainder was returned to the carry sack and set under the table. Katerin wasn't willing to step foot into the now ominous wagon where Ros lived until necessary. They then returned to Lucinda and Gemma's abode.
    Properly pleased at the new additions to their troupe, Lucinda gave them both a boisterous hug. "Here, now!" she exclaimed, leaning back to peer at them. "Why the long faces? Surely it's better to be here than where you were?" Seeing the women's reticence, she dismissed the question. "No, don't answer. You'll discover soon enough that Ros only bites when she's backed into a corner. Now go inside, Ilia, and Gemma will show you where to stow your things."
    Only after receiving an encouraging nod from Katerin did the handmaiden obey. Silent and solemn as was her nature, Gemma waved the blonde into the wagon.
    "Why does she look so grave?" Katerin asked, once they were out of earshot. "Why doesn't she speak?"
    Lucinda's eyes became sad in reflection. "She's had a very difficult life for one so young. When Ros found her, she was near dead from her injuries." The redhead looked into the open window, watching her friend. "Her tongue had been cut out."
    Katerin's hand flew to her mouth in shock. "The poor woman!"
    "Aye," Lucinda agreed with a nod. "It's a good thing Ros found her when she did. Someone else might have left her for dead." With a gentle shake, the redhead forced a smile onto her face. "Enough sadness! You're both here and alive, new sisters added to our family!"
    Nodding reluctantly, the dark woman forced a small smile. Lucky me. A flash of Ros' leering gaze, her low voice ringing in the princess' ears, and Katerin swallowed a sudden thrill of dread. To distract herself, she asked, "What do you do here?"
    Lucinda's smile widened. "I dance." With a provocative look, she raised
her hands over her head with feline grace, her belly undulating seductively. Seeing the other woman blush, she laughed merrily and dropped her stance. "I sing, as well. And play the tambourine. But the men don't care of that."
    Unsure of what to say, Katerin murmured, "I can imagine they'd not."
    "What can you do?" the redhead asked in curiosity.
    I can run from danger. I can get loyal servants killed. I can fade away in obscurity as a harlot. "Nothing," the princess said. "I've no skills that you talented people could use."
    "Well, no worries there," Lucinda said, patting the smaller woman's shoulder. "I'm sure Ros can find something for you." She looked to the wagon as Ilia and Gemma stepped out of it, failing to see the troubled expression cross