Page 24 of Kingdom of Chains

‘I suggest we get moving,’ Blackmane said at a volume that only his commander would hear, ‘before I summon the bird for another go at him.’

Tatum nodded. ‘We should keep moving.’ His voice cut through the awkward silence.

Finally, Lord Hodge released Isabel’s hand and looked around like he had forgotten he had an audience. ‘One moment.’ He reached for his waterskin. ‘Hold out your hand, beloved. Let us get you cleaned up.’

She held out a shaking hand and let him wash the blood from it. He then used some of the water to clean his face.

‘All right,’ he said when they were ready to leave. ‘Let us go.’

Slowly, Isabel gathered up the reins and followed him without lifting her gaze to anyone.

Blackmane rode behind the pair for the next part of the journey, and Tatum did him the favour of not bringing attention to the fact. Time passed in silence. Thankfully, there were no more incidents, and the eagle was smart enough to stay away.

When it was time to make camp, the party found a clearing next to a creek a mile off the main road and set up a guarded perimeter. Two tents were erected for Hodge and Isabel whilethe rest of them slept around fires out in the open, ready to take their turn keeping watch.

Isabel retreated to her tent the moment it was ready and did not emerge until Hodge had retired for the evening. Blackmane had just finished eating when he noticed her standing outside, hugging herself against the cold. He rose and walked over to her.

‘Need something?’

She looked around with a worried expression. ‘Will someone be keeping an eye on the fires overnight?’

He noted the colour rising in her cheeks after asking the question. ‘There will be plenty of men keeping watch over everything. Go get some sleep.’

She met his gaze. ‘And what about you? Will you be getting some sleep? Surely even defenders must surrender to their mortal needs occasionally.’

He nodded.

Still she did not return inside. ‘Thank you for earlier. You saved her life.’

He looked away. ‘Birds of prey keep the pests under control. They’re important.’

‘Of course. So, you saved her to keep the pests at bay?’

‘Yes.’ He had to lie, because admitting he did it for her would raise other questions.

‘What is your name?’ she asked, crossing her arms.

‘You know my name.’

She tilted her head. ‘I mean your given name.’

No one used his given name. It had all but died with his family. He hesitated before saying, ‘Ryder.’

‘Ryder,’ she repeated, testing it out. ‘My family and friends call me Belle. You can call me that if you like.’

‘Because we’re friends now?’

‘You saved Margery’s life. That may even qualify you as family.’

She gave him a tired smile, one he drank up.

‘Goodnight, Lady Isabel,’ he said, making it clear that he was neither friend nor family.

Her smile faded, and he was the reason.

‘Goodnight, defender,’ she said quietly before disappearing inside the tent.

Blackmane headed down to the creek for a wash, splashing handfuls of cold water over his face. She was getting to him, and that was dangerous for everyone.