Page 14 of Highland Flame

“You cut me, bitch!” snarled the man, anger blazing in his eyes.

Yvaine held up the blade again to protect them, but then her eyes fastened on the man’s blood. It ran down his arm from the wound she’d given him, and drops landed on her chest.

It was too much for her to take. In her head, Yvaine was back in the chandler’s shop once again, looking at the blood of her dead husband who had died by her hand. Her fingers opened and she dropped the knife, not able to even defend herself or that of the child anymore. Her body froze and she was unable to move.

As the man chuckled and reached down to touch her, she closed her eyes and cringed. Her arms wrapped around Avianca, protecting the little girl with her own life.

Then, just when she was sure the man would rape her, she heard him gasp. When she opened her eyes again, Cam was atop the cart, pushing the dead man to the ground. He gripped his bloody sword in his hand as he looked down into the wagon.

“Are ye all right, lass? Is my daughter all right, as well?”

Yvaine was so much in shock that she couldn’t even answer.

“Here comes one of the Legendary Bastards of the Crown,” shouted one of the Englishmen next.

“Run for your lives,” called out another, followed by the sound of running feet and horses’ hooves as the English headed away.

“Blethers, it’s about time Rook showed up,” grumbled Cam, looking out at what was happening before jumping down from the wagon. He came around to the back, pulling open the tarp. “It’s safe now. Ye can come out,” said Cam, wiping his blade off on his plaid and then pushing his sword back into his scabbard. He held out his hand to help them. “Come on, Avianca.”

“Nay,” cried the little girl, still clinging to Yvaine. “I dinna want to come out. Ever.”

“It’s all right, sweetheart,” Yvaine finally managed to say, trying to calm the girl although her body still shook in fright. Finally, Avianca took Cam’s hand and he helped her out of the wagon. Then he did the same, helping Yvaine to the ground as well.

At first, the air against Yvaine’s face felt good. Then she looked at the surroundings, seeing all the dead bodies lying mangled and in puddles of blood. It made her sick to her stomach.

“Are ye all right, Yvaine?” Cam reached out for her but she pushed his hand away and covered her mouth. Spinning on her heel, she couldn’t help but retch.