Page 35 of The Red Wolf’s Prize

It was later that afternoon when Renaud sought distractionin swordplay with some of his men, taking out his frustration and his worry onthe clash of metal against metal. Seeing Geoff approach with a worried look,Renaud waved off Sir Maurin with whom he’d been sparring and sheathed hissword. He knew immediately they’d not found the girl.

“She is not in the manor or the outbuildings. The villageand the woods have been searched and she is nay there. On my way here, one ofthe stable lads came to tell me the mare belonging to Lady Serena is missing.Assuming the servant took the horse, she has stolen a fine one.”

“When did the lad notice the horse missing?”

“He told me it was when he was feeding the horses thismorning.”

“And he said naught of it?”

“He assumed one of the men had taken the horse and wouldreturn it. He said he would have reported the horse missing if it had not beenbrought back. I think he felt badly he had not done so earlier.”

His mood somber, Renaud wiped the sweat from his brow andchest and donned his tunic. “Let us return to the manor.” Once bathed, andstill brooding over the girl’s disappearance, he joined the men in the hallwhere they were beginning the evening meal. She was only a servant, albeit acomely one. Why should he care if she took to the road? Mayhap the loss of thepalfrey should concern him more.

Renaud could summon no appetite, so he strolled out to theyard, gazing through the gate to the dark green of the forest. She was gone. Hehad known in his heart it was so, but had hoped he was wrong.

Had she left on her own or had she received help fromanother?

After a few minutes, Geoff joined him.

“Have you seen the Welshman today, Geoff?”

“Nay, I have not.”

Renaud wondered if they’d left together. He had nevertrusted the bard.

But why would she leave? The answer came quickly. It hadbeen his attempts to woo her to his bed. She had made clear her hatred forNormans and likely feared he would force her. Or, mayhap it was more. Did shefear her own desire, that in time she would, of her own accord, come to hisbed? After all, she had surrendered to his kisses. Even she could not deny thepassion flowing between them when their lips touched. Because of her disdainfor Normans, she would try and deny that passion.

“I am going after her.” Renaud spoke his intention aloud.“There is still sun enough to travel for some hours yet.”

“I’ll gather some of the men and be ready to leaveimmediately,” Geoff proffered.

As Geoff turned back to the hall, Renaud said, “Nay. This Ido alone. The young fool left to avoid me. Without knowledge of how to ride,she may be lying hurt somewhere. It must be me who brings her back.” His tonehad been harsh though he was not angry with Geoff; he was angry with himself.And if, as he surmised, she had chosen to leave him because of what lay betweenthem, he’d be angry with Sarah. And Rhodri if he aided her.

“When last she fled,” Geoff said, “she rode north. She mighthave done so again. I doubt she has traveled far.”

“I will ride the night if I must, but I will find her. Ofthat you can be certain.”

As Renaud rode out of the gate, he passed the bard Rhodricoming in. They exchanged a slow look as Renaud rode past him.

So, she rides alone.

* * *

Serena shivered where she lay on the cold ground and pulledher blanket more tightly around her as the dream faded. The morning brought apale sun and cold air nipped at her face. She had managed to sleep a few hours,but from the dull ache in her head, it was not enough. When night had fallen,she had listened for sounds that might warn her of men in the woods or beaststhat would see her as prey. Thankfully, there had been none, but she’d listenedall the same as she lay shivering in the night.

When she had slept, it was only to wake with the image ofthe Red Wolf in her mind. There was anger in his gray eyes, as she knew therewould be when he learned of her escape. But it was needful she leave before shesuccumbed to his masculine lure, before he could claim her as his. If he tookher maidenhead, she would belong to him forever, no matter the priest had saidno blessing.

A rustle of leaves drew her gaze, but when she cautiouslysurveyed the woods around her, she saw nothing unusual, and heard only thebirds greeting the morning.

Rising from the hard earth, she dusted off her clothes. Shewould ride for a while before breaking her fast. Mayhap it would clear hermind. Today she must hunt.

She had traveled only a few hours when, seeing a fastflowing stream, she decided to stop. If the stream was bountiful, she mightcatch some fish. But first she would hunt rabbits. She could cook the meat, eatsome and carry the rest with her for her evening meal.

Leaving her horse tied in the sheltering oaks, she crept onsilent feet, making her way through the sun-dappled forest in search of herprey. Long ago Rhodri had taught her to move as one of the creatures of thewoodland, confident none would hear.

* * *

Renaud had ridden Belasco through the night, determined tofind the girl. Before he lost the light, he had identified a trail headingnorth. When the sun sank and its glow of scarlet and gold gone from the sky, hegingerly made his way by the light of the moon. His body was now crying forrest but he was used to ignoring its demands. As a knight in William’s service,he had gone days without sleep.