The Rebels of Cordovia Read Free

such a dainty young woman
would even lift such a large bag of flour by herself.
    He leisurely walked toward her, gave a pat to
her mule, and said, “That’s a mighty heavy load, Miss. May I help
you?”
    As Robin struggled with the last bag of flour,
she said, “Why, thank you, sir, but I can manage on my own.”
    She had already carried five bags into the store
and number six would not be any heavier. When she turned toward the
stranger, Robin’s eyes widened. She was not prepared for such a
tall well-built and nice looking man standing beside her, offering
his help. His white shirtsleeves had been rolled up above his
elbows. Over his shirt was a sleeveless leather waistcoat that was
laced loosely with a leather string across his chest. His broad
shoulders gave him the look of a warrior. He also had a small
dimple in his chin that was quite charming, to say the least.
Instantly she wondered what his views about their
king were. He would make a great addition to her group.
    Then she remembered her father’s advice: “Act
like other females and let the men help you. Don’t be so
independent. You’ll give yourself away.”
    Quickly amending her previous statement, she
said, “Actually I do need some help. This is quite heavy.” Robin
smiled gratefully. “Thank you. I tend to be too independent for my
own good. You are very kind.”
    When she saw the way he was looking at her,
Robin was grateful that she had gone to all the work of fixing her
hair. She had made a few small braids that lay neatly against her
thick dark tresses. And her dress, though not fancy at all, it
accentuated her graceful feminine curves. For some reason, the way
he was looking at her made her feel beautiful.
    As Daniel picked up the flour, he asked, “Where
are you headed?”
    She pointed to the sign that said “Baker’s
Shop.”
    “That’s where I’m headed, too,” said Daniel. “Do
you have business there?”
    “Actually, my father owns the shop.”
    With a nod, he carried the flour into the store
and set it on the floor with the others.
    When Andrew saw him enter, he said, “Thank you,
sir, for helping my daughter. I was busy in the back and didn’t
realize she had arrived or I would have helped her.”
    Daniel looked at the tall bearded man, noticing
he had a cane in his hand but didn’t say a word. He had a look of
dignity in his dark brown eyes and that impressed Daniel.
    The baker walked to the cabinet and shook his
head. “I don’t get around much like I used to.”
    “I’m glad to help out, sir.”
    “Is there anything I can help you with, young
man?”
    “I would like to buy all the bread and pastries
you have in stock. I’m on an errand of mercy today.”
    Andrew raised his brow curiously as he eyed
Daniel’s attire. “What kind of errand?”
    Daniel knew he didn’t look wealthy enough to buy
out his store, so he plopped his money on the cabinet and said, “I
can pay for it, sir. Don’t let my clothes fool you. I’m taking all
I can to help the needy in your town.”
    Andrew’s eyes widened when he saw the bag of
money. Then he quickly said, “Call me Andrew. I’ll have your order
out to you in a few minutes. In the meantime, I’ll have more ready
by this afternoon if you want more.”
    Daniel nodded with a wide grin. “Thanks, Andrew.
I can help load the goods onto my wagon.”
    “I’ll take you up on that offer, young man, and
I’ll add a bonus for your generosity.”
    “A bonus?” Daniel chuckled. “What kind of
bonus?”
    Andrew looked at Robin Marie and said, “You may
use my daughter for the day, to show you around and help distribute
the goods. She’s able and knows who needs help since you’re not
acquainted with our little town. Is that all right with you,
Marie?”
    Daniel looked at her and smiled. “I would
appreciate the help.”
    Robin was surprised at her father’s offer but
very pleased at the same time. She also noticed how her father had
called her by her middle name, which was