The Silent Touch of Shadows Read Free Page A

thought, she was still his chattel to dispose of as he wished. She gritted her teeth in frustration and a sigh of relief hissed out of her as she finally slammed the sturdy front door shut.
    For the moment, at least, she was safe.
    ‘Freedom!’ The very word was an exclamation of joy. Although she only dared whisper it, Sibell savoured the feel of it on her tongue. She gulped in huge lungfuls of the clean, sweet country air, and revelled in the warmth spread over her face by the late February sun. Its feeble rays caressed the dusting of freckles across the bridge of her nose and probably highlighted the pallor of her translucent skin. Forgetting herself, she laughed out loud with sheer pleasure, then clapped a hand over her mouth. She glanced back towards the house in fear and froze for an instant.
    All remained quiet. No one had heard.
    Sibell set off towards the lane at a brisk walk, but soon had to slow down. Three days with only meagre rations of food had sapped her energy and she was still sore from the beating she’d received before being locked in. Out of sight of the house she stopped to catch her breath for a moment before continuing. The track, which passed for a road in this part of the world, was unbelievably muddy. Sibell’s wooden pattens made a slurping noise for each step she took, and became heavier by the minute as the thick substance stuck to the soles. Normally she would have ridden her docile mare, as befitted a lady, but this luxury had been denied her today since she was in deep disgrace.
    She had to reach her destination. It’s my only hope. This thought spurred her on and after a quick glance over her shoulder, she began to trudge along the lane.
    ‘Your pardon, mistress, but could you direct us to the manor of Idenhurst, please?’
    The question, although civil enough and asked in a reasonable tone of voice, made Sibell jump. Her euphoria at being outside the confines of her chamber evaporated in an instant as she became aware of two horsemen who had halted just beside her. They were staring down at her from the intimidating height of their steeds. How could she possibly have missed hearing the approach of two riders? These were dangerous times and she needed her wits about her. She scanned her surroundings surreptitiously, but there was no one within sight who could come to her aid.
    ‘Forgive me, I didn’t mean to startle you.’ The deep voice was gentle and soothing, but as Sibell squinted up at the man, shielding her eyes from the light with one hand, her breath caught in her throat. A shard of fear stabbed her sharply. She swallowed hard. It seemed to her that she had exchanged one peril for another.
    Seated on a giant war horse of shimmering grey was a huge warrior. Golden hair fell to his shoulders, where it brushed the top of his cerulean blue cloak. Strength and power radiated from every taut muscle and the determined set of his jaw indicated that he wasn’t a man to be crossed. Sibell had no doubt he was dangerous; no doubt at all.
    As he raised an eyebrow in amused enquiry, however, the feeling of terror subsided. She recalled that he was expecting an answer. His horse champed at the bit and pawed the ground with a massive front hoof, as if he too was tiring of the wait.
    ‘I-Idenhurst?’ she stammered, embarrassed by her lack of courtesy. ‘I am going there myself and it’s but another few miles along this track.’
    ‘My thanks.’ The man smiled, showing even white teeth, and adjusted his seat in the saddle. Sibell blinked. He had the most incredible smile and she couldn’t help but stare, though she knew she shouldn’t.
    He continued, ‘Since we are travelling the same way, perhaps you’d care to ride with me and save your skirts from the mire? It’s the least I can do for such a beautiful lady.’
    Sibell’s eyes widened and she felt the heat of a blush spread across her cheeks. He had paid her a compliment. But   … ride with him? Only an arrogant stranger would