A Warrior's Promise by Donna Fletcher Read Free Book Online Page A

look—”
    â€œNo,” Charlotte said more vehemently than intended, and foolishly yanked back away from him. The sudden jerk sent an horrific pain shooting through her. She grew hot, her sight turned foggy, and she had no doubt a faint was about to claim her.
    She didn’t know why she did it, instinct or fear, but before she surrendered to the darkness, she reached out to Bryce. Charles slumped in his arms just as Bryce reached for him.
    â€œHere now, I’ll see to the poor lad,” Elsa said, hurrying to Bryce’s side.
    â€œNo,” Bryce said, and scooped the limp lad up into his arms and stood.
    â€œThe bed,” Elsa said, pointing to the narrow bed in the corner of the room.
    Bryce carried Charles over to it, thinking how the lad barely weighed a pittance. Why, there was not a single thick muscle to him. He laid the lad down after Elsa pulled the wool blanket back.
    Before Elsa could cover him, Bryce reached for the hem of the lad’s shirt, ready to pull it up and examine the wound for himself.
    Elsa grabbed his hand. “I bound the bruised ribs. It’s best you do not disturb the wrapping.”
    Bryce ran his hand across the lad’s ribs, felt the binding, and nodded. “It should help.”
    â€œYes, and it should stay on for a while.”
    â€œI’ll see that it does,” Bryce said, “though the lad is a stubborn one.”
    â€œYou admire him,” Elsa said, retrieving a bucket of water and a cloth not far from the bed.
    â€œIt’s a foolish undertaking he’s chosen for one his slim size.” Bryce reached out and took the cloth Elsa had dipped and rinsed in the bucket. He sat on the bed beside the prone lad and pressed the wet cloth to his head, his cheeks, and his neck.
    â€œI believe his stubbornness is his strength,” Elsa said, and walked quietly away to tend to the meal.
    Bryce continued to press the damp cloth to the lad’s face, a face that looked far different minus the grime. It was a pretty face and made Bryce wonder if the lad was younger than he had claimed. Add to that his scrawny body and short stature, and it would certainly seem so.
    Charles started coming to, a moan drifting off his lips and his brow scrunching as if he fought his way out of the darkness. He certainly was a fighter and not fearful of taking on a larger one than himself.
    Bryce did admire Charles. The lad didn’t allow his age or lack of physical strength to stop him from attempting to rescue his father. He bravely pursued any and all avenues that might lead to his da. He was a good, trustworthy lad to have at his side, and though he would need extra protecting, Bryce didn’t mind. He was finding that he actually enjoyed the lad’s company.
    Charles’s eyes fluttered open and remained wide once they settled on Bryce.
    â€œI fainted,” Charles said. “I felt the faint coming on, but I couldn’t stop it.”
    â€œYou did the right thing; you reached out to me for help.”
    â€œYou’re a big one. I knew you’d catch me.”
    Bryce grinned. “And if it were the other way around?”
    â€œI’d catch you and probably go down with you.”
    Bryce laughed. “True enough, but it’s the thought that you would catch me regardless that makes all the difference. You’re a true warrior at heart, Charles.”
    Elsa appeared by the side of the bed. “I assured Bryce that your ribs would heal as long as you kept the binding on.”
    â€œThere’ll be no arguing when it comes to that,” Bryce said sternly. “I want to make sure you’re well enough to rescue your da.”
    â€œFor that reason, I’ll make sure to keep it on,” Charles said.
    â€œWhy don’t we enjoy the stew while the fish cooks,” Elsa suggested.
    â€œI’m starving,” Charles said.
    Bryce reached out his hand to the lad. “Good. You need some meat on those bones of