Gentle Warrior by Julie Garwood Read Free Book Online Page A

whispered. "I was trying to protect him."
    "Protect him from me?" Geoffrey's bellow fairly unnerved the servant.

    He shook his head and tried to find his voice. "Nay, my lord! We only thought to keep little Thomas safe until you were recovered."
    "And you thought him unsafe here?" Geoffrey asked.
    "It was overheard that Belwain, uncle to little Thomas, had been sent for. My mistress believes that Belwain was behind the murders of her family. She did not want Thomas here when her uncle arrived."
    "And that is why she has left?" Geoffrey asked, rubbing his chin in a thoughtful gesture.
    "Aye, my lord." Joseph sagged his shoulders and chanced a look at the fiercesome man before him.
    "And are you loyal to me?" Geoffrey asked.
    "Aye, my lord," Joseph answered, placing a hand on his chest where his heart beat a wild pace.
    "Stand and prove your loyalty," Geoffrey demanded in a harsh voice.
    Joseph immediately obeyed. He stood with his head slightly bowed and waited for the next order. It was not long in coming.
    "Tell me where your mistress hides."
    "Near the waterfall, about an hour's ride from here, my lord," Joseph answered without hesitation. "When she learns that you are awake, she will return to talk with you," he predicted.
    "Her name?" Geoffrey demanded, though his tone was not as forceful now that he knew the servant would cooperate.
    "She is Elizabeth, and she is youngest daughter to Thomas," Joseph answered. His hands began to ache, and he only then realized he was gripping them. Taking a deep, shuddering breath, he tried to calm himself.
    "Was she here when the attack began?"
    "Yes, my lord," Joseph replied, shivering with the memory. "All but Lady Elizabeth and her little brother were killed. I was able to help them escape but not before they both witnessed their mother-"
    "I know," Geoffrey interrupted. "I was given the body count… and the way of their deaths was recounted to me." His mouth settled into a grim line at the memory of Roger's recent description of the mutilated bodies. "And you say she witnessed this?"
    "Both she and the boy. The little lad has not spoken a word since, until today," he amended.
    "And he seems to have no memory of the event."
    "Do you know who was behind the attack?" he asked the servant.
    "I did not recognize any of them, for several wore black hoods, but my mistress believes Belwain responsible. With your permission, my lord, I will bring her to you."
    "No," Geoffrey answered, " I will bring her back."
    Roger's voice interrupted the discussion. "My lord? The priest has arrived."
    Geoffrey nodded, inwardly sighing with relief. Though the dead had been buried, they had not been blessed. "See to his comforts, Roger. He is to stay here until I return."
    "May I show you the way to the waterfall, my lord?" Joseph's timid voice turned Lord Geoffrey's attention back to him.
    "No," Geoffrey answered. "I go alone. Her father was a loyal vassal. It is my duty. You have done your mistress a disservice by keeping silent, but I will not fault you, for I have heard of her stubborn inclination. And you did save her life. I will not forget that! Still, the responsibility for her well-being now rests with me. Your job is done."
    Joseph felt as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He watched Lord Geoffrey as he strode out of the hall, thinking that Elizabeth would indeed be well protected. Lord Geoffrey appeared to be a man of steel, Joseph gauged, and his strength would be Elizabeth 's shield against all who would try to harm her. One question remained, nagging Joseph from the recesses of his mind: who would protect Lady Elizabeth from Lord Geoffrey?
    Not a cloud marred the horizon as Geoffrey made his way through the forest in search of the waterfall. He had ridden hard for over an hour when the sound of rushing water, echoing through the lush green foliage, drew his attention. He quickly dismounted and secured the reins to the nearest tree branch and then began to make his way through the