Sword of Light by KATHERINE ROBERTS Read Free Book Online Page A

we—”
    “Cai,” Sir Bors growled. “Save it for later and go saddle my horse.”
    It did not take them long to pack. Their shelter was down already, and their unlit fire didn’t need putting out. All they had to do was load up their luggage. Sir Bors mounted his big bay horse and took the lead; Sir Agravaine, carrying the lance, brought up the rear on his black stallion, while Sir Bedivere took Cai on the hindquarters of his chestnut. The plump boy didn’t look very comfortable and clung to Sir Bedivere’s waist. Rhianna rode knee to knee with Elphin, the two mist horses looking very small and delicate beside the knights’ big warhorses. She kept her shield on her arm and eyed the marshes warily as Sir Bors led them along narrow, raised tracks that seemed to vanish into the mist behind them.
    “Could that dragon-creature have had something to do with Merlin’s disappearance,do you think?” she whispered to her friend as they went.
    “I hope not,” Elphin said. “But dragons collect treasure to build their nests and I don’t suppose shadrakes are much different, so it could have been attracted to his staff shining in the mists. It’s a good thing you haven’t got Excalibur yet, or it might not have given up so easily.” His fingers clutched at the bag containing his harp. He looked pale.
    “What’s wrong?” Rhianna asked.
    He said tightly, “I tried to use my magic to help you, but it didn’t work properly. When I saw that thing dive at you, I thought… I thought it was going to kill you!” His eyes had gone such a deep purple they appeared black.
    “Oh, stop it,” Rhianna said, embarrassed. “That creature came out of nowhere. You hardlyhad much chance to get out your harp and start singing, did you? Anyway, I had my shield, so it didn’t hurt me.”
    Elphin frowned. “But it could have done! You’re only human.”
    Rhianna had to laugh. She slapped his knee playfully. “Cheer up, Elphin. It’s not so bad being human, you know. I’m used to it.”
    “But Father said I had to—”
    “Protect me. I know.” She grinned again. “But I already told Sir Bors, I don’t need protecting. Just wait till we find my father’s sword. Then I’ll be the one protecting you!”
    My father was king of this land,
she reminded herself firmly, which made it her land too. There was nothing to fear while his knights rode with them.
    She sat straighter in her saddle and staredaround curiously as the countryside unfolded before them. As they rode out of the marshes on to drier ground, the mists rolled back and the sun shone through, turning the trees around them to a blaze of gold. They cantered on springy green turf along a wide straight track, a bit overgrown in places but good for the horses. With the blue skies and fresh autumn breeze, her spirits soon lifted.
    They passed an empty villa with a red roof, its whitewashed walls covered with ivy. Coloured tiles showed through the weeds in the courtyard. She wanted to stop and look at the pattern, but Bors had already trotted past. When she asked the other two knights who had lived there, Sir Agravaine muttered “Romans” under his breath and refused to say any more.
    Then they came to a town, where half the houses were burned-out shells. People ran out when they heard the horses’ hooves, and called after the knights to send help. Small children with grubby faces clung to the women’s skirts, staring wide-eyed at the two mist horses.
    Sir Bors pressed his lips together and led them quickly past. “Saxons have been this way,” he said. “We’re too noticeable with them fairy horses. I’d leave them behind, if it wouldn’t slow us down too much. Keep your eyes peeled.”
    Please do not leave me here,
said Alba.
    “Of course we won’t leave you, silly,” Rhianna said, scowling at the big knight. Just let him try to make her.
    She felt relieved when they left the town behind. Her neck prickled and she kept turning her head, imagining dark wings