Tapestries 04 - Threads of Destiny by N. J. Walters Read Free Book Online Page B

you didn’t even have to be close to your opponent for it to be effective.
    “I need hot water.” Kathryn glanced wildly around the room. “I need an operating room.”
    Marc frowned. “An operating room?”
    “Oh God. I need to remove the bullet and stitch up his wound.”
    “You are a healer,” he could hear the awe in his voice. Healers were rare and valued by all. His woman was indeed a treasure.
    “I need a needle, threads, any medical tools and medicines you have on hand.” She turned back to her friend, placing her fingers against his neck.
    Marc bounded to his feet and strode to the door. Flinging it open, he let out a roar that was sure to bring people running. In the meantime, he went to the fireplace, crouched down and lit the kindling beneath the logs that lay waiting.
    He heard the sound of cloth ripping and turned. Kathryn had torn Tienan’s shirt open. As he watched, she whipped her top over her head. Folding the material, she placed it over the wound. She was still wearing a white garment with lace around the edges. A bra. He’d heard Christina describe the contraption on more than one occasion.
    It was pretty but it exposed far more than it hid. Her breasts weren’t overly large but they were firm and high.
    “Check Logan.”
    She didn’t even look his way as she tossed the command over her shoulder. He knew she was worried about both men. Pulling his gaze from her breasts, he took the few steps necessary to bring him to Logan’s side. Marc crouched down and inspected 30
    the still man’s body. “His arm has a slight wound but it’s already stopped bleeding. He doesn’t seem to be hurt anywhere else.”
    Footsteps pounded on the stairs and Jarek bust into the room, sword drawn. Behind him almost a dozen warriors followed, including Zaren and Bador Bakra. They filled the room, all of them staring at the group sprawled on the floor.
    “Get Mara and Christina. I need hot water, needles, thread and medicine.” He gave them Kathryn’s requirement quickly.
    He heard her gasp. She swayed slightly but her hold on the bandage never wavered. “This is crazy. Maybe I’m dead. Or maybe the General caught me and this is some delusion brought on by torture.”
    Jarek stepped forward, sword still held high. “What is going on?” The tone of his voice suggested that he wanted an immediate answer.
    Marc sighed, knowing all hell was about to break loose. “The tapestry brought them.”
    Kathryn kept up the pressure on Tienan’s wound as she glanced over at Logan.
    She’d seen him move the slightest bit a moment ago and knew he was awake but playing possum until he understood the situation. Although the guns were nowhere in sight, she knew he didn’t necessarily need them to defend himself. Both he and Tienan had trained in martial arts and ancient weaponry. In fact, both men would probably enjoy swinging one of those swords that Marc carried.
    She was losing her mind. There was no other explanation. She didn’t want to look by the door, didn’t want to face the large group of warriors, all armed, all talking at once. As soon as Marc had mentioned the tapestry, everything had changed. She could sense the excitement bubbling beneath the tension. Would they attack or would they help?
    She glanced at Marc and he seemed completely at ease but then again, this was his home, not hers. Not that she had a home anymore. Tienan gave a low moan, more of a sigh really and she leaned forward. “Don’t move. You’ve got a bullet in your shoulder that has to come out.”
    He opened his eyes and they were clear and alert. “Where are we?”
    “I’m not really sure,” she began.
    “You are at Castle Garen in Javara.” The big warrior who’d burst through the door took a step toward them. His sword was still in his hand but at least he’d lowered it to his side. It looked big and sharp and Kathryn quickly remembered the heads of the two guards that Marc had decapitated in one swing. Bile rose in her