There Your Heart Will Be Also by Felicia Rogers Read Free Book Online Page A

Greenbriar. Even if she had to ask him directly.
    ****
    A piece of wood rested in his hands. The wood took shape as Cedric shaved and carved. As a place to work, Cedric had settled himself on a large rock outside the keep walls. The rock was in plain sight of the estate and offered a certain amount of privacy.
    In his own keep, to leave his back exposed could lead to death . H is family could not be trusted. I f his demise benefitted them , it would be done . But here he felt safe. No one in Greenbriar knew who he was beyond his name. They had no reason to want him dead . Y et.
    Cedric felt a presence long before a noise was heard. Quickly tucking the carving into his sporran , h e waited patiently for the intruder to make himself known. A twig snapped behind him. He resisted the urge to pick up his sword in a defensive posture and instead slowly turned to face his visitor , a scowl on his face .
    Fear lit Sarra’s eyes . She appeared ready to run back to the keep and bolt herself within . Her throat move d as the young lass swallowed back her fear. Instead of running , s he surprised him by thrusting a heavy basket toward him . “I thought you might be hungry . ”
    Cedric jumped off the boulder and took the basket from her weighted arms.
    â€œThank you. ”
    â€œ Where would ye like to set the food?”
    â€œDoesn’t matter, any spot will suffice.”
    Cedric picked a place in front of the huge rock. In his opinion , this gave them a rest for their backs and a break from prying eyes. He took the quilt stuffed in the basket and spread it upon the ground. While Sarra settled herself , Cedric relieved the basket of its contents . Always vigilant , h e spotted movement in the trees . Several knight s stood in the bushes. So the village lass wasn’t alone. Why would knights be following the maid ? Perhaps she was in some sort of trouble ?
    Ignoring their uninvited companions, Cedric continued with his tasks. Inside the basket was a block of cheese, black bread, a couple of legs of mutton, and a jug of ale with two goblets.
    Cedric poured them both a goblet and handed one to Sarra. She picked up a loaf of the fresh - made bread and searched the basket until she found what she sought . Breaking it in half, she slathered each side with the butter, and handed Cedric a piece.
    They ate in silence. Sarra seemed like she wanted to say something. Instead of allowing her to speak first Cedric s aid, “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
    Sarra wiped her mouth clean before answering. “I thought since you were new to the keep , you might not be eating well. I had some leftovers and thought I would share.”
    â€œThese are ye r leftovers? Who are ye feeding at ye house ? A n army?”
    Sarra ’s avo ided his question by asking one of her own . “Do you like the food?”
    â€œAye, I do. Thank ye kindly.”
    â€œWhat were you doing when I walked up?”
    â€œNothing important.”
    â€œOh. ” Cedric sensed hesitation. Then Sarra asked , “ Do you mind if I ask why you’ve come to Greenbri a r?”
    â€œ Aye , ye may ask.”
    Confusion knit her brow as he failed to continue with an answer. Sarra ’s expression was one of frustration when she spoke . “Well, I’m asking. Why have you come to Greenbriar?”
    â€œI’ve come for land,” he blurted.
    â€œLand?”
    â€œAye.”
    Sarra appeared uncomfortable. When she spoke again it was with a n uncertain voice. “I don’t understand. As far as I know there is no available land anywhere near here .”
    â€œAye, that’s true.”
    â€œOh, this must be a stop along the way. I’m sure w hile you are here the mistress would want you to enjoy the fruits of Greenbriar’s labor.”
    â€œI fully intend to, lass,” Cedric said, with a smile spreading across his face. Sarra shifted around as h is eyes started at her toes and roved all the way up ,