Angie Arms - Flame Series 03 Read Online Free Page A

lord,” a woman said.   “Winford is my son.”  She was being held to the side by one of Garrick’s soldiers.  He was surprised and pleased that none who were trying to quell this situation had gone against his wishes, and were raping and pillaging.  For if any of the women in the keep were as attractive as this one, not much would stop his men.  She was tall and willowy, her black hair was thick framing a pale angelic face that appeared even paler with the dark brown, nearly black eyes peering out at him.
    The boy he held looked to be the male, adolescent version of her.  “The boys are only being foolish,” she pleaded.
    “It’s not foolish,” a young man said , stepping forward.  He was tall, nearly as tall as Garrick, his hair was pitch black, but his eyes were such a pale blue they looked white against his darkly tanned skin.  He was a handsome young man, and Garrick took and immediate liking to his loyalty and bravery.  “It is our duty to see to the safety of the Countess.  If her guard cannot then we must.  We demand to see her.”
    The anger jumped in him.  He pushed Winford toward Marcus and had his sword in his hand held to the boy’s throat, unwaveringly close to ending his life.  Only Garrick’s pledge before riding into the keep to his men kept him from releasing his anger with this impertinent boy’s blood. 
    “I would like your name before I spill your blood.”
    “Daley, my lord,” he squeaked out.
    “What is your purpose here?” Garrick asked , his voice was strained as he struggled for patience.
    “My purpose is to insure the Countess’s well being.
    “No, your purpose.  What do you do to earn your keep?”
    “I work in the stables.”
    “You are mighty bold for one of your position.”
    “Is it not our duty to see to her safety?”
    “You think you would withstand me if I wished to do her harm?”
    Daley’s eyes dulled for a moment , before flaming back to life with his stammered declaration, “But I don’t stand alone.”
    “But you will be the first to die.  And your friend will be second.  Who will stand up to me then?”
    “Please spare them my Lord,” this from the black headed woman.
    “I see no reason to spare them, ” he snapped at her, wondering what was wrong with the women in this place.  They did not know how to keep their mouths shut.  For that matter, the children seemed to be unruly as well.
    “Winford is all I have.  I will do anything if you spare them?” the woman pleaded.
    Garrick dropped his sword, resheathing it, and turning strolled toward the woman.  He grabbed her roughly by the elbow and dragged her away from his man.  “Disperse immediately or I will begin by killing your mother,” Garrick hissed, as he passed Marcus who had a hand clamped around Winford’s arm.  He was passing through the doorway when the vision before him brought him up short, and he released the woman’s arm, forgetting her. 

Chapter 2
     
    Ryann paced back and forth in the chamber.  What was taking Garrick so long?   Was he slaying the children of the keep?  Her heart tightened at the prospect.  So many of them were orphans that she lost track long ago, but to have them die by a blade before ever reaching their potential made her close to panic at her own uselessness.  She would be damned, she thought angrily as she threw the fur off her and crossing to her chest, grabbed the first tunic on top and threw it on.  It was a nightgown, the fabric was a gift, from whence it came she did not know, but the texture was silky and the cloth itself was woven so delicately, it was all but transparent.  This she did not think about as she hurriedly yanked it over her head, already moving toward the door.  Getting out of the chamber was another matter all together.  She did not doubt if the guards left outside her door didn’t try to accost her, they would definitely not allow her to go after Garrick.  Her best course of action she decided, was to