The Rose and The Warrior Read Online Free Page B

been cleaning. “Here’s the whole shaft right here. I’ve put a wee notch on it, so I’ll know it from the others. That way I can save it for a special occasion.”
    â€œWonderful,” Roarke muttered, awkwardly easing himself onto his good hip.
    He glanced moodily around the campsite. The cool gray of dawn had spilled into the clearing, causing his men to stir. The Falcon’s band, however, was already wide awake. Finlay was seated on a rock with his sword in his lap, honing the broad blade against a small stone, while young Lewis was meticulously repairing some minor tear in the net that had trapped Roarke’s men. Melantha and Colin were nowhere to be seen.
    â€œWhere are the other two?” asked Roarke.
    â€œThey went hunting,” Magnus replied, vigorously shining the head of his prized arrow with a tattered corner of his plaid.
    â€œExcellent.” Donald yawned. “I’m famished.”
    Myles grunted and stretched his bound arms. “So am I.”
    â€œWarriors do not eat from the hands of their enemies.” Eric cast them a dark look.
    â€œNow, Eric, I see no reason to starve just because we are sharing company with this fine band of outlaws.” Donald smiled pleasantly at Magnus.
    â€œAbsolutely right,” agreed Myles. “No point in going hungry.”
    â€œYou’re both weak.” Eric snorted, disgusted. “Hunger makes a warrior strong.”
    Donald could not help but laugh. “Is that so? I’ll be sure to remind you of that the next time I watch you devour an entire leg of venison.”
    Roarke studied his men, considering. With two members of the Falcon’s band gone, this was a good opportunity to overwhelm these remaining outlaws. The fact that he and his men were bound and weaponless put them at a disadvantage, but Magnus’s advanced age, Finlay’s brashness, and Lewis’s fearful cowering made the odds much more equitable. He cleared his throat and glanced meaningfully at his men. Donald responded with a barely perceptible tilt of his head.
    â€œI hate to be a bother, Magnus, but my men need to relieve themselves,” Roarke said. “Perhaps they should do so before Melantha returns, to spare her any embarrassment.”
    Magnus’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Melantha is scarce likely to be bothered by the sound of ye draining yer ballocks. The lass could hardly live in the woods with the rest of us and worry about such triflin’ matters.”
    â€œNevertheless,” Roarke persisted, “my men would rather see to their needs without a woman watching.”
    â€œShy, are ye?” Magnus chuckled. “Very well, laddie. Finlay, take these blushin’ lads one at a time and let them water the woods. Not far, mind ye. Just over by that tree will do fine.”
    Finlay hopped down and pointed his freshly honed sword at Donald’s chest. “Try anything and I’ll skewer you like a rabbit on a spit.”
    â€œThat won’t be necessary,” Donald assured him, looking more amused by his threat than concerned. “I do believe I will need to have my legs freed if I am expected to get up.”
    â€œLewis, quit fussin’ with that net and help Finlay,” ordered Magnus.
    Lewis hesitated, eyeing Donald uncertainly.
    â€œNow, lad, ye needn’t be afraid,” Magnus soothed. “Finlay here will make sure he doesn’t bite you.”
    Not looking terribly reassured, Lewis carefully laid down the strands of net he was working on and slowly moved toward Donald.
    Donald smiled and bent his knees, ostensibly to scratch his bound ankles. Once Lewis was close he would kick the unsuspecting boy in the chest, knocking him onto his back. Then Donald would spring to his feet, place his booted foot on the lad’s neck, and threaten to crush his throat if Finlay didn’t lay down his sword.
    â€œI’m thinkin’ ye should stretch those legs of