Chapter 9

Beca nervously twisted the ring on her finger. The black metal felt cold to touch and she could feel the fine grooves round the circumference and the red garnet set into the ring. It had been a present. Luke had pressed it into her hand when Amy was not looking. A token of his affection he had whispered. Beca didn't want to accept it in the first place but he was smiling and it was difficult to refuse him when he was smiling like that.

She did not know why she still had it on.

Their plan didn't work. He was supposed to 'attack' the entourage midway, staged a kidnapping and she would go with him. It was rather ironic that she was actually kidnapped for real and was now on a different route to the de Lessops.

The first few days into the journey, Beca had thought of sending word to Luke. She had wanted him to find her and rescue her but It had been impossible to do so. They had been travelling hard, under the cover of this endless forest, away from the main roads. The numbers of other travellers they have met were few and far between. There was never a chance for her to slip some coins into a willing hand to carry the message to the O'Cullenains.

Beca sneaked a glance over to Jesse. He was riding ahead as usual, always viligant, always on alert. More so this past few days after what had happened to Amy. She knew they were moving far too slowly. It could not be helped. Amy was not fully restored to health. She was much better after the fever broke but that evil witch must have casted an enchantment on her. She was a shadow of her former self; talking far less than usual and getting tired far too easily.

Beca stopped playing with that ring and stared at Jesse's back. She was very grateful to him for saving Amy, of course, and after that shared moment talking about their mothers, she had felt a closeness to him. He was also much more pleasant to be around. Amy would retire early to bed, being so ill and Beca had no choice but to sit next to Jesse and talk until sleep threatened to overtake her. Not that she would admit to it out loud but she actually enjoyed those chats.

Then he had to be infuriating.

Her combat training had continued until yesterday. She had stupidly twisted her wrist and yelled out more in surprise than in pain. His hands were on her hurt wrist almost immediately; fingers prodding gently. He pushed her sleeve up and when Jesse saw the angry bruises and welts up her arm from all the training they had been doing, his face froze.

"Show me your other arm."

His voice was terse. Beca had refused, rolling down her sleeve and turning away.

"Mi'lady, where else are you hurt?"

His tone was slightly softer but Beca was adamant not to tell him. He would think yet again that she was a weak, pampered princess that could not hold her own in a fight and she'll be damned if she let him think that way.

"I'm not hurt," Beca replied dismissively, swinging her sword with some force. "Let's continue."

"No."

"No?"

"No more."

He had stared down at her, not budging from where he was standing.

"What do you mean no more?" Beca scowled.

"I forgot you don't heal as fast," Jesse answered. "No more fighting for you."

"But we agreed I should learn to protect myself," Beca said in near frustration. "I have to learn how to fight."

He had shook his head, his jaw set in a stubborn line.

"There will be no need," he had replied firmly. "I am your knight protector, Lady Rebecca. And as long as I am alive, I will fight all your battles for you."

All her scowls and sulks were to no avail. He would not be moved. Beca shifted in her saddle, moving the reins to one hand. Her wrist still felt a little sore. She stared hard at Jesse's back again - maybe if she stared hard enough, he will disappear. Or erupt into boils. Or spontaneously combust. Stupid, stubborn knight. How could he be so infuriating yet nice at the same time? It was making it hard for her to hate him.

They were travelling on the main road now, with a low hill on one side of the road and a vast open meadow on the other. It was a monotonous ride and Beca was about to doze off in her saddle when she heard a shout. She straightened up in surprise. Jesse was spurring Shadow on and she belatedly realised it was him who was shouting out just now.

It was a happy shout.

Like he was yelling out in greeting. And Beca saw where he was riding up to.

Or rather, whom.

The sun was in her eyes and Beca had to squint to make out the rider who was standing astride a large white horse, on the small hillock just in front of them. It was a she. There was no mistaken it was a she. Not by the way her hair was hanging loose around her shoulders, rifling slightly in the breeze and her breasts, perky and pert in a tight fitting leather vest. And miles and miles of long, long legs. Beca reined Blaze in and Amy's palfrey came to stop just beside her.

"Who is that?" Amy spoke up, eyes on the stranger.

"I have no idea," Beca answered.

She watched curiously at Shadow galloping up to the rider and even before he could stop, Jesse had vaulted off his horse, landing gracefully on his feet and striding quickly up to the rider. She was laughing; the laughter carried downwind to Beca and Amy as the rider alighted from her horse and they met in a fierce hug. It was several moments before they parted from the hug but then, they pressed their foreheads together hands behind each other's neck in a gesture which was intimate and familiar.

"Perhaps she is his beloved." Beca said, twisting the reins in her hand.

Amy was staring at the pair.

"Perhaps." Amy concurred, glancing at Beca who seemed to be busy looking down at her reins.

He spent some time talking to the stranger and they waited where they were, not wanting to interrupt. Jesse turned back towards Beca and Amy and with the stranger next to him, they walked back towards them, still deep in conversation. leading their horses on.

She was even more beautiful close-up.

High cheekbones, straight chestnut hair, braided at the temples and hanging loose down her back. Bluish green eyes, twinkling in amusement. And perfect red lips, curved into a slightly salacious smile. Everything about her reeked of sex. From the way she stood to the tight fitting leather vest, skirt and boots. It was, however, a grave mistake to think she was just a pretty face. Not by the dangerous looking weapons she had on her. A sword, a selection of daggers and a mean-looking axe strapped to her back.

That is how he likes his women - Beca thought in despair. - A strong and fearless warrior. Like his late mother. And Beca was surprised when that thought crossed her mind.

"Mi'lady." Beca shifted her attention to Jesse who was smiling at the stranger from ear to ear. Why couldn't he smile like that to her? "May I present to you Anastasia?" he was saying now. "Anastasia, the Lady Rebecca and Lady Amelia."

The rider smiled up at them before dropping down to one knee, dipping her head forward and murmuring, "Your servant, mi'lady."

Beca remembered her breeding and spoke up, "Pleased to meet you, Anastasia. Please get up."

The woman got up to her feet. "If it pleases my ladies, you can call me Stacie."

Beca nodded almost absently and Jesse seemed to be relieved that the meeting went well. "Stacie was sent to accompany us on this journey."

"Yes, I heard there was some trouble," Stacie replied. She gave Jesse a side eye and a twist of her mouth seem to hint at some sort of exasperation; like of course, there would be trouble and of course, Jesse was the chief source of it. He actually blushed a little pink in the face and Beca found herself starting to like the tall woman.

"I also brought word from Commander Allen," Stacie continued. "And from Lord Mitchell."

"My father?" Beca said eagerly. "What news of my father? Is he in good health?"

Stacie and Jesse exchanged a look before she replied. "He was when I last left him. Just tired out by the journey. They were set upon by bandits some weeks back. There were a few casualties. Two of your father's men, mi'lady. But rest assured your father was unscathed."

Beca bit her lip at the news. It must have been that stupid plan she concocted with Luke.

"Do you know who attacked them?" Beca asked, gripping her reins hard.

"They were masked," Stacie stated blandly, careful to keep her expression neutral. "And most of them escaped capture."

There was an uncomfortable lull.

"We should be on our way," Jesse said, looking at the position of the sun. "We need to find somewhere safe for the night."

Beca would have thought Stacie would have ridden next to Jesse but the Amazon rode at the back, bringing in the rear. After that initial hug at their meeting, they did not seem to show any other form of affection. They were undeniably close; Beca could tell.

Despite her earlier misgivings and that strange, unexplainable streak of jealousy, Beca had warmed up to Stacie. Not the least because Stacie was not opposed to poking fun at Jesse; especially when he was brooding. There were moments when Beca had to bite her inner cheek to stop herself laughing out loud at some comment Stacie made about hm. Jesse also seemed to look more relaxed and much happier.

And there was one other thing.

Stacie had recoiled in horror at Jesse setting up camp in the woods, insisting that he'll find the nearest inn where they could sleep like civilised beings. "I don't know how you ladies put up with him!" Stacie was randomly gesturing at Jesse's direction, eyes rolling and mouth hanging open in surprise. "Did he actually make you sleep in the wilds all this time? On the ground? I cannot believe this!"

Jesse had grumbled, saying it was safer his way but Stacie had stared him down, threatening all sorts of evil and painful things. Which was why the ladies were now standing in the largest room in an inn by the main road, some distance away. It was not the height of luxury but there were beds, a lit fireplace, four walls and a ceiling. An attached bath house stood by the side of the inn and judging from the sounds and smells coming up, there was a good dining room downstairs.

"Don't let him bully you, mi'ladies," Stacie said. "If he had his way, we will all sleep in our saddles." Beca chuckled at that. Stacie echoed what she had said to Amy earlier. He was scowling at the doorway of their room, knowing he was hopelessly outnumbered now.

"Don't just stand there, Jesse! Order us a hot bath. And some food," Stacie commanded. "And you'd better be off. Unless you want to see us undressing."

Jesse had visibly choked and stuttered at that comment and with a hasty retreat, he swiftly left.

"This is heaven!" Amy sighed, sinking deeper into the warm bath.

Beca hummed in agreement, too relaxed to string coherent words together. A young maid poured more hot water into the large wooden tub she was in and Beca sighed in contentment. The maid took her leave and Stacie came in, nonchalantly disrobed and stepped stark naked into her tub. Beca could not help glancing at the perfection of her body. She was beautifully built. Beautiful high breasts, strong, muscled arms and legs. There were a few scars on her skin and what looked like a faint tattoo on her left forearm but it did not deter from her beauty. It just made her looked so much tougher.

Beca looked down at her own pale, skinny body, feeling inadequate. What chance did she had competing with someone like that? And again, she frowned at her train of thought. Competing for what exactly? Stacie caught her looking and smiled a little cheekily. Beca coloured a little and in an attempt to hide her discomfort, she said shyly, "Thank you, Stacie. For all this. We have not had a warm bath for weeks."

"Glad to be of service mi'lady," she replied, settling into the bath. "Please forgive Jesse. He is not used to treating ladies nicely. Umm... What I meant is he had been in that smelly, unhygienic, all men quarters for such a long time, he forgot us ladies need our comfort."

"He treated us very well actually," Beca sniffed, reflecting on the past few weeks. Amy had somehow fallen asleep and Beca felt a little safer to ask more probing questions.

"You both look like you have not seen each other for some time."

"Many months," Stacie replied, now reaching for a sponge and busy scrubbing her legs and knees.

"It must be very hard to be apart from someone you care about." Beca said tentatively.

Stacie wrinkled her nose, thinking for a moment. "I do miss Jesse sometimes but he is annoying mostly," she replied, raising her arms and started to wash her hair. "Don't be taken in by all that broody machoness. That boy is as clumsy as a pup. You should see him when he tried to propose to me."

Stacie was laughing at the memory and Beca laughed weakly along. Of course, they were betrothed. She should have known that.

"Congratulations," she said with some difficulty. "When is the big day?"

Stacie was dipping her head under the water and on hearing Beca's congratulations, she spluttered out, "What? No." She spat the water out of her mouth and cleared her throat. "Sorry. I didn't make myself clear. Jesse was just doing his duty offering to marry me. It was just an old, out-dated family tradition."

The confusion must be clear on Beca's face because Stacie elaborated. "It is customary in his family. If an elder son were to die, leaving a wife, the younger, unmarried brothers will propose marriage. Just so that their brother's widow will be taken care of."

It took some moments for that to sink in and when it did, Beca looked up in shock at Stacie who was soaping her hair, looking unperturbed.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to -" she stammered. "I didn't know -"

Stacie regarded the stricken look on Beca's face and her face softened. " I was married to Jesse's oldest brother, William. He was a very good man. They were very close."

"So.. both of you and Jesse... umm -"

"No. No. Of course not!" Stacie said, looking absolutely horrified. "It was very nice of Jesse to offer. He was just being a dutiful son and a good brother. But I don't need taking care off."

Beca looked down at her fingertips, wrinkled in the warm water. "It must have been hard for him. To lose his mother and his brother -"

"That is how it is. And we will all lose many more," Stacie said matter-of-factly. "Jesse had a hard few years, which may explained why he is as miserable as he is. He used to be a lot of fun. You should get him to sing for you. He has the loveliest voice."

"I wouldn't... I don't think I could ask him for such liberties," Beca mumbled, cheeks flushing pink.

Stacie was looking at her shrewdly. "You should ask. There is no harm in asking. And I don't think he could refuse you."

Beca was a little confused at that comment.

"What is that mark on your arm?" she asked, trying to change the subject.

Stacie rinsed her hair and whipped her wet hair back. She held out her forearm, the one with the faint tattoo and for a minute, her eyes seemed to glaze over in thought as she look at the mark before she shook her head and smiled. There was a trace of sadness in that smile.

"That was my marriage vow," Stacie said, tracing the faint marks fondly. "Females marry into the Swanson clan. That was our way. So when I was mated to Will, I got this mark as a sign of my connection to him and his family. It was our bond."

There was that word again. Mate.

"Jesse mentioned his family believed in soul mates. Only one.. mate.. in a lifetime." Beca said softly, testing that word. It felt a little strange to say that word.

"Yes, that is true," Stacie said with a sigh. "That was why I could never re-marry. I remember the first time I saw William and thinking I could never be with anyone else."

She was still tracing the mark on her arm before dipping it under the water and washing her arm gently. "This mark was dark when he was alive. That was how I knew he had lost his life. It became faint almost immediately when he died. But it will never disappear. He was a part of me and will always be a part of me. Until the end of time."

"You are still so young - " Beca bumbled in, too aware how awkward and clumsy she was being.

Stacie laughed a little. "I am a widow, mi'lady. But that does not mean I am celibate."

"Oh."

Stacie's laugh rose a notch at Beca's discomfort.

"William will always have my heart. No one can replace that. But a woman does have her needs, doesn't she?"

Beca thought her face was so red it could lit up that room.

"She wouldn't know." Amy spoke up, awake from her nap. "Beca here is a virgin."

"Amy!" Beca yelled, far too embarrassed now.

"Oh!" Stacie said, perking up. "Then we have many things to talk about!"

He didn't really know where to look. He was trying hard not to stare really. So throughout dinner, Jesse had resolutely try not to pay attention to Beca, almost to the point of ignoring her.

He had cleaned, shaved and bathed as well, sloughing off all the dirt accumulated on the road. After changing into clean, presentable clothes, Jesse had to grudgingly agree that perhaps Stacie had been right. Stopping over at this inn had been a good idea. The dining room was adequate and he had requested for a private room for their group. Like the gent that he was, Jesse waited at the bottom of the stairs for the ladies to make their appearance.

And when they finally did, he had to gulp uncomfortably.

She's beautiful.

Wolf had whistled out in awe at the sight of Lady Beca Mitchell coming down the stairs and Jesse mentally nodded. She had dressed in finer clothes before; certainly more lavish gowns than the simple dress she had on now. Jesse recollected that beautiful dark green gown she had worn at her leaving feast. But all the hard riding they did lately gave her skin a beautiful glow. And her hair was hanging loose in half wet curls behind her. And the blue of her dress brought out the colour of her eyes.

It was very hard not to stare.

They had sat down to dinner with Beca on his left and Stacie on his right. Beca was unusually quiet and the correct thing for him to do was to engage her in small talk. But he was just so tongue-tied and it didn't help with Wolf being all moony-eyed, giving him suggestions which were not helpful at all.

Tell her she's beautiful.

Say something Jesse. Compliment her eyes.

Compare her to the full moon.

Ask her whether she'll want to take a walk with you after dinner.

Wolf, shut up! Please!

Stacie was staring at him funnily. "Are you alright, Jesse?"

Jesse roused himself from his inner dialogue and tried joining the conversation. Stacie and Amy had monopolised the conversation during dinner; both of them getting more raucous as the wine went down well. Their jokes were getting a little more bawdy that Jesse did fidget a bit in his seat. He found it so much easier if he concentrated on speaking to Stacie. That way he could at least speak properly without making a complete fool of himself.

What in Mother Luna is wrong with you? - Stacie's voice rang clearly in his mind.

Good evening, Stacie. Wolf replied instead. He sounded far too pleased, like he had found an ally.

Good evening, Wolf - Stacie answered in a more conciliatory tone. - So...what is wrong with this pup?

Will both of you get out of my head? - Jesse complained.

Not until someone tell me what's wrong - Stacie insisted.

There is nothing wrong with me. - Jesse declared hotly which Stacie promptly ignored.

Are you sick? You can't be. I've never seen you look so well.

Guess again - Wolf goaded on, muzzle stretched wide in a grin.

You are being so rude and awkward. I have not seen you this grumpy since you hit puberty - Stacie was saying now, warming up to the subject. - Why are you ignoring Beca when she sitting right next to...Oh.

Wolf was lolling his tongue out and Jesse felt like he should punch something. Anything. Stacie looked like she was intently listening to Amy's ribald joke, smile intact on her lips but her eyes momentarily glanced over to Beca who was stabbing at her food and then to Jesse who was trying his hardest not to blush.

Oh my god, Wolf! It happened? - Stacie's voice was a mix of shock and wonder. - It finally happened?

Yes - Wolf affirmed - but he is being very stubborn.

Typical - Stacie snorted. - All the men in his family are stubborn. It took William weeks to finally claim me and even then I had to practically walk naked in front of him.

I didn't need to know that - Jesse groaned.

So what is the problem here?

Jesse kept his eyes on his plate, trying to keep his thoughts together. Then he lifted the goblet of wine in front of him and drained its content in one gulp.

It is impossible, Stacie. I could not have fallen for a more unsuitable person.

For once Stacie kept silent and after a long moment, her voice was back in his mind.

I know. There is something I have to speak to you about. We'll talk once the others are in bed.

It was late. Jesse stood in the shadows, waiting, glancing up at the window on the first floor. The ladies had retired to bed and the candles had been snuffed out for some time. He just needed to wait and he was very good at waiting. This place was safe for them. He had done a reconnaissance around the parameters and there was no immediate danger. The route ahead, however, will not be so simple. They were about to move into hostile territory soon and he needed to discuss with Stacie what lies ahead.

A movement at the doorway caught Jesse's eyes and moments later, Stacie's tall form stole through. Jesse straightened up. He didn't have to hail her; she knew exactly where he was waiting.

"All asleep?" Jesse asked as she approached.

"Yes. All safe?" Stacie countered, her eyes darting round their immediate area. At Jesse's nod, Stacie smirked, linking her arms through his. "If it is all safe, I think we should hunt."

Beca drew from the window, feeling like an intruder. She shouldn't have done that; behaving like a nosy, little Peeping Tom. She was only half asleep when she heard Stacie rising softly from her bed and by the time Stacie finished dressing in the dark, Beca was wide awake. Beca did not know what devil had urged her to peep out of that window. Despite the half darkness, she knew what she saw. Jesse waiting downstairs, Stacie walking up to him and hand in hand, they had disappeared into the darkness of the woods right ahead.

It shouldn't matter. Why should it matter that Stacie had crept out of their room in the dark of the night to meet Jesse? They were close, after all. Beca was sure they'd probably have many important things to talk about. Things that need to be discussed in secret and in private, away from others, away from polite company and in the cover of darkness. Yes. Of course.

Perhaps they needed some long awaited privacy.

Beca sank back heavily into her bed. It was a little itchy with bits of straw poking through but it was clean and dry and the thin blanket was somewhat warm. She drew the blanket around her shoulders, her hand automatically going the black metal ring on her finger, twisting it round and round.

There was nothing between them. That was what Stacie said. Beca thought. - No, what Stacie actually said was she couldn't accept Jesse's proposal. But she admitted she was a woman with needs. And the ensuing bawdy conversation about a woman's needs had been both eye-opening and mortifying. It did not mean that Jesse was not immune to Stacie's obvious charms. Beca had eyes. She had seen the amount attention Jesse lavished on Stacie. He hung to Stacie's every word during dinner, not even saying half a dozen words to her.

And to think she tried to dress up a little nicely tonight. She had thought perhaps... Beca shook her head vehemently. No, this was all a dreadful mistake. She was sorely mistaken. Why the hell was she acting this way? Was she that desperate for his affection, his approval? Was that why she took such great care with her appearance tonight? So that he could deign to glance her way once in a while?

What is wrong with me? I am acting like a lovesick fool - Beca raged at herself internally. She was THE Lady Rebecca Mitchell. Only daughter of the Lord Mitchell; betrothed to Lord de Lessops. No lowly knight should make her feel this way. Least of all one who had made her life a misery these few weeks.

Bec was twisting that ring so hard that it came off, falling on to her lap. She picked it up, her palm curling over the ring. She must have been rubbing it too hard; the metal was almost warm to touch.

It was just so much easier with Luke.

Beca was sure she did not love him but she knew where she stood with him. Luke had made his feelings for her perfectly clear, not blowing hot and cold at every turn. So what if she didn't feel that flutter in her chest thinking about Luke like when she gaze at Jesse? Nor did she ever felt that shiver go through her when Luke called by her name? Luke wanted to make her his queen and he could deliver her from this nightmare.

Beca felt the hardness of the red stone digging into her hand and closed her eyes. And as her tears squeezed out from her shut lids, Beca whispered Luke's name out into the dark.

The black wolf bounded effortlessly up the hill, stopping right at the very top. The air was crisp and cold and the full moon hung like a silver disc in the clear sky. He shook his magnificent head, letting out a long howl.

Feel better?

Jesse let out another howl before settling back on his haunches and turning his head to the silver grey she-wolf lounging on her paws. She was regarding him with amused eyes before getting up and coming closer.

Yes. Much better. Thank you. - Jesse replied They had hunted and ran, loping along the rough terrain and the simplicity of giving in to his wolfish side had been oddly relaxing for Jesse.

You are such a puppy. - Stacie said, playfully nipping him in the neck. It was a human equivalent to her smacking him on the back of his head. Jesse ducked and bared his teeth at her which she responded with a throaty chuckle. They padded down the hill in the dark, side by side, moving stealthily through the trees.

Thank you for coming so quickly - Jesse said - I wasn't sure you will get the message in time.

Stacie absently scratched the ground before her, replying.

Bumper thought you might need help. The attack on the camp was the strangest thing.

Who did it?

The leeches, who else. It looks like Lord Mitchell was right sending the Lady Beca on this route. Who knows what would have happened if she was in that camp - Stacie answered. - The leader of the raid was a tall, blond man. Bumper said you would know him. They are hunting her, Jesse.

She could feel Jesse bristling by her side. He was agitated; she could picked that up.

This is going to make the next few days very difficult - Jesse replied - We are going into leech country soon. If the O'Cullenains are behind us, we are going to be trapped.

It is going to be difficult.- Stacie agreed - Why don't we circle round?

It will take far too long and they will catch up in no time. - Jesse replied - Our best bet is to take the high road and travel as quickly as possible. Even the leeches have to honour the treaty and let all that travels on that road unmolested.

Stacie snorted in disbelief - I don't trust them. They will make some stupid excuse that we broke the rules.

We are doing very well so far. No one tracked us just as yet.

Stacie glanced over at Jesse padding silently next to her.

Bumper was right to choose you for this task. You would do anything to protect her.

That I would. - Jesse's voice was a wretched sigh.

Does she even know what she is? - Stacie asked curiously. - I could feel her powers miles away.

No, not that I know of. She seemed very oblivious to it all. I think perhaps her father did not tell her and her mother died before she came to her birthright.

You don't make it easy for yourself, do you? - Stacie sighed - She is not even one of us, Jesse. Although I hated Aubrey, I now wish that had been the Happening for you. You would have stayed in Grayswood and be in line for Alpha now.

I am quite happy for Father to remain Alpha - Jesse replied. - And Aubrey was never meant to be my mate. She was just trying. She tried with William too, you know.

Yes. That bitch.

Jesse laughed at the look on Stacie's face. He remembered the very colourful clashes between Stacie and Aubrey. He looked fondly at Stacie who had been an elder sister to him. It helped to have her here to talk about this.

How was it? The first time you saw her?

Jesse dipped his head down, thinking of that moment when he first laid his eyes on Beca.

She was dressed as a boy. So you can imagine how confused I was. - Jesse said. Stacie snorted at that remark - Then I saw her for what she truly was. And it was like my life wasn't mine anymore. She could have asked for it and I would have given it to her willingly. Being around her was all I wanted. It is so very difficult because I wanted nothing more than to claim her. It is driving me perfectly insane.

Stacie stopped walking, listening to Jesse's words.

It is the real thing. - she said in awe. - She is your mate. She would feel the same way.

Like you rightly said, Stacie. She is not one of us - Jesse sighed - I doubt she feels this pull like I do. And she is to be wed to Lord de Lessops. That would be the end of it.

The thatched roof caught fire very quickly. Luke gazed dispassionately as the flames licked up the walls of that rustic hat before consuming the roof. He sat astride the white horse, waiting and before long, his lackey came scurrying up to him.

"What says the witch?" Luke murmured almost lazily.

"Said she was cheated. A wolf came to the door, cheating her out of her catch. And there was a girl. So rare that - "

Luke nodded. He had heard enough.

"Looks like we are on the right track. Let's leave."

"And the witch?" the lackey asked, greedy eyes not leaving his master's face.

"You may feed, if you so wish. Although they usually taste vile," Luke replied in a bored voice. " Make sure you toss the remains into the fire. We don't want a vampyr witch roaming this place."

"Yes, Sir Luke." the lackey said gratefully.

"Baron Godin's lands lie up ahead?" Luke said, trying to remember.

"Yes. Baron Godin is a friend of your father's, Sir Luke."

"Hmm.." Luke looked thoughtful. "After you feed, send a runner ahead and send my respects to Baron Godin. We would need his aid."

"As you wish, sire."

Luke had already wheeled his fair horse around. She would be only a few days ride away; he could feel her presence now. The ring she had was calling out to him. And in the darkness, he had sensed her saying his name. And that was all he needed.