To Have A Heart (A New Adventure Begins - Star Elite 7)

“How are you doing under that lot?” he asked kindly.

Mallory blinked owlishly at him. “I am hot.”

The farmer grinned unrepentantly.

“It can’t be helped. It’s all safe now. We did have someone following us, but I made sure I saw my friend for a good long time. They studied the cart but left about half an hour ago. It’s safe for you to get out now. Cool down for a bit, stretch your legs. We will leave as soon as I have loaded up the wood.”

“I don’t understand. I thought someone was going to fetch me from here,” Mallory whispered.

She wished now that Callum had stayed with her. She felt bereft, alone, and so desperately wanted to see him, but not to be there with her. She wanted to know that he was safe and hadn’t been ambushed because he was with Sir Hugo.

“I am going to take you to Citterton Bridge,” the farmer mused. “We just had to make it look like I am nothing more than a farmer going to visit his friend. I am going to load up with the wood, so you have a break. There is some food here. Have that. When you are ready, we will go and meet the men.”

For Mallory, that couldn’t come a moment too soon. She so desperately wanted to see Callum that she immediately clambered back into her hiding place. Rather than lie down again, though, she opened the small pouch of food the farmer gave her and began to eat.

“Ready?” the farmer asked half an hour later.

Mallory nodded. Now that she knew what was going to happen, she was less scared.

If

I am honest, I am less scared now because I know I am going to see Callum.

When she had finished the last of her bread, Mallory handed the farmer the pouch and settled down. He covered her with numerous bags until she was well hidden, then took up his position on the bench seat before clicking the horse into a steady walk.

All Mallory could do now was wait.

And wait.

And wait some more.

The journey seemed indeterminable because she was so eager to end the fear that seemed to be her constant companion now.

Eventually, the cart slowed.

“Hello?”

“Be quiet,” the farmer grunted.

There was a momentary pause.

“What?” the farmer demanded in a louder voice.

Mallory’s stomach churned.

“I haven’t got anything for you,” the farmer called.

Mallory closed her eyes and began to pray. She physically quaked such was the strength of her fear. She wanted to have a look at who the farmer was talking to, but then didn’t want to know who had ordered the cart to stop and was now demanding that the farmer climbed down from the cart.

Eventually, the cart swayed as the farmer did as he was told.

“Step away.”

Mallory knew she didn’t recognise that voice. She felt sick. The heat beneath the cloak became cloying. She wanted to tug it off her head so she could breathe in colder air, but she daren’t move.

“Stop right there.”

“I cannot remember what they sounded like. Everything sounds odd under these sacks,” she muttered.