Donna Fletcher - Bound to a Warrior

Scotland Highlands, 1005

D uncan tumbled down hard onto the woman. He lay sprawled across her, hoping he had not hurt her. She was a bit of a thing that a good wind would blow away, but in the short time he had been shackled to her, he had come to realize that she was a strong one, a survivor.

He rolled off her, and with a slip of his arm around her narrow waist, took her along with him as he got to his feet. Her slim hand grasped hold of his arm until she found strong footing and then she let go. The strength of her grip shouldnt have surprised him, but her slim body led one to believe her weak.

Move it! one of the soldiers yelled and gave the woman a rough jab in the back with his sword handle.

She stumbled forward and this time grabbed hold of his arm. And he did, the strength of his rock-hard muscles alone enough to steady her and keep them from repeating the act.

A tentative smile told him that while she was appreciative, she was also hesitant to rely on him. Unfortunately, she had no choice. They were shackled at the wrists with iron cuffs and a connecting chain that didnt allow for much distance from one another.

Even in their dire circumstances he couldnt help but appreciate her lovely features. Though her round face was dusted with dirt there was no hiding her beauty; bewitching sapphire blue eyes that sparkled more brilliantly than the gem itself were framed by long, curled, black lashes. And no amount of grime could hide the luster of her waist length, raven black hair. Her garments were that of a peasant, and yet he had noticed that her hands showed no signs of hard toil.

He couldnt help but wonder who this woman was that he was chained to.

I fear they mean us harm, she whispered.

It was the first words she had spoken to him since their ordeal had begun hours ago, and while he agreed, his thoughts lingered more on her low, sultry voice than their present situation. He almost laughed. How could he focus more on his attraction to her than their problem? He wisely contained his humor, but could not do the same with his thoughts.

I agree, he said.

Is there nothing we can do? she asked.

He tapped at her iron cuff. This could present a problem.

Im not afraid to fight.

While he admired her courage, it was obvious that she had never tasted battle, and he didnt believe she would have the stomach for what must be done if they were to attempt an escape.

As if she understood his doubt, she said, I have more gumption than it may appear, and the odds are even, two of them to two of us. Besides

Her lovely blue eyes glazed over with tears, though she didnt shed a one.

What choice do we have? They most certainly intend to kill us.

She was intelligent as well and no doubt wondered why they had been singled out from the group of captives the kings men had gathered along their route home. He hadnt given any reason to arrest him, though more than likely it had something to do with the prophecy many believed was soon to be fulfilled. He fit the age of the man prophesized to be the true king of Scotland, who would soon return and claim the throne that was rightfully his. As for the woman, her handsome features were reason enough for the kings men to arrest her and give as a gift to the king for his entertainment.

She was right. They truly did have no choice but to attempt an escape.

Hurry along with you, the one soldier ordered, jabbing Duncan in the back.

We must be quick if we are to do anything, she murmured, for they hurry us to our deaths.

Follow my lead, he whispered and she nodded.

Duncan knew that he had to strike at both men almost simultaneously if they were to succeed. Otherwise one would have enough time to strike and it wouldnt be him who the soldier targeted.

The two soldiers grew more impatient, shoving at the shackled pair and causing them to stumble. Duncan worried about making a move, his apprehension more for the womans safety. If he were on his own, he would have been free by now. But being chained to the woman made escape that much harder.

He could almost hear his three childhood friends, Reeve, Bryce and Trey laughing at him, since they had all declared that they would never let a woman shackle them. Memories of the three brought to mind the mission he was on, a mission that couldnt fail. He had no choice; he had to survive.

The men kept urging them forward, though this time it was the tips of their swords jabbing at their backs that kept them moving rapidly. That was when Duncan knew without a shred of doubt that something wasnt right.

He did his best to prevent them from falling again by keeping a hand to her arm, and he was glad he did. They suddenly broke through the thicket of woods to a small clearing and Duncan grabbed quick hold of the woman just before she almost tumbled off the edge of a cliff.

The soldiers laughed and one said, Youll be going over dead or meeting death soon.

Duncan silently cursed himself for not acting sooner.

Choose, the other soldier said. A sword through you to send you over or He laughed as the other man joined in. Or jump. Its death that will be greeting you either way.

But we want to be fair and let you choose, the heavier of the two said with a snicker.

Duncan gave a glance over the edge. It was a long, deep drop to the turbulent river below that would either swallow you up or spit you out. On his own hed have a chance; a slim one, but a chance. Two shackled together, one a mere wisp of a woman, was not good odds.

Figured it out, have you? the one asked with a grin.

Duncan wanted to strangle the man. The woman obviously understood his snide remark, since he could feel her body tremble beside him. However, once again he had to admire her courage, though he was beginning to believe it was more tenacity, for she took firm hold of his hand and raised her chin.

Im ready.

The two soldiers snorted with laughter, but Duncan realized that she was letting him know that she could do this. She was ready to survive.

Duncan, knowing a slim chance was better than no chance at all, bowed his head to the two men who continued to snicker. He then hooked his arm around the womans slim waist and yanked her hard against him. Strange that at a moment like this when death could be a hairs breath away he should notice that she molded so perfectly to his body, almost as if she had been created for him and him alone. It made him want to protect her even more and pray that they would survive.

Hold on and dont let go, he ordered and without hesitation he stepped off the edge, keeping his arms wrapped tightly around her.

She buried her face against his chest as he continued to keep her pressed against him. They tumbled for what seemed like forever to their deaths, or would it be to the rescuing arms of the river?

They hit the water feet first and submerged to a good depth. He released his hold on her and gestured toward the surface, and then he immediately began swimming in that direction. She followed his lead, her slender arms pumping as fast as she could, though unable to match his mighty strokes.

Her effort, while valiant, hampered his attempts. And he soon wrapped his arm around her waist and with one hand swam to the surface. She gasped for breath and sputtered and coughed while he kept an arm around her waist and managed to easily regain control of his breathing.

The cliff was a sheer wall of rock from river to sky and it appeared to travel horizontally for as far as he could see, leaving no river bank they could swim to.