- What a strange woman! - I whispered.
Going back to the fire, I used sand to put it out and saved the rest of the fish. At least I've had a decent meal since I left Dunhill. Ignoring what the woman had said, I rode on the horse and let the wind speak. I chose the opposite side that she had pointed, because the wind blew harder in that direction. That indicated that there was an open path to follow.
- May God protect me!
Chapter 03
Annabel
Waking up leaning against a tree with ropes around my body was not in my plans. I had made a stop after entering the forest for a brief rest before dawn, but I ended up sleeping too much. My arm hurt even more, now that a rope passed over the wound. Although I made a dressing, I didn't have the necessary elements for a proper healing and I would have to wait until I got to the castle. Looking around I could see at least six soldiers. Everyone was sleeping peacefully thanks to the water poisoned with herbs that I prepared and put in the spare bottle that I found in the saddlebag.
How had they multiplied so much? I've lost count of how many I've slaughtered since I left Inverness. How did they manage to find me again? How were they getting into Scotland without being seen? They couldn't be English. They were supposed to be Scots on my mother's orders, but why dress in the clothes of English soldiers?
Patching my arms, I noticed that my hands were loose and that the ropes only held my body. Another rope tied only my ankles, but they wouldn't stop me from taking the dagger that was attached to my thigh. Bending my legs, I brought them to the right side. With a little difficulty I climbed the skirt of the dress until I revealed the dagger handle. He was a gift from my sister when we were kids. Carefully, I held the handle with both hands and began to cut the rope around my chest. There were at least three laps around my body, but the dagger was very sharp. Slowly so as not to hurt me, I slowly cut the ties. My arm slingshot as I pushed and it took a deep breath to contain a grunt. I didn't know if there were any other soldiers around. After what seemed like hours, I managed to break free. Replacing the dagger in the hem, I put my skirt together and lifted it up. As I was about to run, I ran into a wide chest covered in armor.
- Where do you think you're going? - the man inquired by grabbing my arms.
I lifted my chin to look into his eyes. The man was too tall for an Englishman and I was sure he was a Scotsman. I just didn't know if they all were.
- I told those idiots not to drink what was in the bottle, but they didn't listen to me and preferred to risk having to go to the river. - he fired, grabbing my arms and putting me over his shoulders. - I saw what you did back there, and I preferred not to drink what was in there.
- Let go of me, you piece of shit! - I screamed punching him on the shoulder.
- You have a dirty mouth for a lady's daughter and such a distinguished lord. - he stopped for an instant looking at the other soldiers who were still sleeping. - Bunch of energumens!
I had received the herbs from a strange woman who had intercepted me at the entrance to the forest and had suggested that I do that. They weren't exactly dead, but they'd sleep for a long time. I had no idea how that woman knew that would happen, but I was grateful.
- Luckily, that's not all I'm made of. - I debated.
Without leaving time for him to react, I pulled the dagger that was attached to his waist and stuck it in his back. With a roar, the man fell with his knees bent and let go of my body. I took the chance to kick him and took the sword. I ran up to my horse and rode it, going out without looking back. If everything went well, I'd get to Dunhill before the sun went down. After hours, I managed to cross the edge of the forest, but I still couldn't find the fork for the road. At least there were no other soldiers behind me, which was already a great relief. I was already very tired and needed a bath. The weather was getting much worse, too. If I couldn't get a shelter, cavalry in the rain. As if I could hear my thoughts, the horse turned aside from the way and stood under a green tree with a not very high crown. I noticed there was a little clearing there. Before I decided whether or not to stop the horse just collapsed with me on it.
- Look out! - I grumbled as I rolled out over him.
The horse snorted and moved his front paws. He even looked at me before he laid his head on the ground. As I approached, I saw that their hooves were a little cracked and one of their paws was injured.
- Oh! No! - I whispered through your back. - I'm sorry, buddy! I'll see if I can get some herbs to help him.
I knew it would happen sooner or later after I took off my horseshoes, which didn't help. Taking a deep breath, I looked
