Defying the KingHeretic rounded the corner.People leapt from the stallion’s path as his heavy hooves threw up clods of dirt. The guards pulled the king from the destrier’s path and leapt sideways.Spotting Zierno, Heretic lurched to a stop, dirt piling up over his hooves. Rounding to stand next to him.Quickly sheathing his sword Zierno stared at them all challengingly as he smoothly mounted. Keeping their eyes as he tilted to reach for the girl. Offering his hand to her.Without hesitating, she slipped her small, bloodied, hand into his.He pulled her up in-front of him. His arm wrapping her waist, dampening with blood as he held her in the saddle before him.Catching Heretic’s mane, he heeled the mount who lurched forward. Heretic tore through the bailey. People cleared a path for them. Zierno looked past her shoulder to see the pale hand gripping the mane in a white-knuckled fist. She didn’t object, didn’t fight.Clearly in shock.“Stop him! Kill him and bring me the woman!” Eben
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