An excerpt from the winter novella, Twelvetide, Twelve Nights of Highland Magic. Free for Kindle - January 12th, 2017 through January 16th, 2017 at Amazon...
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...they crossed a great snowy meadow. Before reaching the
protection of the forest, they caught the first glimpse of their pursuers. Five
mounted men, approaching fast.
“Shite.” Cael spurred the horse to greater speed.
They entered the forest trail and galloped out of sight. She
kept glancing back, around Cael’s bulk. As they rounded a bend, he leaned
forward, his mouth close to her ear.
“They want me. Not you. When I drop you to the ground, run
for that distant copse of firs and hide. I will lead them away.” Cael’s brusque
words sliced her heart. He would forfeit himself for her.
“No. We should stay together.”
“Listen to me, Ashley. Hide in the trees. Wait for some time
to pass. If I have not returned, follow this trail west. The same direction we
are riding. Stay out of sight at the edge of the trail. When you reach Castle
Lachlan, beg hospitality in my name—Caelan Innes. Once within the castle walls,
ask to speak to the steward and request of him an audience with Lachlan Og, the
clan chief. Tell Lachlan Og you are my wife. Tell him we were ambushed, and I
led the miscreants north. I have been of service to him. He will see to your
care.”
Before she’d a chance to argue with the damn man, he lifted
her with his one strong arm, and dropped her into a ditch at the side of the
trail. Breathless, gasping, she rolled to her knees and gulped air. Fear gnawed
at her belly. The thunder of several horses pounding the trail, sent her into
action. She leapt to her feet and darted into the trees Cael had indicated.
She crouched behind a wide trunk. Just in time. Placing a
palm against the rough bark, she leaned to the side and peeked through the
thick, evergreen foliage. Four riders passed in earnest pursuit of Cael somehow
without seeing her footprints in the snow.
Shit! Where was the fifth? Birds had stopped chirping when
she entered the copse. Silence grated on tense nerves. Twigs snapped nearby.
The billowing breath of a horse sounded overly loud, close. Another twig cracked.
“I ken you are in there. Come out.”
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Grab your copy from Amazon.
Free for Kindle 1/12/17 - 1/16/17
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Hope you enjoyed this wee excerpt from Twelvetide, Twelve Nights of Highland Magic.
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