Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,100
Anna tried to kill Dexter, Ackley stepped in front of him,” Gordon explained. “Anna struck Ackley instead.”
“Has a healer been sent for?” Reid demanded.
“Yes.”
Dropping to her knees, Reid reached forward, clutching Ackley’s hand. He couldn’t die. Especially not for doing something so selfless and brave.
He tilted his head. “I’m sorry I didn’t stop Anna for you,” he wheezed.
“Everything will be fine.” Reid pushed his hair off his brow. “You should have used your sword to deflect the blow, not your body.”
The corners of his lips pulled up ever so slightly. “Couldn’t let Dexter die. Besides, I used my sword on Harlow.”
Harlan ran toward them, a bag in hand. When he reached Ackley, he knelt, pulling out various jars. “How deep?”
“He has leather armor on,” Gordon replied, “so the knife didn’t go too far in. The problem is the blade Anna used had poison on it.”
“That’s what I feared. Let me see it.”
Dexter stood, then pulled Reid away. “Let Harlan work.”
She nodded, unable to believe everything that had happened. “How’s Owen?”
“He was knocked unconscious. I think he’s going to be okay, though.” He held Reid at arm’s length, examining her from head to toe. “Are you injured? Did Anna cut you with her knife at all?”
It felt as if a boulder had struck her stomach, and her head throbbed with pain. However, she didn’t have any nicks from Anna’s knife. “I’m fine.” Knights and mercenaries ran about, making Reid dizzy. “I’m glad you showed up in time.” If he hadn’t, the outcome might have been quite different.
“Ackley had a feeling something like this would happen, so we’ve been monitoring the situation. When I saw you dressed as a man in a Melenia soldier’s uniform, I knew it was time to act. We followed you, watching from the shadows. Ackley said there had to be one Knight he wasn’t aware of. When Harlow showed up, we realized it had to be her. When she started to drug the camp, we had confirmation. I can’t believe she almost killed me.”
“Harlow’s a Knight?”
“Apparently Anna recruited her years ago. They’ve been working together for quite some time.” Dexter wrapped his arms around Reid, pulling her closer. “I don’t know what I would have done if something had happened to you tonight. It was hard to sit back and wait until just the right time to attack.”
Thankfully, nothing had happened. To her, anyway.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
“Yes. Just sore. And tired.”
“I’m referring to you having to kill your mother.”
“Oh.” Reid hadn’t had time to fully process everything. “I don’t know. But I do know you’re here if I need anything.”
“Always.”
“Where’s Gytha?” Reid asked, scanning the area.
“She’s one of the soldiers who received the sleep tonic.”
“She’ll wake up from it, won’t she?” Harlan had managed to wake up all her father’s soldiers before. Surely, he could do it again.
“Reid,” Harlan called.
She ran over to where he sat next to Ackley. “Is he all right?” Ackley’s eyes were closed, but his chest moved up and down. His tunic and leather armor had been removed and his undershirt torn open, revealing the wound near his ribs.
“I’ve treated the wound and stitched it together. His breathing is getting stronger. I think he’ll be all right.”
Relief filled her.
“I need you to stay with him to monitor his progress. If he’s not awake and coherent within the hour, come and get me.”
“Where are you going?”
He glanced around. “I have hundreds of soldiers to rouse.”
She nodded. “Gordon, help me get Ackley inside.”
Gordon lifted his brother, carrying him inside the palace. He took him up to an empty bedchamber, carefully placing him on the bed. “I need to get back outside and help.”
Reid nodded. “I won’t leave Ackley’s side until I know he’s okay.”
“Thank you.” He left the room.
Sitting beside Ackley on the bed, she picked up his hand, stroking it. His eyes remained closed. He looked so different like this. Younger. Innocent. His chest continued to rise and fall, the only indication he still lived.
After fifteen minutes, his eyes fluttered open. “Am I dreaming?” he croaked out.
“Thank goodness you’re awake. How do you feel?”
“Terrible.” He winced. “But I guess pain is good. That means I’m alive.” He squeezed her hand. “Is there any word on my mother and sister?”
“No, not yet.” They wouldn’t know if Seb foiled the assassination attempt for a couple of days. “I can’t believe you stepped in front of that blade for Dexter.”