By the Sword - By Sara Flower Page 0,27

this?

Ittonifer stood there quietly as Jalarn began his chant. Every single wolf in Sanctus’ countryside would go after her. Another influential rebel would die that day.

*****

Queen Roselyn’s horse slowed to a walk and began to tilt her ears nervously. Roselyn frowned and scanned the meadow, gently patting her mount’s smooth neck. Everything around them seemed fine. It was not like her horse to be so easily spooked.

The mare snorted and let out a nervous whinny.

“Opal, what is wrong with you today?”

Then Roselyn saw them. A small army of black wolves was crouching in the long grass ahead. Their deep, red eyes bore hungrily into hers.

Heart pounding, the queen redirected her mount and kicked her into a run. She glanced over her shoulder and, sure enough, the vicious predators were now in hot pursuit. There were no fewer than fifteen wolves chasing them.

Roselyn and her mare entered into a dark forest. Panic surged through her at the realization that the carnivorous beasts would have a greater advantage navigating through the woods than a horse.

Lord, forgive me for ever doubting Your love for me and my people. If I am worthy, please spare me this day. I have many things that I want to make up for in this life, but if today is the day that You need me, then so be it.

The mare’s long, sturdy legs leaped over fallen tree trunks and bushes and they went deeper into the forest.

A small, stone house caught Roselyn’s attention when Opal suddenly reared up on her hind legs.

Roselyn screamed as she flipped backward and landed on the damp forest floor. The wolves had already surrounded them.

“Lord, save us!” Roselyn cried.

Roselyn searched frantically for a branch, a rock – anything. She found a thick stick and picked it up. She spun around, ready to swing it at an approaching animal, but Opal had moved in front of her.

Dear God, she is protecting me. Please spare her life!

The snarling carnivores latched onto the beautiful horse’s legs and neck. Crimson blood already splattered her snowy coat.

Roselyn screamed.

Opal reared and kicked, but the muscular predators overpowered her and brought her to the ground.

Roselyn stood there, trembling in horror. There was nothing she could do.

“Opal! Oh, God, make them stop!”

Roselyn sank to her knees, tears blurring her vision. She looked away, but the sickening sound of ravenous mouths filled her ears.

“I’m so sorry, Opal,” she wept.

Soon they would devour Roselyn, too.

“Stop!” shouted a man.

Roselyn shot her head up.

A grey-haired man with a walking stick stood there.

“I am a servant of the Lord, Roselyn. Do not fear.”

How does he know my name? What is he doing here?

“Lord, save us!” she cried.

The feasting wolves barely paid him any mind as they ate their fresh kill.

Roselyn gagged, weeping in the dirt.

My dear, sweet mare.

The older man shouted, drowning out the horrific noises of the ravenous animals.

“Demons, I cast you out of these creatures, in the name of Jesus. Beasts of the earth, go away from here! This spell has no power over us.”

Spell?

The wolves froze and stared at the man for a moment. Then, they left the bloodied corpse and trotted away.

Roselyn realized that she had been holding her breath. She exhaled, still in shock, and stood shakily. She couldn’t stop crying.

“Are you all right, my lady?” asked the man.

“I – I think so. Well, no. Not at all. Thank you so much, but my horse. My poor, dear mare,” she said.

He smiled warmly, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder.

“I know the pain of losing a good animal friend. Come, child. I will make you a fresh cup of tea. My home is close by. We are safe now.”

Roselyn nodded, unable to speak from the uncontrollable sobs. She followed him.

*****

Jalarn rode alongside his uncle toward the Valley of Dururn, where the beasts of the deep would be summoned. Despite the cool breeze whistling over the grasslands, Ittonifer seemed to be in high spirits, which was a very unusual occurrence.

There must be some new information that he has learned of, but he is keeping it from me.

Jalarn would never fully trust the man.

You can never trust anyone.

Aterun rode slightly behind Jalarn and Ittonifer. Following the three of them was one legion of soldiers. There was no telling if a band of knights from Sanctus would meet them. One always had to be prepared.

“Do you know why Waltez is not here, my lord?” asked Jalarn.

“He has another task that I need him to complete.”

Interesting that I know nothing of this.

As Jalarn fought