Read Online Heart's Lair by Kathleen Morgan - Free Book Online Page B

water."
    They were near the huge Viridis River where Liane had spent many happy horas along its banks searching for herbs. It would indeed cover their scent, but crossing it, if that were Karic's intent, could be dangerous. The current in the center was strong and treacherous. At this point in the river the flow rapidly quickened, before emptying over falls into a large lake. If they got out into the middle and couldn't fight its force . . .
    They halted at the edge of the river's rock-strewn bank. The flowing water was already beginning to churn into waves, as its flow met with the resistance of several boulders scattered in its path. Liane swallowed a tremor of apprehension and turned toward Karic.
    His rugged features were set in a mask of determination as he studied the surging water. Liane's apprehension grew to a full-fledged panic. They were going to try to cross the river.
    "Can you swim?"
    The unexpectedness of Karic's question made her jump. "What?"
    His eyes narrowed in growing suspicion. "Can you swim?"
    She shook her head.
    "By the three moons . . . !" He bit down on the frustrated curse.
    In his weakened condition he doubted his own ability to make it across the river, and now he also was saddled with transporting a female who couldn't swim. It seemed one obstacle after another was being thrown in his path, and he didn't know how many more he'd be able to overcome. But what choice had he? He couldn't risk capture again. Even death in the river was a preferable fate.
    Karic's gaze swept over Liane. Despite everything, he hated to risk her life. If something happened to him in the river she wouldn't have a chance, not knowing how to swim, but her potential knowledge of him was a threat to his people. There was no choice, never had been. If he died, so must she.
    He eyed her with a hard resolve. "I mean to cross that river. I'll not lie to you. The crossing will be difficult, even dangerous. We might not make it. I'd like to give you all the opportunity to help yourself that I can. I'll free your hands if you swear not to fight me."
    The baying grew louder, the eerie wails matching the wild pounding of Liane's heart. She didn't know how to swim. Indeed, she was terrified of water, and she knew Karic spoke the truth. He might very well not have the strength necessary to get them across.
    She backed away, shaking her head. "Please, no," Liane whispered imploringly. "Leave me here. Don't make me go. I'm so afraid."
    He wrenched her back to him, his green-gold eyes anguished. "Don't you understand? I can't leave you, Liane. If I could, I would."
    Karic gently stroked her hair, as if to soothe her, then traced a trail down the delicate curve of her cheek to the sweet hollow at the base of her throat. His touch was sad, lingering, as if to memorize for one last time the feel of her.
    "Trust me," he said, a husky catch in his voice. "While there's strength left in my body no harm will come to you."
    She knew he spoke truly and would do everything in his power to protect her, but that niggling little fear whispered that it still might not be enough. Liane clamped down hard on it. She would still escape him when she could, but not now.
    She turned, her bound hands extended toward him. "Let us go. Now, before my courage fails me."
    He quickly untied her and knotted the cord around his wrist. Liane understood the significance of this. If they survived she'd still be his prisoner, but she hadn't expected that to change. Karic's choices were as limited as hers.
    The rope joining her to Karic's waist remained fastened, however. Liane understood that, too. If he died, so must she. It was the only way to protect his people. She shuddered at the thought but, in some deep corner of her heart, accepted it. Their fate had been bound, one to the other, from the moment she attempted the mind seek.
    Karic clasped her tightly about the waist and began to wade out into the water. "Relax and don't fight me," he tersely instructed her.