Read Online Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy) by Kara Griffin - Free Book Online Page B

another
hare.”
    “I
can fish. Mama’s uncle teached me how when he was alive.”
    “Taught,”
Kate corrected her. “What do you need?”
    “A
big stick. Can you make a point on the end? That’s what Uncle Walden used.”
    Kate
found a narrow branch that had fallen from a birch tree, lying on the ground.
She whittled the end until it was sharpened into a point. “Now what?”
    Bonnie
laughed. “Now ye have to stand in the water until a fish swims by. Then drop
the spear fast and try to catch ‘em. ‘Tis hard, Uncle Walden used to swear and
shout.”
    Kate
removed her slippers, lifted her hem, and wadded in the stream. Her gown
floated atop the water’s surface, billowing. She stood waiting knee-deep in the
water, the soggy stream’s bottom felt slimy on her feet, but thankfully, the
water wasn’t too cold.
    “Bonnie,
did your uncle say how long this takes?”
    “Shhh,
Kate, you’re going to scairt away the fish. It takes a longed time. I used to
sit for hours and wait for ‘em.”
    Kate
watched a fish swim by and she tried to spear it, but it got away. She felt its
scales brush against the skin of her leg. “Damn.”
    Bonnie
chuckled at her curse.
    Another
large speckled-trout came toward her and she tried not to move. She positioned
the spear just right—she would get this one. Slamming the spear downward, it
went right through its middle. The caught fish wiggled on the spike when she
lifted it from the water.
    Kate
jumped up and shouted. “I got it, I got it.”
    “Yah,
I knowed ye could do it, Kate.”
    “I’m
going to get another one. Here, put this on the bank.” She handed the fish to
her. Bonnie used both hands to carry it. The fish wiggled, trying to jerk from
her hold. Bonnie flipped the fish onto the grass, where it lay still. The child
was so resourceful.
    After
a few tries, Kate caught another fish, and a good sized one, at that. They
would be full for the rest of the day. She felt terrible about eating animals
and fish. She normally wouldn’t do so, given that she only ate vegetables. The
fish tasted bland, but it would suffice as a meal.
    “Who
is your Uncle Walden? Does he live within your clan?” Kate used a leaf to wipe
her hands.
    “Mama’s
uncle. Mama was sad when he died and Aunt Mathilda cried.”
    “That’s
sad, I’m sorry he died.”
    “Aye,
me too. Mama said he had a good life.”
    “He’s
with the Gods now, probably showing them how to use the spear. Thanks for the
idea.” After cleaning up the campfire, and collecting Trixie, they moved on,
going farther north.
    “Kate,
how long do ye think it will take now?”
    “I
don’t know, Bonnie. I hope not too long.”
    “I
can’t wait to get home. Papa will be angry and Mama will cry.”
    “Lovey,
your papa will be so happy to see ye, it won’t matter. You’ll see.” Kate hugged
her.
    Kate
couldn’t sleep that night. The image of the warrior floated in the recess of
her mind. She had no idea how he was connected to Bonnie or if she would ever
meet him. Try as she might, the image wouldn’t go away. She didn’t fall asleep
until the middle of the night, but Bonnie slept soundly.
    In
the morning, she realized they were past the border. The terrain hadn’t changed
much, but Bonnie insisted they were closer to home. How could a seven-year-old
know that? Kate felt safer knowing they had traveled a good distance, and had
left England behind. Richard couldn’t find them in the deep woods of Scotland.
She grew tired from sitting on the horse and decided it would do them good to
stretch their legs.
    Kate
dismounted and helped Bonnie down then she released Trixie from the satchel.
    “Do
ye deem we’re in the Highlands?” Bonnie skipped beside her.
    “Mayhap,
‘tis eerily quiet and the birds aren’t making any noise. Why do ye suppose that
is?” Kate searched ahead for danger, but didn’t see anything amiss.
    “I’m
scairt, Kate.” Bonnie moved closer, taking her hand.
    “I’m
certain it’s only my