Read Online San Antonio Rose (Historical Romance) by Constance O'Banyon - Free Book Online Page A

for the sentry to turn his back. He was ready
when the man moved away, and sprang forward, grasping the guard in a powerful armlock and covering his mouth. With the right
amount of pressure, he snapped the man's
neck. Ian felt the guard go limp and let him
slide lifelessly to the ground. He hid the body
behind a clump of bushes and then quickly
dressed in the man's uniform.
    He was pleased when the uniform fit so well
that it could have been made for him. Ian had
chosen a foot soldier because there was less
chance of discovery. Had he chosen a cavalryman from one of the more elite units, his fellow officers would undoubtedly have noticed
their companion missing from their ranks and
sent up a hue and cry.
    Ian shouldered his rifle and took up his sentry duty, hoping no one would notice the
switch. He could hear music and laughter coming from the camp. Apparently the Mexican
army was going joyously into war. He gauged
the strength and number of the enemy and was
astounded by the magnitude of the forces. For
the first time he doubted that Houston's infe rior number of volunteers-most of them
farmers-could win against Santa Anna's thousands of well-trained troops, all experienced in
war.

    An hour later a soldier came to relieve him.
The man was yawning and nodded in greeting
while grumbling about having to stand night
duty.
    Ian made his way down the hill, his eyes
sweeping the encampment, searching for the
insignia of the unit he had chosen. Luck was
with him again. He found the standard near
the outer perimeter, located an empty bedroll,
and lay down. He was sure he would not be
able to sleep.
    He rolled over and stared at the stars, thinking about Emerada. Houston seemed to think
she was in some kind of danger, but Ian didn't
agree with him. More than likely she was in the
arms of the dictator right now, telling him
about her conversation with Houston.
    Ian was impatient to find out whether she
was safe, and then he could get to the mission
ahead of Santa Anna.
    The Mexican army was camping on the Medina
River, only twenty-five miles from San Antonio
de Bexar. Ian stood on the banks of the river,
wondering how much longer he could continue
his disguise. So far no one had paid the slightest attention to him, and he was able to move
among the soldiers with little trouble. Thus far he'd been unable to locate Emerada, although
there was talk that she was traveling with
Santa Anna. Since he was merely a foot soldier,
he did not qualify to enter the Mexican president's inner circle, a privilege that was only
available to a trusted few.

    He'd often seen the president at a distance,
but he had yet to see Emerada. His lips curved
in distaste-she must be keeping to the dictator's tent.
    The sun was sinking behind the hills, and Ian
watched until it was no more than a purple
splash against the horizon.
    "Amigo," a solder called to Ian as he walked
toward the camp. "You must hurry or you will
miss a wonderful thing. San Antonio Rose is
going to dance for us."
    Ian nodded and hurried after the man. "Why
should she pay us such an honor?" he asked
the soldier.
    "Because, amigo, she is a patriot and is giving us her gift of dance."
    "A patriot?" Ian said bitingly. "Si, that would
be her reason."
    "Si, si. She is a great lady! Has she not
proven that by leaving all comforts behind to
travel with the president and keep his spirits
up? I saw her dance once," the soldier said,
pausing. "She was the most beautiful sight I
have ever seen. I will take her image with me to
my grave."
    Ian followed the man in brooding silence. A patriot she might be to the Mexican army, but
she was a traitor to Sam Houston, and he intended to prove it. He couldn't go undetected
for much longer-he would have to act soon.

    A crowd of soldiers closed in around them,
and it was a few moments before Ian found the
soldier he'd been talking to. "Does she sleep in
Santa Anna's tent?" he asked the man.
    The