Read Online The Everlasting Covenant by Robyn Carr - Free Book Online Page B

through the town and to the gate. The October air cut like a knife, but she did not feel the cold. Her cheeks were chafed from the flowing tears, her eyes red and swollen. Dylan would never again b e able to come to her in time – he had been swept away in the gathering storm. A civil war in England was brewing. Her heart cried out for him, but he was gone.
    “ No one is to leave the keep, maid Anne. ”
    “ I wish to gather late flowers from the wood for Minerva ’ s grave, ” she told the gatekeeper angrily, with determination. “ Those were her favorite. ”
    “ But, maid Anne ... ”
    “ Leave the girl alone, ” Ferris ’ s rough voice instructed. She met her father ’ s eyes briefly. He knew she could not run away, she would be returned by her father ’ s men . Dylan could not come for her – no one could get through the heavy Raedelle guard. Ferris would do nothing to help her, but he would not see her hurt any further.
    Anne went into the wood near the road. She stooped to break a few blossoms from around the foot of a tree, but before she could do even that much, she began to weep again. She looked into the thick trees. Her lips moved over his name. Dylan, my love. Dylan, my love. If only he would appear, turn from the side of a thick-tru nked tree and take her into his arms. If only she could recall the day and run with him, holding his hand, through the field to the wood where the horses awaited them. If only she could see his bright eyes, his smile, his sandy hair, just once more .. .
    She wept, which was all she could do. And prayed, Dear God, was that truly my only chance for Dylan? Will he never come again? Must we live apart and abide their foolish wars? Is it over? So soon?
    She did not hear the horse approach, nor was she aware of his presence until she felt the gentle touch of his hand on her back and heard his voice.
    “ Oh, my poor lass, do you hurt so badly? ”
    She turned to look at Brennan. Sympathy drew his soft eyes deep and clear. He knelt close behind her, his horse grazing just a short distance away. He smiled consolingly and opened his arms to her. She leaned toward him, filled with gloom yet grateful for any strong arm that would help her bear her lonely burden. As she wept against his costly, impeccable tabard, he gently stroked her back and crooned words of consolation.
    “ Oh Brennan, I have never felt such loss, ” she cried.
    “ I know, my sweet love. I , too, have felt the pain of loss, and there is little another can do to shield us from it. Even knowing something of what you must feel, I cannot drive your misery away. But if you let me, I will hold you fast and keep you safe until your grief is done. ”
    “ Sweet Jesus, why is it so hard? ”
    “ We have pain and joy, dear Anne, each in its time. It is a wonder, I think, that we live so long, when the misery can be so deep. ”
    The grief was so intense, robbing her of appetite and sleep, that she thought she might die of it. But each morning she awoke, realizing that life, stubborn and thorny, was winning. She accepted his solace and let him hold her until the tears dried and she was exhausted. At least two hours passed as a mighty lord of lands sat upon the grass near the wood, holding an anguished maiden. Then, as the afternoon sun was fading, he mounted his steed, lifted her onto his lap and drew his mantle around her, directing his mount toward Raedelle ’ s gates.
    Anne was listless and spent, but grateful for Brennan ’ s atten tion. Though he was unaware of whose loss she was mourning, his kindness was deep and his love for her was pure. They did not speak through the whole of the afternoon, nor even as they rode through Raedelle ’ s gates. He only gave his devotion, asking nothing in return. Had she the strength, she would have been sorry that a man so good could not be rewarded with her un failing love.
    Anne relied on the support of his strong arm as they walked into the hall. He paused at the foot of