Read Online The Herb of Grace by Kate Forsyth - Free Book Online

I’d really had enough of all his questions.’
    â€˜So we’re going to stay on the coach?’ Emilia asked in relief. She had been sure Luka would insist on them running and hiding again, and they were still a long way away from the New Forest.
    Luka nodded. ‘Coldham may know we caught the coach, but this way he won’t know where we got off. The only thing we have to fear now is him catching up with us on the road, but we’re making good time so far, and it must have taken him a while to get the message, and to act on it. It’s a risk, but, by criminy, I paid for our tickets and I’ll be damned if I don’t get value for our coin!’

Stand and Deliver!

    I t was very late when the stagecoach at last rattled into Southampton. Luka woke and yawned, stretching out his arms, then roused Emilia who had her head on his shoulder.
    Luka did not want to pay out more of their good coin for a room at the inn, so he walked slowly into the dark street, the bag slung over his shoulder and Zizi snuggled up inside his coat. A cold breeze blew dead leaves and rubbish along the gutter. Emilia stumbled along beside him sleepily, one hand entwined in Rollo’s thick ruff.
    â€˜Where now?’ she asked, yawning widely.
    Luka did not answer. He thought he and Emilia were best off heading out of the town and finding a nice soft haystack to sleep in, but he had lost all sense of direction in the rattling, swaying coach. He looked up to the night sky, reorientating himself.
    Rollo growled deep in his throat. Luka looked round. Walking towards them were two dark-clad men. Luka stepped further back into the shadows, one hand on Rollo’s neck to keep him quiet. He expected the men would pass them by, but they slowed as they approached the two children and spread out a little.
    Apprehension filled him. ‘Go on your way, sirs,’ Luka cried. ‘We have nothing worth robbing, and if you try, I’ll set my dog on you.’
    â€˜If you do, I’ll shoot him,’ a familiar voice said gruffly.
    Luka’s blood turned to ice. Coldham!
    Without thinking, he turned and bolted, Emilia running beside him. Every step, he expected to hear the bang of a pistol, but Coldham evidently did not want to fire in the middle of the high street. Instead, he heard the thud of running boots. Luka put on speed, but it was no use. He was seized, and given a blow over his ear that made his head ring. Rollo snarled, and sprang, and was knocked down with what sounded like a heavy cudgel. The big dog fell with a whimper, then lay still.
    â€˜Rollo!’ Emilia screamed. ‘Rollo!’
    A hand was put over her mouth, and she was dragged, kicking and squirming, towards a large black coach that was drawn up in the shadows opposite the inn. Though both Luka and Emilia fought with all their strength, they could not get free. The coach door was dragged open, and they were thrown in. Coldham climbed in after them, slamming the door behind him. Light from thelantern over the inn door fell on his face as the horses were whipped into motion. It was a face that had haunted their dreams the past few nights, heavy, black-jowled, with mean slits of eyes and a pugnacious nose. He wore a long leather coat and steel helmet, and carried a thick stick. One hand rested on the pistol he wore thrust through his belt.
    â€˜Rollo!’ Emilia panted. ‘You’ve killed Rollo.’
    Coldham grunted. ‘Let’s hope so.’
    â€˜Why? Why?’
    â€˜Savage brute. Bit me once. Won’t do so again.’
    â€˜How could you?’ Emilia sobbed.
    â€˜Easily,’ Coldham said, sounding amused. ‘Do it again in an instant.’
    Emilia wept as though her heart was breaking. Luka stroked back her tumbled black curls but kept a wary eye on Coldham, who lay back in his seat, watching them. The only light came from a lantern hanging by the driver’s seat. It swayedback and forth over the interior