The Sword and the Flame by Stephen Lawhead Page B

eh?”
    â€œSo it is! I do not remember one better. But you go on; I will remain a little. I would like to see the young prince ride. It is a joy to watch him. I shall try to find them.”
    Quentin turned Blazer and started back across the meadow; he waved to Durwin and galloped away.
    Durwin struck off for the far side of the clearing, where a trail entered the wood. He knew the forest well, and had a hunch where he might find Toli and Gerin, for he had seen them pushing a southerly course just before he and the king had entered the meadow.
    How long has it been since I have lived in the forest? he wondered. Ah, too long! I have forgotten how peaceful it is, and how fragrant and beautiful. Perhaps I should leave the castle and come back to my old home. But I am content to be where the king wants me.
    These and other thoughts occupied his mind as he rode along the leaf-laden byways of the forest. The green shadows were cool; yellow sunlight struck through open patches in the leafy canopy, dappling the path with dancing light. Durwin savored the solitude of the wood and felt his heart soar like a hawk on an upward draft.
    Just then the air shivered with a startled cry—a sudden, sharp yelp. It hung for a moment and then was cut off. The forest deadened the sound, muffling it so that Durwin could not discern the source. But it seemed to come from somewhere very close at hand.
    He spurred his steed forward, heedless of the branches reaching out for him. There was another shout, closer this time.
    Durwin threw the reins to the side, and the horse careered through the undergrowth. Nettles tore at his legs. He ducked branches and urged the horse to greater speed. He caught a fleeting glimpse of a horse rearing and dark shapes like shadows darting through the wood.
    The next instant he was through the trees and pounding into a wider place in the trail. There before him he saw Toli and Prince Gerin on horseback, with three men in dark clothing around them. The men had short swords and were circling the riders, trying to get at them. Only Riv’s flashing hooves kept these assailants at bay.
    Without thinking, Durwin loosed a shout and dashed forward. The men heard the whoop and turned to see a new threat bearing down on them. The circle broke as one of the foe turned to meet the hermit.
    Before the man could raise his sword, Toli whirled Riv, and the warhorse’s shoulder knocked him to the ground. He yelled as he went down; his two companions bolted and ran, melding back into the forest.
    The man on the ground looked up, fear twisting his begrimed features. He was bleeding from a cut lip. He spat once and then lunged between the horses, gaining his feet as he made for the trail’s edge. He dived into the brake and was gone.
    â€œWho were they?” asked Durwin. He felt his heart racing in his chest.
    â€œI do not know,” answered Toli. “We merely stopped here to choose a direction—they were on us in an instant.”
    â€œAre you sound, young master?” the hermit asked.
    Prince Gerin nodded slowly; his eyes showed white all around.
    â€œWhat do you think they wanted?”
    Toli squinted his eyes in the direction of the fleeing assailants. “That I mean to find out.” He glanced from the prince to Durwin quickly. “Stay with Durwin, young sir. He will look after you. I will be but a moment.”
    The prince seemed about to protest, but shut his mouth and obeyed.
    â€œBe careful, Toli. You have no weapons.”
    â€œReturn to the field at once,” ordered Toli. “I will meet you there directly.”With that he urged Riv forward into the undergrowth after the mysterious men.

9
    S ome wickedness is afoot,” said Durwin quietly. “I feel it. There is evil close about.”
    Prince Gerin peered at the hermit closely. The boy set his jaw and stared ahead grimly. The act reminded Durwin of another who had faced trouble with the same silent resolve. How