Rebellious Angel novel Chapter 9

Short wimpers came from him as he explained the horror. There were bodies everywhere.

Kicking his steed into a gallop down the hill, he halted at the entrance to the keep. The moat was riddled with floating dead bodies. The share horror and bile that crept up his throat of the scene that awaited him in the courtyard. People walked around injured and crying hauling bodies into piles. Dismounting he looked around. The dark crimson robes on the ground in the far corner caught his eye as he ran to the downed mans side.

"My friend, I am here," He cradled Hugh's head in his lap. Looking around at all the bodies looking for Brienna. His heart hurt.

Who could have done this?

"What happened?" He asked. The worry grew into terror.

Hugh coughed and cried out. " They took her, They took her away." His breathing became labored.

Impatiently Gavin looked up and shouted for help to get him some cloth to staunch the bleeding.

"Who? Hugh, Who took Brienna.?" Pressing on his wound to staunch the bleeding with his bare hand.

"Defoe and his men." He whispered.

"Don't worry my friend you will be well, hang on. Don't you die on me," The tight grip Hugh had on his hand slowly began to weaken.

Labored breathing began.

"Please find her Gavin, promise me you will take care of her," He coughed.

"She is the last of the Du'montclief. Tell her I love her. Promise me you will care for her," he begged.

Swallowing hard, he began to close his eyes.

"I will my friend," He promised.

Giving his last breath after hearing Gavin promise, the life went out of his eyes.

And he died.

***************

Slowly standing he turned to see one of his men walk towards him.

"Did you find her?" He asked with a lump in his throat.

'Nay M'lord" He answered.

Turning in circles he looked around at everything. Walking to the outer wall near the entrance he sat on a large rock to cradle his aching head.