Blaze (20 page)

"Thank you." Melody nodded. "Considering we have no money since Blaze paid my fine with his and the raiders stole mine along with my sword."

Blaze nearly winced as her eyes bore into his in the most accusing manner. "My love, you're lucky to have escaped with your life. And you got your horse back."

“It's a good thing. She's the best horse I ever had."

"Would you accompany me on a walk through the village, Mad Melody?"

"Of course, Preston. There's work to be done."

Desire coursed through Blaze as she stood and slipped her arm through his. The expression in her eyes, made his heart pound and his cock twitch, but he fought to control his lust. The last thing he needed was to walk around town with a massive erection while escorting the woman who was supposed to be his patient from a madhouse.

They left the cottage and began strolling around the village.

Melody glanced at Blaze, longing to throw her arms around him in spite of her irritation at the morning's problems.

Suddenly she broke into laughter.

He turned to her. "What?"

"I've certainly wasted no time in making up for the ten quiet years I spent on the island."

He grinned. "That's true enough."

As they walked, making careful note of their surroundings so they could later draw a map for the rescue, Melody noted the way people stared at them. Fear and curiosity mingled on their faces. No one spoke, however. She couldn't decide whether it was out of terror of the Black Raiders or fear of her reputation as a madhouse escapee.

Walking beside Blaze without kissing and embracing him was pure torture. By the glances he cast in her direction every now and then, she knew he felt the same. She could scarcely wait to make love with him again, to feel his warm, sinewy body against hers. She almost wished they weren't spending the night with his mother and sister. At least then they might steal a few moments to sate the passion burning between them.

On the outskirts of the village, away from everyone but the watchful eyes of the guards posted at the main gate, Melody whispered to Blaze, "I have the feeling when we leave this place, we're going to be followed."

"Most likely. They'll want to know if I was telling the truth about Sophianna."

"If we go to Rubyshire or Femmeglenn, they'll report back that we're warning the Knights. Or they might try to kill us before we get there. At least that will give us an excuse to fight."

"It will also rouse suspicion if more of their guards are defeated by us. No. We'll go to the madhouse at Sophianna."

She cast him a sidelong glance. "I know you must have a plan."

"Several years ago when Honey Wine took over leadership of Sophianna, the first thing she did was eliminate the brutal Entertainment in which male slaves fought to the death. The second thing she did was clean up the madhouse and place a Knight in charge of it. That Knight is Sir Raven, one of my faction."

"Then he can spread the word to our Orders." Melody grinned. "Excellent plan."

He smiled. "Glad you think so."

"Tell me," Melody held his gaze, "did you have anything to do with Honey Wine cleaning up the madhouse?"

"The stories of my experiences in Vivondra touched her. She always does what's best for her people."

"She seems like a good woman."

"Yes. She is. There is no better match for Torn."

They were distracted by three guards on horseback galloping out of the main gate.

"Perhaps we should return before we arouse suspicion?" Blaze suggested.

"Good idea. By the way, I am angry about my sword."

"I don't blame you."

"That's all you're going to say?"

"You may have mine."

Melody's brow furrowed. "What are you going to use?"

Drawing a deep breath, he held her gaze. She noted the restless look was gone from his eyes, replaced by the calm strength she loved so much. "I've come to realize that a sword won't win my battles, especially the ones that rage inside me. A few nights ago, I fought a thief. I wanted that fight, but when it was over, I felt no better. No more powerful. Not in the least fulfilled. This morning when I helped the children, that's when I felt complete. Years ago I took a vow never to pick up a weapon. I broke it, and I'll spend the rest of my life regretting it, but I can't run away from who I am. I am a Knight and a man. No more. No less."

Melody warmed inside. For a while she had been afraid of losing the man she adored, not to violence, but to his own guilt.

"I love you, Blaze," she whispered.

"No man could dream a more perfect companion." He gazed at her. "If only I could kiss you right now, sweet Melody."

"I intend to claim that kiss as soon as possible."

"There will be much more than a kiss, my love. That I promise."

When they reached Aura's cottage, Mercy awaited them with news.

"Tomorrow morning at dawn I've arranged a meeting with those interested in rebellion," the girl said. "I'm afraid our numbers are few. I only approached the people I trust."

"It's best to use caution," Blaze agreed. "After we meet, Melody and I will be on our way."

"You will return, though?"

"Of course." Melody rested a hand on the girl's shoulder. She admired Blaze's sister for having such passion for life and the willingness to take risks against insurmountable odds. In a few years, Melody believed she would make a fine apprentice for the Opal Order, providing her interest in joining remained. At such a young age, many goals were often mere fantasies.

Aura joined them. "It's getting late. I suggest we have something to eat and then get some sleep.

We've an early day tomorrow."

Melody couldn't agree more. The thought of a meal and lying by the fire with Blaze was more than appealing.

Chapter Eleven

Melody sighed, gazing at the dying embers in the fireplace. The night was cool, but Blaze's body warmed hers where they lay in front of the hearth.

Turning, she was surprised to find him staring a her, desire glistening in his eyes.

"I thought you were asleep," she whispered.

He shook his head and stroked a wisp of hair from her face. "My mind is too full of one thought."

"The raiders?"

A sheepish smile touched hips. "Well, two thoughts. I can hardly wait to be alone with you, Melody. It seems selfish to be thinking of pleasure when we're about to get into another battle."

"I can't help thinking about you, either." She edged closer. Beneath the blanket, their legs entwined.

"Just one kiss." He cupped her cheek and touched his mouth to hers.

Melody sighed with pleasure and entangled her fingers in his hair. His lips felt moist and soft as they moved sensuously against hers. Tenderly, he used his tongue to part her lips. Her tongue met it with long, wet strokes that kindled a fire deep in her pussy.

"Blaze," she panted, breaking the kiss. "This is almost too hard to endure."

Her palms splayed against his chest, feeling his heartbeat. An amused and passionate gleam shone in his eyes and he edged closer, his cock nudging her belly. He whispered close to her ear so that his

breath and beard tickled her. "It is hard, but I'll just have to live with it for tonight."

"Goodnight, Blaze." She grinned and rolled onto her side.

Desire rippled through her when he tugged her against his chest, his erection wedged between her back and his belly.

Tucking his face into the hollow of her neck, he sighed. "Goodnight, sweet Melody."

It was sure to be a good night, though sleepless from unfulfilled passion.

* * *

Dawn broke just as Blaze and Melody arrived at the blacksmith's stable in Vivondra square. A handful of people, including Aura and Mercy, assembled outside one of the stalls. The rebels included the blacksmith who looked to be Blaze's age, two young men, little more than boys, an

elderly man and woman, and two young women.

"Mercy told us you wanted to meet with us about stopping the raiders," said the Blacksmith. "She claims you have connections to the Knights of the Ruby Order."

"I do," Blaze stated. "I am a Knight."

The group looked skeptical.

"Where's your uniform?" asked one of the women.

"He don't need a uniform to be a Knight," the elderly man said, then pointed at Melody. "She's wearing a Dame's uniform and she's nothing but a madwoman."

"No." Melody folded her arms beneath her breasts, an amused expression on her face. "I am a Dame."

"See," one of the young men glanced at the other. "Told you she was a warrior. No untrained female could fight off a raider."

"Suppose you are telling the truth." The blacksmith stared hard at Blaze. "Even if you could reach your Order, the raiders have sworn to turn on us if they're attacked from the outside. One way or

the other, we lose."

"If you believe that, then you wouldn't be talking rebellion." Blaze glanced at each member of the assembly. "Keeping you and the other villagers safe is my top priority as a Knight. My Order will

find a way to infiltrate this village and fight from within. What I want to know is are you willing to do your part when that happens?"

Everyone exchanged glances. Blaze waited with some anticipation, though he had dealt with enough rebels to know what their final answer would be. If they were angry enough to discuss fighting back, then they would take the opportunity to do so now that it had arrived.

"It will be dangerous," Melody stated. "But so is living under the Black Raiders’ command."

Mercy stepped forward. "They have no right to be here. I will do whatever is necessary to drive them off."

Drawing a deep breath, Aura joined her daughter. "So will I."

"You have my promise." The Blacksmith extended his hand to Blaze. "And my thanks, regardless of how this turns out."

Blaze took the man's hand. "I give you my word that the Knights will do everything in their power to free you with as little bloodshed as possible."

"As will the Dames," Melody added.

The rest of the small group also agreed to do their part. Once the rebels had separated, Blaze and Melody readied their horses to head for Sophianna.

"Be safe." Aura embraced Blaze tightly. She held his gaze and smiled. "I wasn't much of a mother, but I'm very proud of you."

He smiled slightly and kissed her cheek. Oddly enough, her words warmed him. "That means more than you probably know."

"Be careful." Mercy embraced first Blaze, then Melody. She handed each of them a small bundle.

"Some food for the journey."

"Food?" Blaze's stomach was already grumbling, though they had eaten the morning meal only a short time ago.

"I'll carry it, or it will probably be gone before noon." Melody snatched his bundle and placed it with hers in her saddle pack. She glanced at Mercy and Aura. "If we're going to be in-laws, I feel it my duty to warn you about his appetite."

Aura's brow furrowed as she glanced in Blaze's direction. "But he's so lean."

"Believe me, he finds ways to burn it off." Melody mounted her horse, a wicked gleam in her eyes.

Blaze felt heat rise in his face. "I train often."

Together, he and Melody left the stable.

Once they left the village gate, Blaze glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "I find ways to burn it off?"

"You do have a tremendous appetite in every direction."

"When we stop for the night, I hope you won't be too tired to feed me, then." He wiggled his eyebrows.

"I'm sure I'll be more than ready. This weapon is fine." She touched a hand to his sword sheathed against her back. He had given it to her the previous night, as promised. "But you have another sword that fits a more sensitive sheath."

Her lusty words stirred his cock so much that he had to adjust his seat in the saddle. Only a few days without her and he was ready to burst with passion. Rather than focus on the slowly approaching night, he turned his thoughts to the Black Raiders.

Those rotten thieves would be no match for the Knights, but the trick would be getting close enough to fight without harming the villagers. He would need Torn and his spy faction to plan the infiltration.

Blaze cast Melody an affectionate glance. "It just occurred to me that I never thanked you for coming after me."

A smile spread across her lovely lips. "I knew your manners would return eventually."

"Thank you, Sweet Music."

"You haven't called me that since the spirits left you."

"I don't know if they'll ever return, but I'll be forever grateful for what they have given me."

"I love you, Blaze."

"I love you, too, Sweet Music."

* * *

Thunder rumbled and lightning illuminated the field. Rain soaked Melody and Blaze to their skin.