The Pirate and the Amber Cat 36

Chapter 36

Suili meets her ransom.

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Suili took the gray horse into the dark woods at a pace far too fast for the thick trees. She urged the horse on quicker, pulling the cape hood tight around her face with one hand. She wouldn't be able to explain to Juriz the next morning any small, stinging scratches from the tree branches.

She knew Maren wouldn't take Juriz's orders to the gatehouse personally. He would want to be present for Ros Domici's mind-numbing account of nearly every aspect of Ullira's military history. A messenger would be sent with the order and he would take the longer path by the moat. Her course was shorter, but also fraught with trees, fallen logs, and boulders.

As she topped the slope, she could see another figure moving along the moat path. She took a deep breath and sent her horse hurriedly down the grade.

She had developed very little plan of action. She carried no weapon, and doubted any of the guards positioned at such a remote station would recognize her as mistress of the house. Perhaps that was an advantage. On impulse, she pulled off the family signet ring from her finger and tucked it into her boot.

When she arrived at the slope above the circular stone gatehouse, her heart sank. The figure on horseback was moving back down the path to the main house, his orders delivered. She wasn't sure if this was good or bad. Bribery was inevitable, and at least now she need not bribe the messenger also.

As she picked her way through the trees to the gatehouse, a stunted cry met her ears. She heeled the gray horse into a short gallop and reined him in abruptly as they reached the house. She was off his bare back before the horse stopped, and pounded loudly on the heavy door.

It opened after a brief pause and a burly man's eyes narrowed when he saw her.

"Gilreath isn't working this shift," he barked. "Come back tomorrow."

She wedged herself in the doorway as he tried to shut it. She squeezed through, confronting his look of disbelief. "I came to make a deal with you."