THIRTY-TWO
Hoofbeats, in a hurry. Chase reluctantly released Rosa, and took up a defensive position before her. He might only have a bow, but he could kill the horse and its rider before either reached Rosa. He had some honour left, after all.
The rider galloped into view, then pulled the horse to a stop, hard. "Sir Chase!" the man shouted, sliding to the ground. "We all thought you must be dead!"
Alard, the Baron's son. Chase lowered his bow. "Only thanks to Mistress Rosa here, and the good fortune that wolves prefer horseflesh to mine."
"Well, thank God for that, then, eh? Though you must be quick if you mean to kill the beast. I have sent out my men to scour the forest for it. After it attacked again..."
Rosa ducked out from behind Chase. "Who did you send? And who was attacked?"
