Willow
The abbey lay on the hip of the curving road. I followed the path, hurrying to be sure I reached its large oak doors before the bell tolled for evening prayers. Whenever the friar sent me on an errand to the village, he gave me strict warnings to return before sunset. Tonight, I hurried not only to escape his punishment, but to outrun the almost-full moon. I needed to be hidden well away before it rose and brought the sickness upon me.
Lost in my thoughts, I startled when a shadow fell across my path.
“Good evening,” a deep voice murmured, right at my back. I let out a shriek and dropped my basket.
Two large men stood on the edge of the path. Warriors, though they bore no weapons I could see. Both massive, with broad shoulders and great muscled arms, but, somehow, I hadn’t notic
