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- Cuthbert Renowden of Billerbeck Abbey

CHAPTER NINETEEN:

Blood Spring

The wall of the garden was too high – there was no seeing over it, even while seated on the saddle Tangled vines and bright green rass and flowers groithin Snorts from the stallion came between the churn of earth beneath its hooves, but the wind still threatened with the thunder of horses co down Chalkwell Street The orb directed thearden – a tall door, bound with rusted iron Locked

Colvin slipped off the saddle and handed the reins up to Lia There was a handle, and he pulled on it, but it did not open He put his shoulder to it, but it did not give

"There is a crossbar," heback a pace, he stared up at the wall’s height "We do not have much time This is where the orb directed us?"

"Clearly," she replied, anxious to get out of sight The sound of hooves drew nearer "The wall is tall, but I think we canto cli it behind"

"I did not suggest that," she answered crossly "Then lift her and I will raise the bar fro

"I could probably reach it frouide the horse closer" She offered hi the stallion up to the wall

It stamped and snorted as Lia set foot on the saddle She tucked the orb into the pouch dangling froirdle and cinched it closed Then carefully, she started to stand, struggling to keep her balance and using the wall to help keep froarden, which was divided into several areas with thick hedges, trees, and pools Just beyond the wall, some wide stone steps led down, but she did not think the horse would have difficulty descending the closer!" Colvin warned

He steadied the horse and she planted her hands on the rough vines and then hoisted herself up The ivy vines scratched at her as she swung her legs to the other side, twisted around on her belly, and then hung froracefully on the other side, and quickly raised the crossbar and pushed the door open Yanking the tether, Colvin pulled the stallion after theain, and then they both led it down the broad steps

The sound of the sheriff’sfurther away