Chapter 8 Chapter VII

The sun had already set, and a bright moon hung high in the night sky.They camped by Beech Lake at the foot of Carney Ridge.Oaren noticed Liane shaking and built a fire for her, and Liam spread a cloak on the ground by the fire for her to rest.After dinner, Lauber and Liam took Alex to the lake for a bath.Liane decided to get up and stretch her legs. Before she could stand up completely, Ollen and Stee rushed over to help.They grabbed her left and right elbows and pulled her to her feet. Thank you, both gentlemen. You can call me Steve.said the dark-skinned soldier. I doubt you have figured out our names.Oehlen said.

I remember a few.Lauber and Liam take Alex to the lake.You are Ollen, I don't know the names of the others. My name is Fango.A red-haired soldier stepped forward. My name is Ou Xiang.A burly soldier also leaned over. Liane suddenly felt as if she was surrounded by a six-foot-high human wall.They stared at her like she was a monster that fell from the sky.Have they never met an English woman?Why are they acting so weird at this moment?She has been walking with them all day, no amount of curiosity should be satisfied, right? From the gap between the two soldiers she saw Birdy leaning against a tree with folded arms.He was looking at her too, but unlike the others, there was no smile on his face.She tilted her head slightly to the soldiers surrounding her, hoping Boddy would take her cue, ordering his men to give her room to breathe.But he doesn't seem interested in reaching out.

You hardly had anything for dinner, ma'am.Is it uncomfortable?Ou Xiang asked. You don't have to pretend to be brave in front of us.Steve said. They each said a sentence, and didn't give her a chance to answer at all.Another soldier with a scar on his left cheek also joined in the fun.My name is Keith.He reminded her.In front of us, you can say whatever you want.We are your lord's guards. But he is not my lord.She finally had a chance to speak. Di Liang just heard her when he joined the human wall.He noticed that they were all grinning stupidly, and no one contradicted her words.Ma'am, Duane gave Lian a bag of powder.You'll have to take half of it with water tonight and the other half tomorrow night.

Lian came back from the lake and thrust a glass of liquid into her hand.I have tasted it, madam.It's bitter and smelly, so you might be tempted to drink it all in one gulp. She stared into his blue eyes and asked suspiciously: Lian En, do you want to drug me to stun me? he laughed.No, we all learned from Du Kaiwen, this powder can help you reduce fever. She decided to trust him and drank the potion in one go.She took a deep breath and felt the urge to vomit.It was really hard to drink. Is your arm still hurting? It doesn't hurt anymore.she answered.Excuse me, I want to sit on the rock next to your lord and talk to him.

Fang Ge and Ou Xiang made way immediately, and Qi Si grabbed the cloak on the ground and ran to spread it on the stone for her to sit on.She thanked and sat down. Is there anything else we can do for you?Fango asked. No, thank you for being so kind to me. You don't have to thank us, we're just doing our part, ma'am.Ou Xiang said. Please call me Lianne. No, madam.he said in horror. Yes, he can't.Birdie came and stood in front of her.You stand back. Several soldiers took turns bowing to her and leaving.As she watched them go, she gathered her thoughts, because she knew it was time for her to elaborate on what had happened.She straightened her shoulders and waited for Birdie to tell her to begin.Di Liang continued to stand beside her with his arms folded.

How did you and Alex get together?Boddy asked. This thing has to start a long time ago.I have a sister named Li Ting. When we were very young, our home was attacked and my father was killed.Liane clasped her hands and began to describe what happened that night.The story of Anna's Box and King John's struggle to find the murderer intrigued Boddy, but he didn't ask, but nodded when she hesitated, urging her to continue. The person who finds the treasure box first will get a big reward.The baron's motives are pure greed, but I don't think he's sure that the box was taken out of England by Litine, or he would have redoubled his efforts to find her.The Baron had been approached by a Highlander a month ago.He told the baron that he could tell him where Litine was, but in exchange.

What conditions?Boddy asked. Taking Lord Lacey's brother from the ceremony as bait for Lacey's death, he wants to get rid of both of them. Di Liang couldn't keep silent.But it was Mai Yali who was captured. Yes, they caught the wrong guy.Then she began to answer a series of questions from them. So how did you get involved in this, Leanne?Boddy asked. The Baron wants me to find my sister and the treasure box and bring them back to him before the Harvest Festival. What if you don't get the job done? My Uncle Morken was doomed.She burst into sobs, but immediately forced herself to calm down.Uncle Moken took me in, raised me, and treated me like his own.I love him and will protect him no matter what.

Is the Baron related to you? No. What was the name of the highlander with whom the Baron was negotiating terms? I have no idea. Really?The Baron or his friends must have mentioned it.he said dejectedly. Why should I lie?To protect a traitor? But you saw him, right?Boddy asked.Alex said you saw him from the hillside. She nods.right. Will you recognize him when you see him again?Di Liang asked. Can.She was so tired that she could barely lift her head.You know why he came back to Denham, don't you? Informing the baron that he had arrested the wrong person, Di Liang replied.Alex will be killed then.But why did the baron beat you?

Men who hit women are cowards, and cowards don't need to find reasons to justify their actions.Bodie said angrily. Our first escape failed, and the Baron wanted to punish Alex and me.she says. Alex said you use your body to protect him.Di Liang said.That's very brave, ma'am. She dismisses it.I'm not brave, I'm afraid they'll kill him.I've never been so scared in my life. Bo Di and Di Liang exchanged a look.Who did it?Is it the baron or his friend?Boddy asked. baron. Alex said there was another man who beat you too, is that true?Boddy's low voice was menacing.

I do not remember. No, you remember.he said fiercely.tell me. Startled by his tone, she straightened her back.It was actually a friend of his.But I don't see why you have to know it's over. No, things are just getting started.he said softly. A tough warrior with the heart of a gentleman beating beneath his skin.Liane is amazed and amusing by the realization that Birdy clearly wants to care for her but doesn't know where to start.When he said he was done asking, she stood up hastily lest he change his mind.She turned to leave, but her feet were caught by the cloak, and she staggered and fell into his arms.He grabbed her shoulders to help her up, but he didn't let go after she stood still, but put his arms around her shoulders as a matter of course.She tried to shake him off with a clever shrug, but it didn't work, so she looked up and told him to let go.He was waiting for her, and the pity and tenderness in his eyes made her heart beat faster and her legs go weak.

Did he know the effect he had on her?His warmth made her want to snuggle up to him.She was fascinated by his handsome rough face, deep voice, even the way he walked with his toes, and his muscular thighs. She put aside the idea that it was inappropriate, she shouldn't notice that kind of thing.But she had never seen a man like him, nor had she had this kind of reaction.With him, she no longer felt vulnerable and insecure.Birdie seemed to be the kind of person who was not afraid of anything, and she wished she had a tenth of his arrogance and self-confidence. She looked at him and smiled unconsciously.It was strange to say that she had known him for less than a day, but she felt as if they had been together for many years.They walked toward the lake side by side like old friends; but she guessed also like lovers, full of anticipation of possible developments.The effect he had on her was really strange, he made her feel less alone.Will he help her slay demons?No, she couldn't and wouldn't drag him into her wars.She understands her responsibilities.She had to fight the demon alone, and if she failed, Alex, barefoot and bare-breasted, dragged a branch from not far away, and his laughter echoed in the forest. He would be too excited to sleep.Liane said. He will sleep soundly.Boddy retorted. He didn't let her go until he reached the lake.Do you need help? I'll do it myself, thank you. Keep your arms out of the water.He reminded, turning and walking towards the camp. Wait a moment. He turned to face her.What's up? You and she stopped suddenly, bowed their heads, and clasped their hands in prayer. He took a step forward, feeling that she looked weak and charming at the moment.how?he asked. Thank you for making me feel safe. He didn't know how to answer, and finally nodded hurriedly and walked away. Liane could see that she had taken him by surprise, but was happy to tell him how she felt. She got caught trying to pull the top over her head and hit her arm.She couldn't help crying and collapsed from exhaustion.But halfway through, she felt two strong arms pulling her up.She couldn't see because her face was hidden by the clothes, but she knew it was Burdy who came to the rescue. Take it off or put it on?he asked gruffly. She nodded.He didn't understand what that meant, so he took it upon himself to undress her and throw it on the grass.He lifted her chin, saw her tears, and pulled her into his arms.Cry as much as you want, no one's here. She wiped her tears with his cloak.but you are.she said pitifully. He continued to hold her and waited for her to calm down.Are you feeling better? Much better, thanks. She couldn't believe what she did next.She stood on tiptoe, put her arms around his neck, and kissed his lips.It's just scratching the surface, but it's still a kiss.When she came back to her senses, pulled away, and mustered up the courage to look at him, there was a strange and incomprehensible expression on his face. Bodie knew she couldn't help regretting him, but as he gazed into her bright green eyes, he also knew with horror that his life had just been irrevocably changed by this little woman. Petrified by her audacity, she backed away slowly.I don't know what happened to me just now.She muttered. When the matter was over he shook his head, then turned abruptly and walked away. She wanted to run after him and ask him what he wanted to say, but then changed her mind.Birdie would say it when he wanted her to know.Besides, she was pretty sure she knew what he was thinking.She's going back to England soon, and it's silly to be emotionally involved.But oh my!Why did she kiss him?Is it insanity, stupid impulse, or just a moment of curiosity?She had enough trouble, no need for this to complicate matters.Maybe she should pretend it never happened. When she returned to the camp after taking a shower, the Buzi people who had gathered to chat immediately fell silent when they saw her.The sudden silence disturbed her, and she dared not look at Birdie, lest she should blush and arouse the curiosity of others.She had her head down on the other side of the clearing preparing her bed for bed, but could feel their eyes on her.Alex drew circles on the ground with his branch. Alex, it's time to sleep.she shouted. I want to sleep with boys, is that okay? Can.she answered.Good night then. She lay down with her back to the soldiers, thinking that she would not be able to fall asleep in front of everyone, but she fell asleep quickly due to exhaustion. The boys continued talking, but kept their voices down so as not to disturb her.Birdie couldn't help but keep looking at her, wondering if she had enough blankets or something silly like that.It was windy, dark clouds covered the moon, thunder rumbled in the distance, and the air was damp and stuffy. The darker the night, the more restless Alex became.Lauber put out the fire, and the camp was dark.Alex grabbed the blanket, stood up in a panic, and said without thinking: I'm going to sleep with Lian. Why?Birdie asked, wondering if Alex would admit to being afraid of the dark. Because she gets scared in the middle of the night.Without waiting for Birdie's consent, he dragged the blanket across the clearing and spread it next to Liane.He carefully placed the branch within reach, yawned, and curled up behind her. Liane was awakened by a shrill howl in her deep sleep.She was familiar with that eerie scream.Alex had another nightmare, and she quickly rolled over and took the little boy into her arms to comfort him.The fear subsides, and the howling turns to whimpering.She continued to stroke him until his breathing evened out.An hour later, she was awakened by howling again, and she once again comforted Alex to sleep. She woke up again before dawn, but this time for a completely different reason.She found herself lying on her back with pain and numbness in her straightened left arm.She turned to see Alex using her bandages as a pillow.She carefully moved her arms to her side, only then did she notice something pressing on her belly.A heavy hand that doesn't belong to her.In a trance, she narrowed her eyes and stared at it for a few seconds, then slowly moved her gaze, along the wrist to the strong arm, and then to the broad shoulders.She blinks.God!She slept with Birdy.She slowly sat up and looked around, and suddenly found that she was sleeping in the center of the circle surrounded by Brinell's soldiers.She didn't understand how they could sleep like that, much less how she could sleep in Birdie's arms.She tried to figure it out, but she was too sleepy to keep her eyes open, so she lay down again, put her head on Boddy's shoulder, put her hand on his chest, and went on sleeping. For the first time in a long time she felt safe.God bless, the nightmare did not haunt her again. Birdy wakes Leanne an hour after dawn.He would have liked her to sleep a little longer, but they had to drive through unfriendly territory today.She went to the lake to wash up quickly, and pulled out a ribbon from the bag, but she couldn't tie her hair with one hand.Everyone was waiting for her when she got back to camp.She had no appetite, but managed to eat the breakfast that Lian Ensai gave her. Liam, could you please use this ribbon to tie my hair up? His horrified expression shut her up.Is that inappropriate? yes ma'am.Only your lord can touch your hair. It was her lord again.She found that the Buchnerians were extremely stubborn, and no matter what method they used, they couldn't change their thoughts.But they're also kind and upright, and they're so protective of her and Alex that they don't lose her patience no matter what they do.forget about it.she says. She turned her head and saw Buddy walking towards her leading the horse, and she ran to ask him for help.He also looked surprised, but took the ribbon without saying a word.She turned her back on him and brushed her hair with her right hand.He pushed her hand away, tugged at her hair like a horse's tail, and roughly tied the ribbon in a knot.That guy has hands and feet like a bear, she thought.Maybe he was pulling her hair on purpose because she asked him to do what women do, but she holds back a smile and thanks again and again. Can you make it to Lord Shinresi's territory before dark? No.He lifted her onto the horse first, and then got on the horse himself.We're going to Max's territory. She bumped his chin as she turned her head.To warn Lacey that he and his brother are in danger before sending Alex home. no. OK. He was amazed that she had the audacity to contradict him.No woman had ever dared to argue with him, so he wasn't sure what to do next.Didn't she understand his position of power? You're from England, so I won't argue with you this time.He said.I know you don't understand and you shouldn't argue with me, so I'll explain it to you.Don't argue with me. that's all?she asked in disbelief.Don't argue with me is your explanation for why I shouldn't argue with you? do you want to make me angry of course not. Thinking she knew he wouldn't waste precious time arguing with her about his decision, Birdie turned to call out to Di Liang, but she put her hand on his chest to get his full attention.I must warn Lord Sin.She insisted in a low voice. He turned his head slightly to look at her.do you know him?Have you met Lacey? She couldn't understand why he was suddenly tense and irritable.I've never met him, but know a lot about him. He raised an eyebrow.What things? Ignoring his harsh voice, she said: I know he rules the Xin family, and he is their new lord. Her fingertips moved slowly across his chest, distracting him.He didn't know if her actions were inadvertent or deliberate.Did she think he would be swayed by sweet words and tender caresses?It's ridiculous.Those who know him well know that once he makes up his mind, he will not change. I made some guesses about him.she continued.Only a very strong fighter can be a lord, I guess he is almost as strong as you. He relaxes.almost.he said haughtily. She almost couldn't help laughing.I also knew that Lacey had a brother who was around Alex's age.Every child deserves to be protected, and Michael is no exception. Boddy wants to send her and Alex to the Max's territory first, and then warn Lacey after they are safe.But she also had a point, and he had to reevaluate his decision.I'll send Di Liang and two men to warn Lacey, but the rest of us are going to Ma's Land.Are you satisfied with this? Satisfied, thank you. He grabbed her hand to stop her from touching him.Don't argue with me again. Leanne decides to let her agree.Listen to respect. Di Liang was ordered to take Ou Xiang and Fang Ge to Xin's territory.Others continue on to their destination.Keith and Stee broke away during the lunch break, and returned an hour later triumphantly leading an energetic gray horse.Liane fell in love with the horse immediately, but refused to ride it when she learned that they had no intention of returning the stolen horse after the fact. The owner of the horse would be honored that the Bruins picked his horse to steal, do you want us to insult him?History asked. Of course not, but don't think I'll believe it time to go.Bodie ordered, and put her on the horse.You can ride a horse, right? She decided to treat her as her own.Rides better than you, lord.she said with a wide smile. He shook his head.I don't like arrogant women. Then you will never like me because I am so arrogant.Even Uncle Morken said that was my biggest flaw. No, arrogance is not your biggest flaw. Unexpectedly, he reached out and grabbed her by the scruff of the neck, pulling her roughly towards him.Before she could blink, or put away her smile, he had already sealed her mouth with a domineering kiss.He kissed her breathlessly.The tip of his tongue caressed hers, bringing joy she had never experienced before.She felt guilty for that pleasure, but didn't care because she just wanted to kiss him back just as passionately. When she tried to wrap her arms around his neck to get closer to him, he ended the kiss so abruptly that she nearly fell off her horse.Fortunately, he caught her in time, and the passionate kiss didn't seem to affect him at all.She heard Alex giggle and click his tongue. You can't kiss me like that again, Birdie.she whispered hoarsely. He laughed and got on his horse, leading the team to set off. After a long day's driving, Alex and she were both exhausted, and went straight to bed after dinner.They were both in deep sleep, and if Alex was having nightmares, she didn't remember comforting him.When she woke up before dawn, she found herself sleeping in Birdy's arms again, and she closed her eyes contentedly and continued to sleep.In order to allow Alex to sleep for a while, they set off very late the next day, but they drove non-stop until the afternoon before resting. Alex was no longer as nervous as before, but he still refused to let her out of his sight.She had to order him to sit with Keith when she needed a few minutes of privacy.As soon as she came back, he immediately ran over and held her hand tightly.The poor child seemed relieved to see her. I'm not going away, Alex. Uncle Birdie says we're almost home. Does the scenery here look familiar? No.He admits.Leanne, can you give me a ride? Don't you like Lauper driving you? He wouldn't let me talk even when it was safe. I can give you a ride. But you'll have to ask Boddy if you can give me a ride. OK, I'm going to ask him now. She walked over to the absent-minded Birdy.Buddy, how far is it to Ali's hometown? two hours. Can I drive Alex? Lauber would just give him a ride. But Lauber wouldn't talk to him. He said angrily: My soldiers have more important things on their minds. How do children understand this. he sighed.Well, you can drive him.Are kids his age so talkative? I don't know, I've never been with small children before. You have a kind heart, Leanne.he said abruptly, turning to his horse. She lifted the hem of her skirt and walked quickly to her horse, but she couldn't get on the horse with one hand after two attempts, so she had to ask Birdie for help.He rode close, bent and threw her onto the horse's back.Lauber lifted Alex into her lap, and turned to his horse. Body?She lowered her voice so that no one else could hear. What's up? You told me that arrogance is not my biggest flaw, so do you think I have any other flaws? He had been wondering how long it would be before she asked that question, and he suppressed a smile.You have many shortcomings.He swears there was a gleam of anger in her green eyes as she held her head up.She was rather easily offended, but he found that flaw rather endearing.But you once had one flaw that overshadowed the rest. once?she asked.Do I no longer have that shortcoming? Yes. What is that terrible shortcoming?she asked angrily. He grinned.You used to be from England.