The Warrior's Maiden Quotes

“the arm and pulled her along with him until she ran once more. That one so crude might manhandle her indicated that the woman was of no consequence. This startled Josce, for there was something of command in her bearing. He watched them round the corner onto a nearby lane and disappear behind a row of narrow two- and three-storey homes, regretting he could no longer see her. Beside him Lady Haydon’s mare stumbled a little on the rutted street. Josce’s stepmother made a quiet startled sound and clutched more tightly at her reins. No great rider was Beatrice of Haydon. He studied her. Afternoon light streamed through her hat brim’s open weave to reveal the dark rings beneath her eyes. Her flesh sagged from her cheekbones. Her linen riding attire,”
― Denise Domning, The Warrior's Maiden

“Elianne du Hommet ran, her soldier-escort panting at her heels. Beneath awnings raised against the day’s unusual heat, Knabwell’s startled merchants left off their haggling to stare after the sheriff’s grown daughter. Tethered chickens squawked and flapped out of her way. Stubblefed geese, an autumn delicacy, hissed from their wicker carriers. Elianne’s companion collided with an unfortunate housewife, spilling the contents of the hapless woman’s basket. "The lord sheriff’s business," he shouted by way of apology to the townswoman as he sprinted to catch his charge. Together they flew out onto the higher of Knabwell’s two cobbled thoroughfares. The soldier shot a look toward the city’s southern gate. "Jesus save us! That’s Haydon’s party," he cried. "Hurry! He wants you at the priory before they arrive." Elianne threw a glance over her shoulder.”
― Denise Domning, The Warrior's Maiden