"I'm the Red Knight of White Tree Sound. I rule all of this." He motions to the forest beyond the bridge. "I would like to invite you into my lands and home."
I really hope Prince Charming has a castle. It figures I have to go to a fictional world to find the perfect man.
"I think I'll stay here," I reply. "In case I can go home."
His eyebrows lift. "Home is Black Moon Draw?"
"Oh, god, no. Never. From what I know of that place, it's hell."
His brow is furrowed.
I swallow hard. I'm not going to cry, at least, not until I'm fully convinced this isn't a dream or psychotic break.
"I would encourage you to cross the bridge," he says. "Before the Shadow Knight comes to claim you. We are in need of a battle-witch. You will be safe and protected."
"Battle-witch?" I'm thinking hard through my headache to recall what LF wrote about the mysterious women that the warriors of this world believed could predict and influence the outcome of battles.
"Every knight-ruler in the realm has heard of your coming. The last great battle-witch," he replies. "Come. We have food and clothing to warm you."
It's kind of hard to say no. Jason definitely wasn't a looker and I've never had a man this handsome give me the time of day. While I know nothing of his little kingdom, I do know that I don't want to be here when the violent Shadow Knight shows up.
Getting to my feet, I make my way through the grasses to the stone path leading across the bridge. I pull on the medallion Panther-man gave me, just in case.
Just in case WHAT? I wake up in a different book? Get lost in the forest?
Nothing is making sense right now, except that I'm definitely hungry and could use a blanket or warmer clothing.
"No tricks? I'll be safe?" I ask, pausing at the foot of the bridge.
"You have my word," the Red Knight responds quickly.
Why not? Maybe this man is the elusive Hero I hadn't yet discovered in LF's book. Or maybe he's the Red Herring meant to lead me astray or the Betrayer . . . How the hell do I figure it out?
The panic bubbling within me makes my head pound worse. Whatever I think of the Red Knight, I at least know the Shadow Knight will probably behead me if he finds me.
I walk and join the Red Knight in the middle of the bridge, pausing to gaze up at him. My god - he's utterly beautiful.
"You will need new robes," he observes, gaze lingering on my breasts. "You are in the correct color, but not the correct cloth."