“Why, nothing.” She lifted her face from her hands to gaze at him in shock. Did he truly not understand? “I stay in the village because I am commanded to, not because the children need me to.”
“Well, that solves it then,” he stated shortly and strode forwards, taking a moment to slide his sword into the saddlebag attached to Button’s side. As he approached Summer, he scooped her up and threw her over his shoulder, before settling her down on the horse. “Laurence? Would you be so good as to gather up your sister’s belongings while I ensure that she doesn’t escape?”
“Wh—no!” Summer yelped when he tossed her over his shoulder, breath knocked out of her. “No, what are you doing? Put me down!”
Laurence, his grin wide and mischievous, darted off into one of the cottages, a few moments later emerging with a bundle of clothing a little else. He handed it up to Sir Isaac, saying solemnly, “I’ll tell everyone.”
“Laurence!” she gasped.
“Don’t worry. I put your comb and spoon, and I remembered to put your necklace.” The boy nodded very seriously, the smile falling away.