Her Knight's Quest: A Warriors of the Mist Novel Page 20

  He slid his fists off the table, his knuckles white with fury. He preferred not to let the others see how strongly the threat to Merewen affected him. Better to let them go on thinking he and his men were a group of mercenaries she hired to regain control of her family’s lands.

  Eventually they would learn that Gideon shared her bed; he’d deal with that when the time came. For now, he wanted to keep everyone’s attention focused on the inevitable confrontation with Keirthan. The duke might not be ready to strike, but the battle was coming. Nothing would stop Keirthan’s predations except his death.

  Gideon meant to make sure the bastard was rotting in his grave before the Damned were called back to the river, even if he had to dig the hole himself.

  Gilford spoke again. “I have lost more than just people. I raise sheep, large numbers of them. This time of year, the shepherds keep the flocks up in the high valleys where the grazing is good.”

  He cracked his knuckles, the snap of the bones echoing in the brief silence while everyone waited for him to continue.

  “One of my men rode all the way back down to the keep to tell me wild stories about finding four or five, even as many as eight of my prime stock dead. Not a mark on them. He said it was as if they’d fallen over right where they stood.”

  Gideon nodded. “Lady Merewen has lost horses in the same manner. All I can tell you is that the weapon is a bright light, like lightning thrown as one would throw a rock.”

  Then he pointed toward Scim on the perch behind him. “We didn’t see the attack on the horses, but that was what happened when my gyrfalcon was attacked shortly after we arrived.”

  “Yet your bird lives.” Gilford leaned to the side to get a better view of Scim. “Why didn’t he die?”

  Gideon shuddered at the memory, not caring if the men around him saw it as a weakness. They had no idea about the powerful bond between him and the falcon. “He almost did. All we can think was that Duke Keirthan hadn’t yet developed complete control of his weapon, and it wasn’t up to full strength.”

  It was time to press the small advantage this new turn in the conversation gave him. “If Keirthan can kill your livestock from a distance and take your people without your knowing it, how long before he comes after one of you? Or your women and children?”

  Sir Gable poured himself another flagon of Merewen’s finest wine. “We have only your word that Keirthan wanted to take Lady Merewen. Perhaps she claimed that as an excuse to overturn the duke’s order that rightfully gave Lord Fagan control of this estate as the eldest male. We all know that managing a family’s fortunes is a man’s duty. Women simply don’t have the mind for it.”

  Murdoch’s grip tightened on his drink, as if he were fighting the understandable urge to break something over Gable’s thick head. Before Gideon could think of a suitable reply—one that didn’t involve blood and pain—another voice joined in.

  “Why, Sir Gable, I’ll remember that next time you’re in need of a new mount for your wife. It’s obvious that you no longer have faith in my ability to ensure my horses continue to breed strong and true. That’s truly a shame.”

  The chill in her words was enough to shrivel more than a man’s pride. Gideon sincerely hoped Merewen never aimed that particular smile in his direction. She took the empty seat next to him as she continued.

  “Please give Lady Gable my kind regards and my regrets. I’m sure she’ll understand why you couldn’t purchase that dappled gray she’s been admiring so much.”

  By that point, Gable looked as if the dappled gray had just stomped all over him. It didn’t help that several of the other men started laughing. Sir Gilford actually raised his cup in salute.

  “Well played, Lady Merewen, but please consider how reluctant he’ll be to return home without the mare. You might have mercy on him.”

  He smiled in Gable’s direction, making it clear there was little love lost between the two men. “For a substantial price.”

  “I’ll take your advice into consideration, Sir Gilford.”

  Then Merewen took her own measure of the men who had gathered at her request. “None of us wants war, least of all me. I have already lost men, ones who were loyal to both my father and me, in the fight to regain control of the keep. That night, Fagan’s captain set fire to the stable when it was full of horses.”

  There was an audible gasp from around the table. “What kind of fiend would do such a thing?”

  “The kind my uncle surrounded himself with.”

  Her voice was choked thick with the remembered horrors of that night. Gideon picked up where she’d left off.

  “Fagan returned a week later with a force of the duke’s men riding with him. I have fought more battles than any of you can dream of, but I have never seen the like of those men. They fought in total silence, never talking, not even to scream when stricken with the most dire of wounds.”

  Murdoch spoke for the first time. “If your ruler doesn’t hesitate ensnaring his own men with blood magic, what do you think he would do to an enemy?”

  Those words hung over the gathering as if written in the air for all to read. It was time to let the men discuss the matter alone. Either they would join the Damned or they wouldn’t. Once Gideon knew which it would be, he’d be able to make plans.

  “Gentlemen, we have given you much to consider. Sir Murdoch and I will withdraw now to allow you freedom to discuss the matter without our interference.”

  He rose to his feet and offered his arm to Merewen. She started to accept, but Gilford stopped her. “My lady, I would appreciate it if you would stay. We may have questions that only you can answer.”

  As he spoke, he gave her a pointed look before turning his gaze to Gideon and Murdoch. Before answering, Merewen looked to Gideon, her own questions reflected in her dark eyes. She wanted to know how much to share with her neighbors about the nature of the Damned.

  “Tell them whatever you deem necessary.”

  Then he bowed and walked away, Murdoch at his back as usual.

  * * *

  They didn’t stop until they reached the walkway above the gate in the palisade. It would give them a place to pace without revealing their nerves to the group. Up there, away from Merewen’s people and the visiting nobles, the air felt cleaner, easier to breathe.

  “I hate this.”

  Gideon pretended to misunderstand. “Walking the perimeter? At least up here, we’re not having to bite our tongues when we’re being insulted by Sir Gable.”

  Murdoch chuckled. “That posturing fool! From the look on his face when Merewen threatened to keep the mare, I would guess that his wife has taken possession of all of his family jewels.”

  “He did look a bit pale, didn’t he?”

  They stopped to stare down the narrow road that led away from the gate and out into the grasslands beyond. Murdoch had nearly died down there only days ago.

  “I was talking about us, Gideon. This endless cycle of fighting alternating with sleeping under the chill of the river. Think it will ever end?”

  “I don’t know. Mayhap I could’ve negotiated a better bargain with the goddess, but at the time I didn’t know how. Besides, we were all too busy dying to think much beyond trying to draw one more breath.”

  That wasn’t much of an exaggeration. If he hadn’t called on the goddess to help them, the five of them would’ve all bled out by that river, their bodies scavenged by animals and their bones left to bleach in the sun. Some days, he was half convinced that would’ve been the better bargain.

  Murdoch’s big hand came down on Gideon’s shoulder. “I can’t bring myself to regret our decision. We’ve helped a lot of people over the centuries.”

  “True, but no matter how many times we beat back those who would prey on the innocent, they keep coming back even stronger. Lord Fagan was but a petty tyrant compared to what we’re learning about Duke Keirthan.”

  He started walking again. “At least Duncan should be returning soon. I’d feel better about all o
f this if the five of us were together.”

  Gideon looked around again to make sure he wouldn’t be overheard. “I didn’t say anything to Merewen because I didn’t want to worry her, but something happened the day after Kane and Averel rode out. I decided to send Scim after them to make sure they were all right. But when I tried to join with him, I couldn’t. Not at first, anyway. When I finally did, I couldn’t maintain the connection for more than a minute, maybe two. That’s never happened before. I fear the separation is weakening us all.”

  Murdoch didn’t look all that shocked. “I had trouble calling Shadow from my shield as well. I had to repeat the spell four times before she appeared. I’ve been reluctant to send her back.”

  “I don’t blame you, but I’m sure things will improve when Duncan and the others return.” At least he hoped so.

  “I never thought I’d admit this, but I actually miss Hob’s ugly face prowling around the keep.” Murdoch looked a bit sheepish. “Don’t tell Kane I said that. He’ll think I’ve gone soft.”

  A movement down in the bailey caught their attention. Gideon had hoped it was Lady Merewen coming to fetch them back to rejoin the discussion. Instead, it was Lady Alina out strolling with Shadow at her side.

  Murdoch stared down at her with a voracious hunger in his eyes. As if she’d felt his gaze, the lady in question stopped to stare right back up at him, her hand shading her eyes from the sun.

  “Have you bedded her yet?”

  Gideon already knew the answer to that question, but Murdoch was immune to hints and subtlety. The only way to get through to him was to lay it all out for him in plain words.

  The big man jerked as if he’d been hit. “Hold your tongue, Gideon. She’s a lady, and I will not allow you to speak of her in such a way.”

  “You want her.”

  Murdoch growled, his eyes narrowing. “I do, but that doesn’t make it right.”

  Even knowing he was treading on the edge of a fight, Gideon continued. “She obviously wants you.”

  Murdoch gave him a shove. “She’s a new widow, and her dead husband was a cruel bastard. He treated his horse better than he treated her.”

  Gideon shoved back, providing his friend with a target for his frustration.

  “So teach her it doesn’t have to be that way. Alina has seen the difference between you and Fagan. Certainly she would have never looked at him the way she looks at you. And don’t tell me the reason the two of you took so long to find food for Kiva was because you didn’t know where Ellie keeps the meat.”

  Murdoch’s face flushed red. “Have a care for the lady’s reputation.”

  Softening his voice, Gideon tried to make Murdoch understand what he was trying to tell him. “If you felt nothing for her, I would not have spoken at all. All I ask is that you think about this. The goddess herself says our cause is strengthened because my heart is involved. Why wouldn’t that be true for you as well?”

  Most of the anger drained out of Murdoch’s stance. When he spoke again, his voice reflected grief, not temper. “I cannot remain here for Lady Alina. What if I left her with a child? It would destroy any chance she might have for finding another man, one who will treat her gently.”

  Gideon wanted to hit his friend, but that was his own guilt speaking. Did Murdoch not realize that Gideon paced the floors at night and worried about the same things? He gave the only argument he could.

  “And what if Lady Alina never finds another man she trusts to teach her that a man can be gentle?”

  While Murdoch mulled that over, Gideon stared out at the grasslands. It was a view he’d come to love, the endless flowing waves of green and gold. In the distance, a band of mares stood grazing, their foals capering about with each other. For the moment, all was peaceful.

  It wouldn’t stay that way.

  Eventually, Keirthan would strike again, and the next attack would be worse than the last. Gideon turned back toward the keep. Down below, Lady Merewen stepped into view on the arm of Sir Gilford. The two of them paused to speak briefly as she looked around the bailey, clearly looking for Gideon. He nudged Murdoch, and the two of them started down the stairs.

  From the pleased look on Merewen’s face, it appeared they might have gained some allies. He hoped so. He really did.

  * * *

  Murdoch knew his strengths; the politics of dealing with powerful men weren’t among them. He was more likely to bang heads than argue logic to get his point across. Right now, Gideon was better served having Lady Merewen at his side. And maybe that was only an excuse to veer off and go in search of Lady Alina and Shadow.

  He found the pair sitting on a bench in the corner of the small herb and flower garden. Both of his ladies often enjoyed a bit of quiet in the warmth of the sun. He paused to soak in the picture they made: the dangerous cat and the gentle woman, both holding special places in his heart.

  Without looking in his direction, Alina called to him. “There is room for you beside me.”

  She was talking about the stone bench, but the image that filled his mind was her making room for him in her bed, in her arms, in her body. He silently cursed Gideon for putting such ideas in his head.

  He walked toward her, each step taking him that much closer to temptation and perhaps his salvation. When he reached her side, Alina smiled up at him. Her sweet face reflected the heat of the sun above, melting away the damp chill of the river that had soaked into his bones.

  She patted the seat next to her. “Sit by me.”

  He did as she asked, as always feeling the difference in their size. Her beauty simply stole his breath away. When she slipped her hand into his and gave it a squeeze, he stared down at her fingers entwined with his.

  “I can’t stay.”

  Alina frowned. “But you just got here.”

  Once again his lack of talent with words had him stumbling to make his meaning understood. “I’m talking about when the fighting is done. The five of us will leave. We have no choice.”

  He half expected her to remove her hand. Instead, she scooted closer to him. This time she spoke in whispers. “I suspected as much. My niece has let slip a few things that made that clear. I know she is keeping track of the days until the solstice but has not said why. I would like to hear the story from you directly.”

  “Are you sure? It is not a happy tale.”

  “Neither is mine, but that didn’t keep you from befriending me. I would be honored if you would trust me with your truth.”

  Should he? Yes, he wanted no more secrets between them. For once the words came easily. He spoke of his youth, how Gideon had saved him, and how he and the others came to be known as the Damned. When he ran out of words and breath, Alina looked up at him, her pretty eyes sparkling with tears. “Thank you for sharing this with me. It explains so much.”

  Nothing had changed; yet in the telling, his mood brightened and the burden of his years grew lighter. “Thank you for listening and understanding why I cannot stay.”

  “I will pray that the goddess will grant all of you peace when you stand at the river’s edge.”

  “That means a great deal to me, Alina.”

  The quiet of the garden settled over them again. For the moment, he was content to share this peaceful time with Alina.

  After a few minutes, she drew a deep breath and sat up straighter, but she made no effort to move away from him. “Murdoch, there is a favor, a boon really, that I would ask of you.”

  “Anything within my power is yours.”

  Her eyes dropped to stare down at their hands, a spot of bright color staining her cheek. “Before I tell you what it is, I need to tell you a bit of my story.”

  She lifted her face up toward the sky and drew a slow breath. “My father was a good man, but a poor one. My mother loved him, and they were happy together. When Lord Fagan approached my parents about courting me, my father was thrilled. He never saw beneath Fagan’s slick polish and wealth to the real man beneath. I would’ve followed my father’s
wishes regardless, but in truth I was flattered that such a handsome, powerful man would be interested in me.”

  “Fagan fooled more than your father, Alina. Several of the men in there talking to Gideon and Lady Merewen are having a difficult time believing your late husband’s villainy.”

  She nodded. “All I wanted was a happy marriage like my parents had. But from the day Fagan and I took our vows, I forgot what it was like not to live in constant fear.”

  Before he could respond, she smiled. “Thanks to you, I’ve remembered. Such moments should be cherished, because life can change dramatically between one breath and the next.”

  Murdoch could only agree. “That it can.”

  “So, about that favor. I understand your duty to the Lady of the River must come first. Having said that, I have strong feelings for you, ones I would like to think you have for me as well. At least it has seemed that way. I have no right to ask this of you, but I would be happy, in fact honored, if you would share your time with me in the way your captain shares his with Lady Merewen.”

  Had he fallen asleep? Because he had to be dreaming. Was Lady Alina truly offering to . . . asking him to . . . He couldn’t even allow himself to think that it might be possible.

  As he struggled to accept the gift she had offered him, he realized they were no longer alone. Sigil had approached but stopped a short distance away. He waited until Murdoch looked in his direction to speak.

  “Lady Alina, I apologize for disturbing you, but Captain Gideon has sent me to fetch Sir Murdoch.”

  Of all times. Murdoch considered ignoring the summons, but that would only bring Gideon looking for him himself. Obviously something of importance had happened. Perhaps the visiting landowners had come to their senses and decided to join the Damned in fighting Duke Keirthan’s tyranny.