Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
“A woman who knows her place, you’re a lucky man, Knox,” Brack said and turned and headed up the keep stairs, continuing to talk. “Of course, she being a wee bit of thing, might not last long, so enjoy her while you can.”
Dru’s eyes narrowed in anger, and she took a quick step toward the man.
Knox grabbed her by the back of her shirt. “Don’t waste our time here on an arsehole.”
“You’re right,” she said, shooting imaginary daggers from her eyes at his back. “This place looks safe enough for me to explore and see what I can learn.”
“It is calm compared to Torrance’s campsites and it makes me wonder why. And why is he staying here? What truly keeps him from returning home since the battle?”
“I’ll see what I can find out.”
Knox took her hand as they headed up the stairs. “It will not be easy for you to blend among the clan. You’re no longer that odorous little waif people either ignored or took pity on. You need to be careful.”
Knox entered the dimly lit hall behind Brack, his wife being swept away by two servant women soon after. He didn’t like that she went off on her own, not trusting Torrance’s warriors or what was going on here. But if they didn’t attempt to find out what was taking place here, how would they ever know what they walked into?
The warmth from the hearth did little good to ease the tension tightening Knox’s shoulders as he approached Brack. He had dropped down on a wooden bench at a table near the hearth, stretching his legs out with casual arrogance, and gestured toward the bench opposite him.
Knox sat, staying alert. No one could fault Brack’s loyalty to Lord Torrance, and maybe it was that loyalty that made Knox distrustful of Brack. It meant he’d do anything to protect the man.
A servant filled two tankards on the table with ale for each of them and a generous platter of small meat pies were placed between them. They smelled delicious and though Knox’s mouth watered for a taste, he had more important matters that needed attention.
“Tell me, Brack, why is Lord Torrance lingering here? The battle’s long done, and his presence would surely be more valuable at home.”
Brack gave a mocking half-smile, eyes glittering coldly in the firelight. “Lord Torrance owes no explanations, especially to a mere mercenary. Now explain to me why you are here and what news you bring?”
Knox’s jaw tightened, the muscles working visibly. “A dozen of his warriors were ambushed by warriors from a northern clan. Torrance’s men fought bravely but were outnumbered. If he remains here much longer, he may soon find himself overwhelmed with more trouble than he can handle.”
Brack leaned forward abruptly, his dark eyes narrowing with suspicion. “And what of you, Knox? Did you come upon the scene or did you conveniently survive after all of Torrance’s warriors fell?”
The air thickened with hostility. Knox held Brack’s accusatory stare without blinking. “If you’re implying treachery, speak plainly, Brack. I have no patience for games.”
Brack rose slowly, menace radiating from every measured movement. His voice dropped dangerously low, little more than a threatening growl. “Watch your tone, Knox. I am not one of your hapless villagers you can bully. Remember who holds the power here.”
Knox’s fists clenched at his sides, a battle simmering behind his calm facade. “Threaten me again, and you’ll quickly see who truly holds power.”
Brack’s eyes flashed dangerously. “You’re treading close to the edge, Knox. Lord Torrance grows restless, uneasy. He trusts no one these days—least of all a man who suddenly appears with convenient tales of ambushes and northern enemies.”
“You forget he sent for me, sent those twelve warriors to escort me here, and you forget who truly rules here… Lord Torrance. So, I suggest it is you who should tread lightly or Torrance may think you desire his power. Now tell me why Lord Torrance interrupted my mission with a summons since I am eager to return to the mission and see it completed.”
Anger flickered in Brack’s dark eyes.
Knox realized that Brack didn’t know that Torrance sent warriors to escort him here. “He didn’t tell you, did he? Have you lost favor with him, Brack?”
“He has much on his mind, securing talks with two of the north clans that have proven troublesome over the years,” he said as if making an excuse as to why he did not know.
“And continue to be troublesome if it is proven that one of the clans was in involved with the attack on his warriors. They were out for blood and out to find Autumn and see her dead. They attacked Phelan’s group thinking he found Autumn. He lost a good portion of his men, and they never got the woman. And I don’t believe they cared if she was or wasn’t Autumn. It was a message that Autumn was to die, not to be used to bargain for more coin, or else.”