“And what were those rumors saying?” I inquired.
“They spoke of another attack, of unrest, of a Civil War, or that the ghouls had invaded again. When I decided to return home, I didn’t expect it to happen, but I was surprised to discover Icouldopen a portal into Tempest.
“I came back immediately to help my king. Upon my return, I went to Samael, who is an old friend of mine. He explainedwhat happened and asked if I’d like to be his right-hand man. I agreed.”
I had to stop my eye from twitching at his irritating words. This man was far too zealous to do what he felt was right for the realm.
I suspected that beneath his calm exterior and enthusiastic words, something far more sinister lurked. Over the years, I’d dealt with my fair share of men and women who portrayed a shiny, happy exterior to the world. On the inside, they were a monster.
Gaius was one of these men, and I didn’t want Ellery anywhere near him.
“You came back to quite a mess,” I remarked.
“With time, we’ll stamp out the traitors. I’m certain of it,” Gaius said.
And he would relish every second of the misery he helped unleash. My gaze shifted to Samael as he sipped his drink while studying the crowd.
When I shifted my attention to the window, I saw the shackled amsirah on full display. They would remain there as a constant deterrent to anyone who might have a few drinks and start spouting off about rebelling against the king. Uprisings began in places like this.
“Gaius is one of the best swordsmen in the realm,” Samael said. “He’s an asset to our team.”
“Is that so?” I drawled.
“My father crafted some of the finest weapons in this land,” Gaius said proudly. “In exchange for some of them, he apprenticed me to some of the best swordsmen. I learned the art from many over the years. Plus, I received plenty of training during the Ghoul War.”
“Your father was Mayus Gisborne,” I stated.
“You knew him?”
“I purchased a sword from him once. He also supplied Leo and my father with more than a few weapons.”
“Anyone of worth has a sword my father crafted, and if they do, it’s the most exquisite one they’ve ever held.”
I’d held dark fae swords of finer quality but kept that to myself. Mayus had been a renowned swordsmith throughout Tempest, and everyone of any wealth and stature possessed one of his blades. I wouldn’t take that from the man.
“I heard he was killed during the Ghoul War,” I said. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
Gaius bowed his head. “Thank you, milord. We lost too many good men during that awful time.”
A teenage boy entered the bar and scurried over to a man standing near Ianto. The man turned toward him and bent down as the boy whispered excitedly.
The man frowned, but when the boy held up something, the man’s brow cleared, and a smile lit his face. When his eyes darted nervously toward my table, his smile vanished.
The man took what the boy offered, shoved it in his pocket, and rose from his stool. When he said something to the man beside him, that man’s eyes widened, and excitement lit them.
I couldn’t hear what they said, but I knew what happened. The boy had found one of the purses.
Word of the Hooded Robber’s return was spreading throughout Nottingshire, and so was a flicker of hope.
I hid my smile, which was easy as my attention shifted back to the men across from me. Yes, I had to play the game, but at least there were some bright spots in it.
CHAPTER EIGHTY-SEVEN
Ryker
When I returnedto Tucker’s encampment, he was already there, working with some of the archers. After he spotted me, he said something to the man beside him; the man took Tucker’s place.
Dusk was settling in when Tucker joined me in the middle of the encampment; together, we strolled toward the woods. “They’re already finding the purses,” I told him. “News of the Hooded Robber’s return is spreading rapidly through Nottingshire.”
