Thomas nodded. “Exactly. In secret the Grand Master dissolved the brotherhood and ordered select knights to load critical Templar secrets and treasures onboard our galleys. Before the arrests began, beneath the cover of darkness we fled St. Rochelle. Five ships sailed to Scotland, and the remainder headed to Portugal.”
“A man of the Grand Master’s caliber,” his friend said, his voice somber, “would have planned for such a horrific event. Thank God you were forewarned, but ’tis tragic so many Templars were left behind.”
Thomas fought for composure against the swell of misery. “I, as the others, despised leaving any of the Brotherhood behind. But to ensure none loyal to King Philip were alerted of our escape with the Templar treasure, Jacques de Molay explained the Order’s daily routine must appear unchanged.” He paused. “Have you learned of any details of the arrests?”
“Aye.” Nicholai’s hand trembled as he set aside his goblet. “Within days after the arrests began, numerous Templars were killed, many others tortured; horrific stories that chill me to the bone.”
His friend’s words conjured dreadful images of the Brotherhood who’d suffered, and he muttered a curse. “France’s king may have confiscated the gold remaining in the Paris Temple,” he rasped, “but never will he claim our true wealth or seize the holy relics we protect. Those are forever out of the bastard’s grasp.”
Grave eyes held his. “He will search for them.”
“He will, but they are hidden, a location he will never learn. A fact by now I believe King Philip has realized…” God’s teeth, the reason for King Philip’s pact with Comyn! Why had he nae put the pieces together before? Regardless he knew now, a revelation that must be passed to King Robert.
“How do you know?” the monk asked.
His mind a rush of outrage and grief, Thomas met his friend’s gaze. “Because in private, France’s king has crafted a foul scheme with Comyn.”
Nicholai’s face paled. “Tell me.”
“With the Templars’ gold filling the French sovereign’s coffers, and aware of Comyn’s dire financial straits along with his lack of men to ward off King Robert’s assaulting force, King Philip has offered the Scot both.”
“The price?” the monk whispered.
“That Comyn’s bastard daughter wed one of King Philip’s nobles.”
“A bastard daughter? That makes little sense. Why would King Philip let a by-blow marry one of his powerful lords?”
“Robert the Bruce believes the French king’s offer to Comyn is but a ruse. Once the fighting is over, if Comyn is successful, King Philip will crush him and then claim Scotland for himself.”
What little color remained in Nicholai’s face fled. “’Twould be an atrocity!”
“Aye, and as established by his betrayal of the Templars, evil he willna hesitate to commit.” He grimaced. “Before I departed Robert’s camp, we both believed the goal of France’s king was only to claim Scotland. Now I realize that somehow King Philip has learned the Templars have brought their treasure to Scotland. If he gains control of our country, he could plunder with disregard until he discovers where ’tis hidden.”
“By all that is holy, this wedding must never occur!”
“It willna,” Thomas stated. “King Robert has ensured that the lass is hidden away where none will find her.”
“Thank God that he…” His friend’s eyes widened in disbelief. “The lass—’tis Mistress Alesone. And ’tis you who is charged with her safety, which nae only explains your determination to reach your destination, but your urgency.”
Thomas gave a curt nod. “God forbid if Comyn learns where she will be hiding.”
“Indeed, ’twould be the beginning of Scotland’s end.” Nicholai paused. “Does she know of her father’s intent?”
Memories of Alesone’s pallor at news of her father’s treachery rumbled through him. “She does, and wants nay part of him. Nor is she weak-willed. To her credit, she is an excellent archer.” Pride filled Thomas as he shared how they’d first met.
The monk chuckled. “I believe you have met your match.”
He shrugged, amused by his friend’s mirth. With her wit, cunning, and strength of character, aye. “There is much to admire about her.”
“Including her beauty.” Nicholai raised a brow. “Dinna tell me you havena noticed.”
Lavender eyes that would lure the stoutest man flickered in his mind. “I noticed, but her comely face and intelligence dinna change my plan. Though the Templars are dissolved, I shall abide by my vows given, which include forbidding marriage.”
“Because you willna allow any chance for love in your life,” his friend charged, “your penance for Léod’s death.”
Anger slapped him. “I—”
Nicholai shoved to his feet. “After all these years I believed you would have come to understand that your brother’s death wasna your fault? But you havena. How long will you push away anyone whom stirs your interest?” His face darkened to a fierce scowl. “Dinna say that she doesna intrigue you. I saw how you watched her when you first awoke, your expression unguarded!”
