“’Tis, but I departed following his sage guidance.” He paused, weighing how much detail he should give her. “I became a Knight Templar.”
Surprise widened her eyes.
“And,” he continued beneath her assessing gaze, “Brother Nicholai was right. Fighting for God’s cause did fulfill me. I canna say that I found peace. Through the demands of my service, of those we aided, I did find a sense of purpose,” he said, his voice rough. “I loved being part of the Brotherhood, and miss it still.”
She frowned. “But you left?”
“Left?” Memories of how he, and many of his Brother’s fled beneath the cover of darkness ripped open his soul. “Never would I leave what I loved.”
“But—” Despair filled her eyes. “Oh God, the whispers of King Philip ordering the arrests of the Knights Templar but weeks ago are true.”
Nor was he surprised by the rapid spread of news of the Templars’ demise. Nay doubt the shock of the French king’s declaration had fed many a tongue, and with those envious of the Templars’ wealth and power, jealous righteousness as well. “Aye, except unknown to King Philip, before the charges of heresy were publicly disclosed on Friday, the thirteenth of October, the Grand Master had been forewarned of the monarch’s nefarious intent.”
Her hand tightened on a weathered post. “Thank God.”
“Against such dire circumstance, our being alerted ’twas indeed a blessing. Under the Grand Master’s orders, prior to the day of the arrests, many Templars boarded our galleys and escaped. “With regret”—his throat tightened against the horrific truth—“many within the Brotherhood remained ignorant of the king’s treachery until their arrest.”
Horror darkened her gaze. “Why didna the Grand Master warn all of the Templars? A fighting force of such caliber, you could have confronted the king, challenged his lies?”
“With the Brotherhood scattered in several countries, we didna have the luxury of time to contact everyone, much less organize a formal denial,” Thomas explained. “Even if we exposed the truth, with the growing dissent of those jealous of the favor given to the Templars over the years, we wouldna have found enough support to confront France’s sovereign.”
Tears shimmered in her eyes.
“Our first priority,” he pushed on, his voice rough, “was to ensure that the secrets the Knights Templar guard were kept safe. However difficult the decision to depart without alerting all within the Brotherhood, each knight chosen to leave understood the dire reasoning behind the Grand Master’s decision.”
Face pale, she frowned. “What is so valuable that weighs higher than the sacrifice of their lives?”
“I canna tell you,” he said, haunted by the horror that due to the false charges, many men he’d fought alongside were now imprisoned, tortured, or dead. “Know this, we achieved our mission.”
“And the cargo?”
Pride filled him at memories of their seizure of Avalon Castle, and how they’d hidden the goods they’d sailed away with in the secret catacombs beneath. “Where it will never be found.”
On a shaky breath she stared at him. The defiance of moments before erased beneath her eyes haunted with grief. “I am so sorry. The Brotherhood are revered, known for their fierceness in battle, their honesty, and loyalty.”
He gave a shaky nod. “I-I thank you.”
“And,” she continued, a waver in her voice, “your being a Templar explains much. Your confidence, skill with weapons, knowledge of tactics, detailed use of herbs, and more.” She exhaled. “I should have guessed. You are unlike any man I have ever come across. When we first met and I placed that arrow but a hand’s breath before your face, I expected you to jump back or yell. The most common reaction. Instead your face tightened with anger.”
That moment lay etched in his mind. “I was upset at myself for being lost in my thoughts instead of keeping alert. If I had been paying attention, never would you have had a chance for a shot.”
The edge of her mouth crooked a degree. “I did mention you were confident, and may I add, a wee bit arrogant.”
At the subtle teasing, Thomas’s body relaxed. “’Tis nae arrogance, but confidence in my abilities.”
“I can see that, now. Still, I canna understand…” A wash of red swept up her cheeks.
“What?” he asked, confused by her embarrassment.
“’Tis only that I believed Templars were forbidden to…” Her blush deepened.
Understanding dawned, and his body tightened. “Be intimate?”
“Aye.”
“They are, or rather were.” Memories of that turbulent time swept him. “Before the Templars fled France, the Grand Master secretly dissolved the Order, encouraged us to marry, and blend in with the locals.” He paused. “Now you know why I made you swear to tell no one before I explained.”
“I do, but it doesna explain why you kissed me or…”
