“Aye,” Aiden said with a flourish, enjoying crafting the story. “The Earl of Balfour and two of his stalwart knights escaped the ruthless attack of KingRobert’s men.”
A frown deepened onRónán’s brow. “A brilliant plan, but your memories of the earl were those of a lad. Nor do you know if his intended was accepting of the betrothal, not to mention that someone in the castle might know him.”
“I have heard the earl was a warrior to fear, a strict leader, and a man who refused to compromise, knowledge that will suffice for the meager time we remain within the stronghold.” Aiden shrugged. “Weighed against the vital details we shall learn, any other concerns areinsignificant.
“What of the lass?” Cailin asked. “Even if she is in agreement, with her anticipating marriage, however brief, she will expect a courtship.”
“A minor distraction,” Aiden said. “Before Bróccín died, he confessed she was fairto look upon.”
Rónán chuckled. “Wooing her might be a pleasant diversion, more so taking her to your bed.”
Far from amused by the jest, Aiden stowed the writ. “My intent is to gain information for our king, naught more. Though the Knights Templar are secretly dissolved, my allegiance remains with the Brotherhood.”
The humor in his men’s eyes fled. “Never will I forgive King Philip’s treachery,”Cailin hissed.
“NorI,”Rónánspat.
France’s sovereign had betrayed the Brotherhood, knights who had guarded him over the years, loyalty the bastard had rewarded with deceit. Almost a year had passed since Aiden and the other Templars had sailed from the port of La Rochelle. Yet, each time he thought of the French king’s treachery, fury blackened his soul.
He glanced at the fierce warriors at his side, Knights he’d fought alongside in many a battle, men he would give his life to protect. “We will map the castle grounds, take stock of its stores, the number of guards, and note any other details we decide are imperative for King Robert to plan a successful attack.”
“Mayhap,” Cailin said, “we will discover asecret entry.”
“Given the stronghold’s location,” Aiden said, “I suspect a hidden tunnel runs beneath, a passageway nay doubt Lady Gwendolyn is aware of. The question is whether, during our brief stay, we will have time to ascertain where it is.”
“What will happen to the lass once King Robert seizes her castle?” Rónán asked.
Aiden shrugged. “If she is as beautiful as Bróccín claimed, ’twill be a simple task for the Bruce to find a nobleman to wed her.”
“Mayhap the woman will have an admirable spirit that will catch the king’s notice,” Cailin said with a smile, “and, like Stephan and Thomas, our sovereign will guide you downa wedded path.”
“With the demands on the king’s time,” Aiden said, his voice cool, “I doubt he will meet Lady Gwendolyn much longer than to learn her name and decide upon an appropriate match.” Refusing to entertain the topic further, he glanced at the dead earl. “We bury Bróccín, then ride to Latharn Castle.”
* * * *
Wind raw with the scent of the sea whipped against Lady Gwendolyn Murphy as she aimed herdagger, threw.
Thunk.
A deep chuckle sounded to her right. “I dinna think your betrothed would be praising your skill, my lady.”
“As if I care what the Earl of Balfour thinks.” She turned toward the well-armed knight leaning against a nearby rock. At the humor in her friend’s eyes, she glanced at the rough charcoal outline of a man on the nearby sun-bleached limb, hersgian dubhlodged in the center of the crudely shaded heart.
“I know you are upset with Lord Comyn’s dictate to marry,” Sir Pieres continued, “but with Lord Balfour occupied with the upkeep of his numerous holdings, along with engaging in combat for your liege lord, ’tis rumored heis often gone.”
Scowling, Gwendolyn walked over to jerk her blade free. “As far as I am concerned, he could stay away. In truth, if I did not need Comyn’s guard, I would keep the gates barred and deny the earl entry.”
“If you wish, that could be arranged.”
The lazy teasing in her friend’s voice prodded a smile. “You would do that for me,would you not?”
Pieres’s expression grew serious. “My lady, for you I wouldgive my life.”
Humbled, she shook her head. “Never would I ask such.”
Eyes dark with concern, he walked to her. “’Tis said your betrothed is a hard man, one feared by many, but those beneath his command give himtheir respect.”
She smothered the slide of nerves. “And you tell methis because…?”
