Her eyes narrowed. “The decision isna yours.”
Cailin reined in a retort. Let her believe such. When the time came to deal with Blar, she would learn differently. A cold breeze blustered past as Cailin faced Sir James. “Lead us to where you and the otherswere to meet.”
“Aye.”
* * * *
Within the fire’s glow spilling into the tent at Taog’s camp, the same shelter he and Elspet had used on their previous visit, Cailin secured his dagger.
He exhaled a slow breath, thankful that the meeting with the knights who’d shifted their loyalty to him hadgone smoothly.
More of a relief, when their party had arrived at the Romani camp, the knights had been allowed to enter with minimal objection. By now his uncle knew who had betrayed him bytheir absence.
Elspet tugged on her cloak, then stood. “I am accompanying you to rescue the master-at-arms.”
“Nay.” Anger flared in her eyes at his response, but in this he refused to yield. “I understand your need to avenge your family, but if you went now, with your emotions driving your every decision, you could be killed.”
“You need me.”
“Before, your presence was necessary to identify those I needed to speak to. This operation is purely strategic, a tactical mission made more dangerous because ’tis night. For stealth, only Sir James and Taog will accompany me.” Cailin secured a final blade in his arsenal of hidden weapons. “Having grown up in the castle, along with the changes to the stronghold since my youth provided by Father Lamond’s drawings, I am familiar with the tunnels I need to take to reach the dungeon. Once we rescue Sir Petrus, we will return.”
Before she could reply, a commotion in the camp had Cailin glancing up.
Their expressions furious, two of the knights from the castle, their weapons drawn, were circling the other.
God’s teeth! Cailin stormed to the two men, withdrew his sword, and relieved them of their weapons in a trice. “What in blazes is goingon?” he boomed.
Each warrior glared at the other.
Taog walked over and stoodbeside Cailin.
The shorter of the two swiped blood from his mouth, sneered at the other. “Sir Malcolm…” He shook his head. “Never mind.”
Cailin glared at Sir Malcolm. “Why wereyou fighting?”
Sir Malcolm shrugged. “A difference of opinion.”
“I dinna give a damn what the issue is, we are all fortunate to be allowed in the Romani camp,” Cailin snarled. “We are all tired, and I refuse to tolerate any disrespect, much less fighting. If I hear a harsh word from either of you, a gripe, I will haul your arses from the camp and leave you for the wolves.” He shot both men a warning look. “Understand?”
“Aye,” the smaller man replied.
Face taut, Sir Malcolm gave a curt nod.
“Both of you, settle down for the night.” Cailin sheathed his broadsword but didn’t return their weapons. They’d get them back when they’d calmed. He shook his head in frustration as the men stormed off.
Taog’s mouth settled into a grim frown. “I will ensure my men keep a close watch on them while we are gone.”
With a look of equal disgust at each man, Sir James walked over. “There is bad blood between them. The fools. With our lives in danger, I would have thought, at least until we are safe, both would have put their differences aside.”
Cailin glared at the departing warriors. “If I didna need each man possible in the force to attack my uncle, I would toss them out this night.”
“As is your right.” Sir James paused. “My horse is ready.”
“Mine too,” Taog said.
Cailin nodded to them. “I will gather my gear and meet you both at the outskirts of camp.”He strode off.
Worry crowded her brow as Elspet fell in beside him as he walked to their tent. “Emotions are high.”
