The lean man shrugged. “I have seen such weaponry before, forged with craftsmanship of higher quality.”
A lie. Over the years, when she’d accompanied her stepfather and mother to festivals, she’d seen many knights’ swords. Never had she witnessed anything this exquisite. She ached to rewrap the weapon and storm out, except she didn’t know of another merchant who dealt in stolen goods, and neither did she have the time to find one.
Nor could she blame him. He did naught but barter tohis advantage.
Elspet met his gaze squareon. “How much?”
“Eight shillings.”
Her breath caught in her throat. Moireach had demanded a pound! “’Tis worth at least two pounds.”
“Two,” he blustered as he lay the weapon down. “’Tis the costof a palfrey.”
“’Tis,” she agreed. “But the broadsword is well worth the price.”
He rubbed his chin, paused for a long moment. “I will give you nine shillings.”
So close to what she needed. Taking a chance, she scowled as if insulted by his pathetic offer. “Never mind.” She clasped thesword’s hilt.
Wautier’s boney hand moved atop hers, his eyes narrowed. “A pound.”
Relief filling her, Elspet gave him a cool stare. “The gold on the pommel aloneis worth more.”
“The reason I raised my offer. Take it—” A gust of wind slammed against the side of the cottage as he withdrew his hand. “Or leave.”
“’Tis thievery!” she sputtered with indignation.
“A fair price when I have not questioned how you came by such a fine weapon when you arrive in a tattered gown and cloak, looking little better than a thief.” He shot her a sly glance. “Had you purchased the blade through a legitimate venue, never would you have traveled here in the middle of a snowstorm.”
Fear building, her stomach clenched.
Aged brows slammed together. “Was the man who ownedthe blade old?”
“Nay.”
“Didyou know him?”
“Never had I seen him before.” Merciful saints, she must have the coin before he changed his mind. On a shaky breath, she withdrew her hand from his. “I accept your offer.”
A cold smile curved his mouth. “You are fortunate I am in such agenerous mood.”
Generous? With ease he would sell the broadsword for more than two times what he offered her, if not more. Thankful he hadn’t pressed for further details of who she’d acquired the weapon from, she focused on the fact that within moments she would have the money and could leave.
The merchant lifted the sword and started to turn.
She caught his arm. “Until I receive the coin, the broadsword remains with me.”
Anger flared in his eyes. “So be it.” Wautier set the weapon down, crossed to the hanging linen, and shoved the blanket separating the rooms aside, exposing the back of a younger man working, a saddle, tools, blankets, and various items stacked inside the room.
The merchant entered the chamber, and the cover settled into place, cutting off her view.
Again, Elspet glanced around the work area, pausing at the array of swords mounted on the wall. Blackened leather grips from heavy use stained the handle of each one, fractures marred some of the blades, while others displayed chips in the cutting edges. None could begin to compare to Cailin’s impressive broadsword.
She worried the finely braided strip of leather around her neck holding a forged Celtic cross of silver with a ruby embedded at the center shielded by her garb. Where was he now? A foolish question. Nay doubt searching for her. But he sought a noblewoman named Kenzie, one he would never find. Once he grew frustrated, the knight would continueon his journey.
Another gust battered the exterior, and she tugged her cape tighter. She far from looked forward to the travel to pay the guard who’d promised to aid her, but her discomfort was a small price. But what if Moireach took her coin and refused tohelp free Blar?
No, she refused to cling to doubts. She’d met the guard several times. Moireach had always smiled at her as she passed, and once at the castle had helped her load oats she’d purchased into her stepfather’s wagon. By this time tomorrow, her stepbrother would be free, and they would be headed toward…
