Brown eyes glittered with humor. “As for there being an English lord who shields his true name behind the title ofWulfe,” Griffin drawled, “I often assure King Edward tales of this notorious noble are fables, stories crafted by the Scots to infuse doubt within the crown, that indeed, no such noble exists.”
Alexander gave a rude laugh. “Aye, to save your bloody hide. Pray the bastard never learns that you, his Advisor to Scottish Affairs, are the man he seeks.”
Silence descended in the chamber, laden with knowledge of the dire consequences to those who rebelled against King Edward, and of the challenge in regaining Scotland’s freedom.
Seathan withdrew the leather-bound missive, handed it to Griffin.
The Baron of Monceaux studied the blood red wax impression, flicked his eyes to Seathan. “’Tis indeed the royal seal.”
“Aye,” Seathan replied, “the informant’s daring brand, which he uses beneath King Edward’s nose, and proof we intercepted the runner Bishop Wishart awaited. It is also proof Patrik isDubh Duer.”
Griffin shook his head. “’Tis unbelievable. We thought Patrik dead, and he has fought alongside us throughout.”
Somberness filled the room, the ache of old hurt joining the slash of new. Alexander stared at his brother sprawled upon the bed, his face pale. Time had hardened the broken lad who had come to them after his family was murdered. Time had tempered the pain, but not Patrik’s anger toward the English. Over the years their adopted brother had learned to hide his outrage, to mask it with a quip.
Until he’d met Nichola.
Nay, until Alexander had fallen in love with an English lass, a woman who Patrik had stated at the time he’d found unworthy of his brother. By God’s eyes ’twas a mess, but one they would muddle through. Patrik was family. A low pounding started in Alexander’s temple. He rubbed his brow. How could he tell Nichola of Patrik’s regret? Or, should he?
Seathan took the writ, distracting Alexander from his troubling thoughts.
His elder brother met Griffin’s gaze. “Patrik said ’tis confirmation that John de Warenne is preparing to depart and rejoin forces with Hugh de Cressingham before the end of July.”
“God’s teeth, with the Earl of Surrey’s dislike for Scotland,” Griffin said, “King Edward must have ordered him poked with a hot iron to prod him from his estates in Surrey.”
“Aye,” Alexander agreed. “ ’Twould please me to see King Edward’s minion be fool enough to ride into battle with the Earl of Surrey. I would savor the sight of his flesh upon my blade.”
“With his lack of training with a sword,” Duncan said, “he could spear naught but a morsel upon his trencher.”
“Regardless, with his arrogance and believing that the battle is already won,” Seathan said, “I would be more surprised if he did not ride alongside the Earl of Surrey.”
Griffin nodded. “I agree. ’Tis folly to underestimate Cressingham. For a man of illegitimate birth, he has ascended far to become the treasurer of the English administration in Scotland.”
“Mayhap, but the blood of the impoverished stains the bastard’s steps. Nor does he care.” Alexander shook his head. “Nothing will stop the king’s minion from his selfish goals.”
“Aye,” Duncan agreed. “’Tis fitting that behind Cressingham’s back the English label him theSon of Death.”
“And,” Alexander added, “thetreachererby the Scots.”
“Both names testaments to the lengths Cressingham will go to achieve his goals,” Griffin stated, “regardless of cost.”
Silence hummed within the room, thick with tension.
Alexander glanced at Patrik; his brother’s face was ashen, his body wilted within his bed. “What of the lass?”
Confusion darkened Griffin’s gaze. “What woman do you speak of ?”
“When we found Patrik,” Seathan explained, “a Scottish lass, Mistress Cristina Moffat, accompanied him. She told us Patrik saved her from being raped by English knights a few days past.”
“The bloody miscreants.” Griffin paused. “Where is she?”
“Asleep,” Seathan replied. “And nearly as battered as Patrik. When English knights attacked a crofter’s home, Cristina hid their little girl, then later fought off the English knights to save her.”
Surprise shone in Griffin’s eyes. “She killed two knights? Sounds like an amazing woman.”
“She does.” Alexander grimaced. “Mayhap too much.”
His brother-in-law’s gaze narrowed. “Explain.”
