“He would have been seen and stopped,” Pitt argued.
“Not if he was one of us.”
“A spy among us?” Pitt said, questioning his own words.
“A spy,” Rhys confirmed, “but more importantly, how long has he resided among us?”
“I cannot believe this. Each warrior seems so loyal to you. Who would be so foolish to think he would not be discovered and suffer for it?”
“The man is no fool. He has been taught to be a loyal servant to his master beyond anything else, even death.”
“I do not understand how someone can follow so blindly,” Pitt said.
“Only those who are blind follow blindly.”
“It would explain how the death of our two warriors could happen under our very noses. They would have trusted one of their own. The problem now is...who can be trusted?”
“Some of our seasoned warriors who came to us after losing their land and their families would be the most loyal. It would be one of the ones who sought us out, whose backgrounds we know little of who would be more likely the culprit. What we need to find out is if any warrior has been seen in the keep beyond the Great Hall. He would have had to know how to get to my bedchamber.”
“Nessa would be the one who could tell us that.”
Rhys rested his hand on Pitt’s shoulder. “That she could, which is why you are going to show her some favor and work your charm on her so that she does not shy away from talking with you.”
“Why is that necessary? I can just question her and be done with it.”
“And not get the answers we seek. If she feels she can trust you, she will be more forthcoming with all that goes on in the keep. Also find out who was on duty at the time of the two warriors’ death. Confide in Henry what goes on, he and his wife can be trusted, and have him help you.”
“What of Lady Heather? She believes the ghost warriors protect her. Will you confide in her and warn her not to trust any of them until this can be settled?”
“I do not want her to know of this yet. I will order her not to go off with anyone but me, you, or Henry.”
“And she will obey?” Pitt asked with concern.
“She will have no choice, or I will shackle her to me until this is done.”
* * *
Heather sat fingeringthe sapphire on her chest. She felt foolish wearing it and could not wait to take it off. She had met nobles who did not have such a fine gem and she wondered where in Rhys’ travels he had come upon it.
“More wine, my lady?” Nessa asked and before Heather could refuse—her goblet still half full—Nessa leaned past her to pour the wine. As she did, she whispered, “Laird McComb believed Seamus his most trustworthy warrior.”
“More bread, please,” Heather said, giving Nessa an excuse to linger. “The laird could have confided in him.”
“I thought it might be possible,” Nessa agreed.
A shout went out and tankards were raised, and the two women turned to see Rhys and Pitt enter the Great Hall. Nessa hurried off and Heather watched as Pitt stopped her, his arm going around her waist as he leaned down to say something to her.
Nessa appeared uncomfortable with his closeness and eased away from him with a nod, then hurried off.
Rhys took his seat. “A few moments more and we shall retire.”
Heather nodded, though her attention went to Pitt as he took the seat next to her. “I know Nessa well and she is not free with her favors, so do not force yourself upon her.”
Pitt looked stunned by her blunt remark, his glance going past Heather to Rhys.
“You do not tell my men what they can and cannot do,” Rhys said.
Heather turned to her husband. “Then you order him, for I will not see Nessa suffer such abuse.”
