‘I’ve told nothing to the King,’ Eldric said. ‘I’m already taking risks.’
Hugh exhaled, and looked to the ceiling. ‘I’m sharing secrets to protect the Clan Colquhoun and their families.’
‘And why would you have loyalties to a certain Scottish clan?’
Hugh turned his gaze to Eldric, whowashis friend. He’d been surprised that friendship was there, but it was.
‘I don’t have loyalties to that clan. In fact, having run into them, I wouldn’t mind if a few of them disappeared. But Idohave loyalties to Robert of Dent, who is alive and married to the Laird’s sister.’
Eldric whistled and leaned abruptly back against the wall. ‘Well, I wasn’t suspectingthat.’
‘Now what?’
Eldric shook his head. ‘At least I now know it was a good reason. But what a reason! And one I’ll not worry about for now.’
‘You won’t worry about a legend or the fact that Edward’s right-hand most faithful knight has been lying to him? That one of the most deadliest swords is now on our enemies’ side?’
Eldric smiled. ‘I have my own burdens, remember? The Archer was here.’
Hugh shook his head. ‘How do you know?’
‘He left an arrow on my bed.’
‘Maybe you shouldn’t have been distracted by that woman.’
‘I only danced with her once.’
Hugh arched his brow. ‘And you didn’t try to look for her again?’
‘I was trying to look afteryou.’
‘I thank you for that,’ Hugh said, leaving out all humour from his voice. ‘You truly are my friend.’
‘That’s what I’ve been telling you.’
‘So tell me your idea.’
‘You won’t like it.’
‘Will it keep me with him?’ Alice asked.
‘Yes,’ Eldric said, ‘and if it goes according to plan no one will be hurt.’
Alice looked to Hugh. Her wide grey eyes were filled with all the warmth they shared, and determination for the trials to come.
‘I’ll do it,’ she answered, her eyes never leaving Hugh’s.
* * *
The moment the door was closed Hugh grabbed the rest of his clothes. He threw Alice’s gown towards her, but she didn’t dress with the same alacrity. He didn’t know whether to be amused at her sudden lack of shyness, or frightened because of her serenity.
Alice was never serene.
‘We can’t let Eldric do it,’ he argued. ‘The loss is too much for Swaffham and for your family.’
‘It can all be built again. My family has more silver and gold than they know what to do with. My father certainly doesn’t need another pair of breeches or shoes.’
‘Yet to set fire to your new barn! There could be bystanders. The loss of the spinning wheels, wool, tools and supplies will be significant.’
