Marcus finally turned away from her and took a deep drink of the ale.
Sage relaxed, letting a small, silent breath escape her lips.
“Sage came down and was hungry. We began to talk,” Gareth explained.
Marcus slowly lowered the flask. “What did you talk about?”
“Thomas,” Gareth offered. “And a little about the Hawke family.”
Sage grinned. She had purposely mentioned her family in case they came looking for her. She hoped Gareth would tell them she was safe, so they wouldn’t worry.
Marcus’s stare was back on her.
She snapped the book closed. “We also spoke about Gareth’s smithy and his skill, the weather, and the town.”
“You’ve been down here for a while.”
Sage shrugged. “You were sleeping.”
His blue eyes narrowed slightly.
She stood up. “Thank you for the ale and conversation, Gareth.”
Gareth nodded.
Sage returned to the loft.
Marcus rose to follow her, but Gareth seized his wrist.
“Are you mad?” Gareth hissed.
Marcus scowled at him. “Sometimes.”
“She is Sage Hawke. AHawke.” Gareth released his wrist, shaking his head. “I can’t protect you from this.”
“I didn’t ask you to.”
“Marcus,” Gareth pleaded, holding his hands before him, palms up. “They will come looking for her. It’s the Hawkes! John Hawke is a legend. I can’t lie to them. Not even for you.”
Marcus placed his hand reassuringly on Gareth’s shoulder. “I never asked you to lie. I only asked for shelter from the storm.”
Gareth sighed and bowed his head. “You always make me feel guilty. But this…” He glanced up at the ceiling as if gazing at Sage. “I don’t know what you are messed up in, Marcus. But this is big. And dangerous.”
Marcus chuckled. “Stop. You are frightening me,” he mocked and turned to walk out of the room. “Thank you for your help. We will be gone before sunup.”
As Marcus emerged from the room, the boy who had greeted them hopped merrily down the stairs from the loft. Marcus caught his shoulder. “What were you doing up there?”
“The lady needed more parchment and ink,” the boy answered proudly.
Marcus cast a glance at the loft. “Is that all?”
“I brought her a flask of ale.”
Marcus grimaced. He didn’t think that was all that the boy had brought. Sage had made a friend. A friend who would bring her whatever she asked him to. She was clever and resourceful. But there was one thing he had that she didn’t. Marcus released the boy’s shoulder and reached into his coin pouch. He tossed him a coin. “Tell me whatever she requires.”
The boy gazed at the coin in surprise and then nodded enthusiastically, a lock of dark hair falling before his eyes. “Aye.” He scurried away.
Marcus watched him. Most people valued coin over everything else. He grinned, pleased with himself. He could match wits with Sage. The only problem was, did she ever sleep? He had to sleep to be fresh and on guard for those following him. He had no doubt Sterling was tracking him, as well as the Templar knights. He had to stay one step ahead of all of them.
