Page 147 of Forbidden

For an instant Duncan hesitated, caught between past and present, held by a half-remembered voice.

An instant was all that Dominic required. His thumbs dug savagely on either side of Duncan’s neck. The Scots Hammer kicked once, then fought no more.

When Dominic lifted his hands again, Duncan lay as senseless as Amber. Simon wasted no time in removing the net while Sven bound hands and feet as they became untangled.

“It is done,” Sven said. “Even a white bear couldn’t break free of these bonds.”

“Take his feet,” Dominic said to Simon. “And remember—we ask questions of him, but offer no answers of our own beyond our friendship and his bewitchment.”

Simon bent and grabbed Duncan’s feet.

“I still think,” Simon muttered, “we should just tell him and be done with the mummery.”

“Aye, but Meg said otherwise, and she is the healer.”

“God’s teeth,” hissed Simon.

“And Hell’s, too,” Dominic agreed.

Together, Dominic and Simon heaved Duncan facedown over his horse’s back. Walking on either side, they quickly vanished into the forest. Sven bent, scooped up Amber, and followed at a trot.

Meg caught the remaining horse’s reins and led it to the rough, hidden camp Dominic had made while he waited for the best moment to grab Duncan. With each movement Meg made, the tiny golden bells she wore at her wrists and waist chimed sweetly.

While Sven tied the horses, Meg went to where Duncan was lying motionless on the ground. As she knelt, Dominic came to stand nearby.

Only Simon noted that Dominic’s hand was on his sword.

Meg put her palm on Duncan’s chest. His heart beat steadily. His skin was warm. His breathing was even. She let out a sigh of relief and removed her hand.

“That was a nasty Saracen trick, husband.”

“Better than the butt of an axe handle,” Dominic said bluntly. “Duncan is dazed, that’s all.”

“His neck will be bruised.”

“He is fortunate to still have his precious neck,” Dominic retorted.

Meg didn’t argue. It was the simple truth.

“Dominic is the only lord I know,” Simon said, “who wouldn’t have hanged Duncan out of hand as a traitor.”

With a muted chiming of bells, Meg stood and touched her husband’s cheek.

“I know,” she said proudly. “That is why you are the Glendruid Wolf. You are strong enoughnotto kill.”

Dominic smiled and covered his wife’s hand with his own.

“You had better see to the witch,” Sven said as he threw a blanket over Amber. “She’s pale and cold as frost.”

Bells sang softly as Meg hurried to Amber, knelt, and touched her. Amber’s skin was indeed cold. Her breathing was erratic, too shallow. Her heartbeat was too rapid.

Frowning, Meg turned to Simon.

“What did you do to her?” she asked.

“I grabbed her wrist.”

“Harshly enough to break bones?” Meg asked.