Page 151 of Forbidden

“Slowly, small falcon,” Dominic said. “We have had Duncan’s word in the past and found it without value.”

When Duncan realized what Dominic was saying, he flushed with anger.

And then he turned pale.

“Am I forsworn?” Duncan asked starkly. “Do you know of any vow I have broken?”

Dominic saw the depth of Duncan’s emotion and knew that whatever had happened since Duncan had come to the Disputed Lands, the Scots Hammer had not knowingly broken his word.

“Do you know me?” Dominic asked almost gently.

Duncan stared at the Glendruid Wolf as though sight alone could put together the elusive fragments of the past.

But it could not.

“I…should.” Duncan’s voice was hoarse with effort. “I sense it, but…”

“You don’t know me,” Dominic finished.

“No,” Duncan whispered.

“Then you are not forsworn,” Dominic said simply. “Cut his bonds, Meg. Duncan has given his word not to attack unless we harm the witch.”

Dagger in hand, Meg bent over the cords. No sooner had she cut through them than Duncan sprang to his feet and went to where Amber lay.

The coolness of her skin shocked an oath from him.

Hurriedly Duncan lay down beside Amber, lifted her slack body against his, and wrapped the blanket around both of them, trying to warm her flesh with his own.

“Precious Amber,” he whispered. “What has happened to you?”

There was no answer.

The Scots Hammer bent his head, hiding his face in the unbound gold of Amber’s hair.

“I did but pull her from her horse,” Simon said, baffled. “I swear it.”

“It isn’t your fault,” Meg said. “Whether Learned or Glendruid, a gift is also a curse.”

“I suspect that Amber’s is more curse than gift,” Dominic said in a low voice.

“Are you saying that my touch alone did that to her?” Simon asked, appalled.

“Your touch told her of your hatred,” Meg said. “You have little trust in women, especially those with gifts.”

Simon didn’t deny it. “I make an exception for you, Meg.”

“I know. I haveseenit in you.”

“Are you smiling lovingly at my brother?” Dominic asked Meg in an ambiguous tone.

Simon gave Dominic a sideways, wary glance.

Meg laughed softly.

“Of all men who walk the land,” she said, “you have the least cause to be jealous.”

“Aye. But Simon is a handsome devil.”