Page 21 of Forbidden

“Is he bewitched?”

Amber shook her head. The sudden weight and shimmer of her hair falling around her shoulders reminded her that she hadn’t yet managed to bind the locks properly. Impatiently she tossed her head and pulled the mantle’s cowl over her hair, concealing it.

“There is no feel of compulsion about him,” Amber said.

“What else did you sense?”

“Courage. Strength. Honor. Generosity.”

Erik’s eyebrows rose.

“A saint,” he said dryly. “How unexpected.”

Color showed along Amber’s slanting cheekbones as she remembered Duncan’s distinctly unsaintly desire for her.

“There was also confusion and pain and fear,” she said crisply.

“Ah, he’s human, then. How disappointing.”

“You’re a devil, Erik, son of Robert of the North!”

His smiled. “Thank you. ’Tis nice to have my true character appreciated.”

Amber laughed despite trying not to.

“What else?” he asked.

Her amusement faded. “Nothing.”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

The falcon’s wings flared in swift reflection of its master’s irritation.

“Why is he in the Disputed Lands?” asked Erik in a clipped voice.

“He doesn’t remember.”

“Where was he going?”

“He doesn’t know,” she said.

“Does he owe fealty to a lord or is he a free lance?”

“He doesn’t know.”

“God’s wounds,” Erik hissed. “Is he a fool?”

“Nay! He just doesn’t remember.”

“Have you questioned him with your touch?”

Amber took a deep breath and nodded slightly.

“What did you sense?” Erik pressed.

“When he tries to remember, there is confusion. If he pursues, there is a blinding light, harsh pain…”