Page 81 of Forbidden

Amber nodded.

“Glendruid’s gift is that their women see into a man’s soul,” he continued.

As Erik spoke, he looked at Duncan as though for confirmation.

“Aye,” said Duncan. “They are known for that very thing.”

“Indeed,” Erik murmured. “Where did you learn this?”

“’Tis well known.”

“Where you came from, perhaps. But not here.”

Erik’s dark gold glance flicked back to Amber.

“So tell me,” he said softly, “who among the Learned of the Disputed Lands has Glendruid’s gift of seeing into a man’s soul?”

“I do, in a small way.”

“Yes, but you didn’t give Duncan that amber talisman to wear, did you?”

“No,” Amber said softly.

“A Glendruid witch did,” Erik said, looking to Duncan again.

Duncan nodded his head.

Erik flipped the dagger casually, sending the silver blade end over end into the air, then catching the haft with a deft movement before sending the dagger into the air again.

Amber barely concealed a shiver. Like the sun after a winter ice storm, Erik burned.

Coldly.

“Where did you find this Glendruid witch you spoke of?” Erik asked Duncan.

“I don’t remember.”

“The Scots and Saxons are said to have a few such women,” Amber said quickly.

The knife spun with lazy grace before Erik plucked it out of the air with a speed that made Duncan blink.

“Simon,” Duncan said before thinking.

“What?” asked Erik.

“I believe you are as quick as Simon.”

Erik’s golden eyes became hooded. He slid the dagger into its sheath with careless skill.

“That won’t be put to the test,” he said softly. “Simon has left us.”

“But why?” asked Duncan, surprised.

“Simon told Alfred that he felt he must resume his quest. He left immediately.”

Absently Duncan rubbed his body, remembering Simon’s blow.

“Despite my aching ribs,” he said, “I liked the man.”