Page 22 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

Her eyes dropped. “Nay.”

Legion saw the pain cross her face as his grip tightened. She didn’t protest or attempt to pull away. She didn't tell the bastard to release her. She simply endured it and the warrior’s grin told Legion he enjoyed that.

Legion picked up his ale and took a swallow, then another before he set his tankard down.

“Let her go,” Legion said, his voice raised and firm.

The warrior looked toward him. “What did you say?”

“You heard me.”

Silence slowly fell over the hall.

The warrior released Senna and turned toward Legion. “Who the devil are you?”

“A man trying to eat his supper while having to listen to a man with more brawn than brain.”

A few men laughed.

The warrior turned an angry face on them and they quickly turned silent.

He then turned his attention back to Legion. “Eat and mind your own business.”

“I would. But you're loud mouth is making that difficult.”

More chuckles were heard, but this time the warrior ignored them and strode toward Legion.

Legion remained seated.

That seemed to irritate the warrior even more.

“You think you're amusing?” he asked, stopping in front of the table, his broad shoulders drawn back.

“Nay. Just being truthful.”

The warrior snorted. “You think because you've got a sword strapped to your side that I'm afraid of you?”

Legion glanced down at the weapon, then back at him. “We won't need swords.”

The warrior finally looked pleased. “Good.”

He looked about to step away when he swung.

Legion moved his head just enough for the fist to miss. Before the man could recover, Legion drove his fist hard into his ribs.

The warrior staggered and surprise flashed across his face.

Legion stood and the warrior came at him again.

This time Legion let him.

The warrior's fist connected with Legion's jaw. His head snapped sideways, then he slowly turned it back.

The warrior's satisfaction disappeared.

Legion’s fist swung just once.

The man stumbled backward into a table. He pushed himself upright with a roar and charged.