Page 41 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

She laughed.

Creagan whispered something to her that earned him a kiss on the cheek before she rose from the bench.

“I'll see you later?” she asked.

“If fortune favors me.”

She smiled and walked away.

Torden watched her go before taking his place on the bench. “Fortune seems to favor you often.”

“I've always considered myself blessed.”

Legion sat opposite them.

For a moment the three men simply looked at one another.

Creagan's amusement softened. “It has been a long time.”

“Aye,” Legion said.

“Too long,” Torden added.

Creagan lifted his tankard. “Then we should drink to finding one another again.”

Torden caught the attention of a serving lass and ordered ale.

Only after three tankards had been set before them and they'd raised them together did Torden look at Creagan.

“So, what did you find out?”

Creagan's brow rose.

Legion leaned back. “You heard the summons. You knew where to meet us. You were already in Morra Mist, yet you weren't there.”

“And neither of you believed a beautiful woman might have detained me?”

“We did,” Torden said.

“Two beautiful women,” Legion corrected.

Creagan looked pleased. “It's good to know you both still think so highly of me.”

“But you weren't late because of a woman,” Legion said.

Creagan's smile faded. “Nay.”

Torden leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. “So, what did you find out?”

Creagan took a drink before answering. “Someone wants Queen Eudora off the throne.”

Neither man spoke.

“The question is who,” Creagan continued, “and why.”

“You're certain?” Legion asked.

“Certain enough that respectable men who should know better are beginning to question whether she's the legitimate queen.”