Page 101 of Defy the Highlander

Now, he was stuck.

The group of the novicius had been moved into the lists which, unfortunately for Brody, also included his wife and Isadora this morning. They were sitting about halfway up the arena, in the shade for the most part, watching their men train new recruits. Now, they’d be watching a rematch between Brody and Titus, who was strutting over on the other side of the arena, pointing his finger at Brody and laughing.

Brody liked Titus well enough. In fact, they’d become good friends since his return to the Ludus Caledonia three months ago. Titus was arrogant but loyal and wise when he settled down enough to display those characteristics. Rumor had it that Clegg was getting ready to move him to another fight guild, the Ludus Antonine in Glasgow, because it was becoming extremely popular and the money-making potential was great. Titus didn’t particularly want to go but, as a career warrior, he went where he was told.

Therefore, Brody might not get another chance to best the man.

“He’ll not get those feet anywhere near my head,” Brody said confidently. “If he tries, I’ll break his toes.”

Cam snorted, turning away from Brody but catching sight of someone else entering the arena. Galan, who used to help him train novicius but had since moved on to become the trainer of his own group, was emerging from the staging area with two shields and two wooden swords, or rudis.

Cam came to a halt.

“What are ye doing here?” he called.

Galan smiled broadly. He was a big, strong, and handsome, and there had been a time when Lady Currie, long ago, had noticed him. But he’d refused her just as Brody had, only she hadn’t pursued him nearly as hard. He’d slipped away unscathed.

“I thought we might team up against the Highland Dimwit and The Chicken,” Galan said, watching Brody laugh and Titus’ feathers ruffle. “I’m sorry. I meant the Highland Protector and The Eagle. My apologies.”

Titus’ eyes narrowed. “I’m going tae stick my talons in ye, Galan.”

Galan laughed loudly, tossing a rudis to Cam as he came near the man. “You can try,” he said. Then he looked at Brody. “Get over there with your teammate, Protector. You’re not welcome on this side of the arena at the moment.”

Grinning, Brody took his rudis and his wooden shield and headed over to Titus, who was clearly disturbed by the change in game plan.

“Damnation,” Titus muttered. “It seems that I willna have the chance tae kick ye in the head again.”

Brody smirked. “Ye never had the chance tae begin with,” he said. “I know yer tricks. And so do Cam and Galan. They’ll be expecting it from ye, but they willna be expecting it from me.”

Titus looked at him, surprised. “Ye think ye can get that big body of yers up in the air tae take someone’s head off? I would sincerely like tae see that.”

“If ye dunna start acting like ye’re on my side, we are going tae lose this battle.”

Titus shrugged. “I’m on yer side,” he said. “But ye’d better let me do the kicking. I’ll take Galan. I never did like that Sassenach. Can ye take down Cam?”

“I can try.”

“Ye dunna sound confident.”

“Then ye take Cam and I’ll take Galan.”

Titus shook his head. “I’ll keep Galan,” he said. “With Cam, it’s a matter of catching the man off guard. They dunna call him The Lion of the Highlands for nothing.”

Brody had heard that nickname for Cam when he’d first come to the Ludus Caledonia last year. It suited the big, blond warrior who was quiet and efficient until he had a reason to roar. Then, he was unstoppable.

“As I said, I’ll try,” he said after a moment. “If I take him down first, I’ll help ye with Galan.”

Titus frowned. “What makes ye think I’ll not take that bloody Sassenach down first?”

“Care tae wager?”

“Gladly. Six silver marks.”

“Afraid, are ye?”

Titus’ eyes opened wide at the challenge. “Ten marks, ye foolish man.”

Brody chuckled. “Ye’re not a very good team player.”