Page 41 of Defy the Highlander

“Nay, m’laird. But I have one more question, if ye please.”

“Ask.”

“Do ye sell the champions tae women for the right price? Tae service them, I mean. Is that part of the training, too?”

Clegg’s expression was almost one of amusement. “The Ludus Caledonia follows the Roman customs in every way,” he said, lifting his hands. “In ancient times, it was not considered unseemly for rich patronesses to pay for the services of champions. We continue that tradition. It is simply another way to make money.”

“Then ye sell men like…”

Clegg held up a finger, cutting him off. “I do not sell men,” he said firmly. “A man has his own free will. If he chooses to accept the money of a patroness for sexual purposes, that is his choice. Some women pay extremely well. As much as the fight purses in some cases. But I do take half of the money. Why shouldn’t I? Everything at The Cal is to make money, Brody. That is the heart of our existence.”

That clarified the situation for Brody and, in truth, it also brought him some relief. In the back of his mind, he thought of Lady Currie and other rich women who came to the Ludus Caledonia to satisfy their lusts and was concerned he’d be forced into something unseemly.

But it wasn’t the case.

He had to admit, however, that for a brief moment, he considered it. It would be a way to make money faster to buy Lilia’s freedom. But as soon as he entertained the thought, he cast it aside. Though he hadn’t known Lilia intimately, there was no possibility he would be disloyal to her in that sense. He was meant for her and her only, body and soul.

Not even if it meant buying her freedom sooner.

“Thank ye for being honest, m’laird,” he said.

“And you are satisfied?”

“I am.”

“Then let us delay no longer.”

Clegg returned to his table and produced a contract that had been carefully written on parchment. When he handed the quill to Brody, he signed his name. He stood there a moment, staring at the ink, feeling as if he’d just signed his life away. Literally. As Clegg sanded the ink, Luther spoke to Brody.

“Now your education begins,” he said. “Put your right hand over your chest.”

He was making the motion, indicating for Brody to do the same. Once Brody put his hand over his chest, Luther spoke the fateful words.

“Repeat after me,” he said. “I faithfully swear to do all that is commanded of me, all that is required of me, and all that is asked of me.”

Brody’s memory for memorizing things had never been good, as the priests who taught him to read and write could profess. Still, he tried.

“I faithfully swear tae do all that is commanded of me, all that is required of me, and all that is asked of me,” he said.

“May I live to both fight and protect my brethren. May God smile upon me and grant me courage so that I may not fail myself or those around me.”

Brody wasn’t sure he could remember the words in order, but he tried. “May I live tae both fight and protect my brethren. May God smile upon me and grant me courage so that…”

“I may not fail myself or those around me.”

Relieved, he finished. “I may not fail myself or those around me.”

When Brody was finished, Clegg spoke softly. “Thus it is spoken,” he murmured. “Thus shall it be done. Now you are a novicius, Highland Protector. Let us see if you can live up to your name.”

“I will try, m’laird.”

Clegg’s gaze lingered on him. “Remember something, Brody.”

“M’laird?”

“The motto of the Ludus Caledonia is Hominibus Gloria – In men, there is honor. See that you keep it.”

“Aye, m’laird.”