Page 7

John frowned, but to his surprise, Philip leaned forward with intense interest.

“Of what brethren do you speak, sir?” John asked.

With reverence, Philip whispered, “The League of the Blade.”

The stranger glanced at Philip with faint amusement, but John was not in the mood for such foolishness.

“Philip wishes for miraculous assistance,” John said shortly. “I know better. Whom do you represent, sir?”

“You do not believe in the League?” the man asked in a soft voice.

“As much as any story told to babes,” John said. “Only this was told to squires and young knights. I don’t believe in encouraging unasked-for hope.”

“Skeptical men make good warriors,” the man answered.

Philip’s grin faltered.

John just shook his head. “Sir, explain yourself or keep quiet so that I can rest.”

“You have come a great distance this last month, only to find all not as you’d last left it.”

John felt chilled. The story of his neglected castle was already spreading.

“If you know such things,” Philip said stiffly, “then you know John is innocent of any wrongdoing.”

“There are those who say otherwise,” the stranger said.

“Lies spread by his brother’s men!” Philip cried.

John held up a hand. “Peace, Philip. Let him speak.”

Solemnly, the stranger said, “The judgment on your family’s worthiness has not yet been pronounced.”

Through clenched teeth, John said, “And are you and your brethren the ones to pass judgment on me?”

“Nay, not us,” the stranger answered. “But we do judge where our assistance can be offered.”

Philip grinned again and opened his mouth to speak, but the stranger cut him off.

“And that judgment we hold in reserve, for now.”

John met the man’s stare coolly. “So you tell me of assistance that you will not offer. What purpose does this serve?”

“To alert you to our presence, to have you understand that although we have not yet decided to aid you, we do understand Lady Elizabeth’s predicament. She, a woman alone, deserves our help.”

“She is my responsibility. She’s alone because I did not return from Normandy in time.”

The stranger gave a slight shrug. “You bear not all the fault. You could not predict the death of her parents, the death of your brother, or the arrogance of Lord Bannaster.”

“I cannot trust in your assistance to Lady Elizabeth,” John said. “I know nothing of you or your brethren.”

“But John—” Philip began.

“No one is going to control my fate,” John continued. He looked at the stranger. “In the morning, go back to your brethren and tell them that I will handle my own problems.”

The stranger gave a single nod. “I respect your position, Lord Russell. We will be watching.”

“I cannot prevent that,” John said. “Sleep well.”