AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Eighteen
Fin
“I thank ye for seein’ me, Baron Welton,” Fin said.
“It would have been rather rude if I had not, given that you have traveled such a distance,” Castor replied.
A wry grin touched his lips. “Twas nae a terribly long ride, Me Lord.”
“And what can we do for you here in Elix, Master Begbie?”
“Fin’ll be fine, I’m nae a master of anythin’,” he replied. ‘And I came tae deliver some news tae ye.”
He stood in the keep’s grand hall at the foot of a raised platform. Castor sat on an elaborately carved chair on the platform, looking down at him imperiously. Fin thought it was all a bit dramatic. He thought Castor, sitting atop his hand-carved throne, seemed to be styling himself as some sort of king or emperor, and it was all Fin could do to keep from rolling his eyes.
He’s a bleedin’ peacock, this one. A preener.
Movement in the corner of his eye drew his attention, and Fin turned his head. From a side door, he saw Ivy walk in and drew in a sharp breath. Wearing a green dress with a high collar and black scrollwork down the sleeves, Fin thought she was a vision. She seemed to glow with an inner light that made her ethereal in his eyes and stirred something deep within him. Not wanting to be too obvious about it, though, he cleared his throat and turned back to Castor.
“So, what news do you bring from York?” Castor intoned, his voice echoing around the hall.
“I come tae tell ye the Duke has improved,” Fin said. “His physician expects him tae make a full recovery.”
“That is certainly good news that I welcome with open arms and heart,” Castor replied with a smile that looked as false as the cheer in his voice had sounded.
“And also that we have the assassin in custody,” Fin said. “He’s in the dark cells now.”
He watched Castor closely, but the man was either innocent, or he was very good at controlling his emotions and expressions. Other than a slight twitch of the eye, the man was as blank as a stone.
“That is certainly more good news,” Castor said with what seemed like more feigned enthusiasm. “And what is to be done with him?”
“I imagine the Duke will have his head off,” Fin replied. “As soon as he’s back on his feet. Which should be soon.”
“Good. That is good,” he replied. “Excellent news.”
Castor nodded, and although outwardly, he appeared to be in good spirits and high cheer, behind his eyes, Fin thought he looked trouble. He pursed his lips and continued to study Castor closely. Although he had his suspicions, he had no proof. Everything lined up for him, and he was sure that Castor was behind the assassination attempts, but he could not make an accusation without proof. And he did not want Castor tumbling onto the fact that he suspected him of anything. Not yet, anyway.
That was what he’d come to Elix for in the first place. To find proof of Castor’s guilt that he could take back to the Duke. But he had to wonder if deep down, that was the only reason he had come to Elix.
“I imagine, though,” Castor started, “that you could have sent a courier with the news rather than come all this way yourself.”
Fin cut a quick glance at Ivy, who stood to the side of the room with a woman he did not know who was tall, had golden hair, and pale blue eyes. Ivy held his gaze for a moment, and he saw her cheeks flush with color before she looked away. He turned his attention back to Castor, who looked at him closely.
Fin saw something flash through Castor’s eyes that he couldn’t interpret. But as quickly as it had appeared, it vanished again. It was an almost reptilian coldness that sent a chill up his spine, and Fin assumed Castor had not missed the shared look between him and Ivy - and did not approve. That did not surprise Fin in the least. After all, he was lowborn, and Ivy was a Lady.
“Or was there some other business you had hoped to attend to while you were here?” Castor said, his voice carrying a brittle, suspicious edge to it.
“Nay, Me Lord,” he said with a grin. “Truth be told, I just needed tae get out of York for a wee bit, and since I’d never seen Elix before, I thought I would take the ride tae deliver thae news ma self.”
Castor eyed him closely for a long moment, but then his expression eased, and he seemed to relax. A small smile gently curled the corners of his mouth upward.
“I understand. York can be a cloying place at times,” Castor said.
Fin nodded. “Aye. Eventually, ye feel like thae walls’re closin’ in on ye.”
“Well, please stay and enjoy the hospitality of my home. I will have quarters made up for you,” he said. “You may take your ease with us for the night.”
Fin gave him a short courtesy bow. “Thank you, M’Lord. I appreciate yer hospitality.”
