Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 99593 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99593 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 498(@200wpm)___ 398(@250wpm)___ 332(@300wpm)
“What if it is the only way?” she whispered.
“There is always another way.”
“Nay, not always. Sometimes you have no choice but to make do if you want to survive.”
“This is not one of those times,” he argued. “I will not chance losing you.”
His words were genuine as was the concern in his eyes. He truly didn’t want to lose her. Her heart and stomach fluttered. Never had her father nor Torrance expressed such true concern for her and though Ryland’s arms were not around her, his words hugged her tightly.
Brack rushed into the hall, sword drawn, and his glance racing around the room.
“We are safe here,” Torrance called out.
“This is Purdom land, no one is safe here,” Brack challenged.
“Do I appear injured to you, Brack, and what took you so long to reach me?” Torrance demanded.
Satisfied no danger existed, Brack came to a stop in front of the table where Torrance sat. “I expected to find you at Clan Stott where you were to stay while in this area. I feared you were taken captive or worse dead since the tracker found so many different tracks. Until he finally found the ones familiar to your stallion.”
Torrance scowled. “Then the tracker needs to improve his skills.”
Brack sheathed his sword with a sharp motion. “Aye, I told him the same. This is no place for you to be, my lord.”
“And my warriors should not have betrayed me,” Torrance said, his scowl deepening.
Brack’s jaw tensed. “And they will suffer greatly for it when caught and warning has gone out to anyone who may be harboring them or any Glencairn warrior who may be thinking to do the same. Betray Lord Torrance and your suffering will be never-ending.”
“Have any been caught?” Torrance demanded.
“I have sent some trusted warriors out to hunt those who betrayed you, but the focus has been on finding you.”
“Now that you have found me shift the focus on finding those who dared to raise their swords against me,” Torrance ordered.
“Aye, my lord, as soon as I see you settled safely at Clan Stott.”
“I am not going to Clan Stott,” Torrance said, with such finality that it left no room for argument.
Brack argued anyway. “That is not what was agreed. Clan Stott is prepared to offer you shelter, warriors, whatever you need. It was arranged for your protection.”
Torrance’s eyes narrowed. “And you trust them completely with that protection?”
Brack’s brow furrowed. “They have always proven loyal.”
“You know as well as I do that loyalty can sour faster than milk left in the sun.” Torrance leaned forward, his tone cool. “Gavin. Has he returned?”
Brack blinked at the sudden change in subject. “Gavin? I don’t believe so. Last I heard, he had not been seen since you dismissed him and the others who failed you.”
Torrance gave a noncommittal grunt and reached for his tankard. “See if that has changed.”
“You believe he may have returned?”
“I asked if he has. Not what I believe.”
Brack’s gaze sharpened. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Torrance’s grip tightened around the tankard. “What I do or don’t tell you is my decision.”
Brack stepped closer. “Are you doubting my loyalty to you, my lord? My concern is and always has been for your safety, your life.”
Torrance’s fist tapped the table. “Then do as I order without question.”
“It is my duty to question you, to challenge you,” Brack snapped, the last thread of restraint unraveling. “You should be at Clan Stott. You're vulnerable here, exposed. Too many unknowns—”
“Then let me make it known now,” Torrance cut in, his voice suddenly low and lethal. “Where I go, where I stay, who I trust… that is my decision to make, not yours.”
Brack bristled. “I’ve risked my life to keep you alive, my lord. I only speak because—”
“Because you forget your place,” Torrance growled, rising slowly from the bench. “You may command the warriors, Brack, but not me. Never me.”
The silence that followed was heavy, and Brack held his tongue only by sheer discipline. He gave a sharp nod, though the tension in his shoulders was obvious.
Torrance stood tall, every inch the feared leader. “You say this land is dangerous. Then prove your loyalty. Protect me and keep watch. But speak again as if you rule my steps, and you won’t like the consequences. Do you understand, Brack?”
Brack inclined his head stiffly. “Understood, my lord.”
Torrance sat, ending the conversation, but the fire in his gut hadn’t settled. He’d seen Gavin speaking with Eagan and he wondered who else plotted against Torrance. And the elderly woman’s warning whispered in his head.
Friends are foes and foes are friends.
“See that preparations are made for my stay here,” Torrance ordered, wondering who to trust.
“How long—”
“Until I say otherwise,” Torrance snapped. “Now go and do as I say.”
Esme had remained silent throughout the exchange, knowing Torrance would never tolerate her interference. But now that Brack was gone, she went to speak.