Knight Protector (Knight Chronicles)

by Rue Allyn

  Sorcha’s face paled at his last announcement. She thrust his arm away and, with as much speed as pride and grace would allow, left the hall.

  One look to Ranulf sent Colin’s friend after Sorcha. She needed reassurance, and it couldna come from him.

  • • •

  Sorcha lingered at the bottom of the stair, listening to the shouted exchange between Colin and Robert. It was too bad she hadna been able to stay in the hall and observe. But nae woman would remain when her husband insulted her as Colin had. The part she played forced her to leave. Nonetheless she paced, twisting her hands like a worried and possibly guilty woman for the benefit of the Marr clansmen who passed her as they left the hall.

  She endured the ugly looks and whispered insults until several Marrs stood grouped at the entrance to the hall. She should leave, but like a cornered animal she dared nae turn her back on the rabid watchers. Then Ranulf left the hall and approached her.

  “My lady. Your husband sent me to escort you to your chamber.”

  She flushed to know what the observing Marrs must think. She gathered her pride, squared her shoulders, and tilted her chin upward. “So Colin has decided to lock me away.”

  “He is concerned for his wife’s safety,” Ranulf said reasonably. He held out his arm.

  Sorcha sniffed and placed her hand on his forearm. “You mean he’s concerned for his wife’s virtue. I’ll have you know I’ve done naught wrong.”

  Ranulf nodded. “As you say, Lady Strathnaver.” He managed to make the acknowledgement sound like an insult.

  “You dinna believe me either, Ranulf. I thought you were my friend.”

  The curve of the stair finally hid them from the sight of anyone above or below and sheltered their voices as well.

  Ranulf halted, so Sorcha paused beside him. “I hope you know that I am your friend, and believe what I am about to tell you.”

  “You alarm me. What could my true friend possibly have to say that I might doubt?”

  “I’ve seen the way you watch Colin when he is nae looking. He is nae all that he seems to be. You mustna let your, uh, passions allow you to be deceived.”

  She studied him, unable to fathom his purpose. “Are you suggesting that Colin is deceiving me somehow?”

  “Aye.” He nodded.

  “How then?”

  “I dinna know all, but the Guardians of Scotland set me to watch him. They think he might have been in league with Brice to betray Scotland and hand Strathnaver over to the English. However, they lack proof and begged me to discover my friend’s real purpose in working for Lord Coillteach.”

  She kept her eyes wide as if she were shocked, which she was. However, she was also suspicious. What kind of friend would spy on another or suspect that friend capable of treason?

  “Do you agree with the Guardians’ suspicions?”

  “Nae,” he denied with almost too much vehemence. “When they approached me to discover and confirm Colin’s loyalties I laughed in their faces.”

  “Then why do as they asked?”

  “Because I knew any other man might look only for proof of Colin’s guilt. I search for his innocence.”

  “What have you found?”

  “Only that Colin has layered deception on deception, and the truth of his loyalty to Scotland has yet to be proven.”

  “So you do think him guilty of treason?”

  “I dinna know what to think. But tell me: has he always dealt truly with you? I know for certain he betrayed you once.”

  She hissed in a breath. “We have put the past behind us to search together for the traitors lurking at Strathnaver Stronghold.”

  “Is that all he told you?”

  She nodded, knowing Ranulf was aware of the letters from Philip of France. But did he know she shared that knowledge? Her gut said she might be better served to keep that information from him.

  Ranulf bit his thumbnail and stared into space as if considering his next words. “Did he also tell you he arranged for Brice’s murder, and I suspect him of arranging for Alex’s death?”

  Her hand went to her throat. Ever since the cook had told her of the missing supplies, Sorcha had wondered if someone had decided to help illness kill Brice. But Colin? He’d ever been envious of his brother, although that envy had usually been expressed in friendly competitions. She’d seen Colin defend Brice too. Now with this news what was she to believe?

  “But when Brice was ill, Colin was nae at Strathnaver, and he was with me when Alex was murdered.”

  “A man need not be present to arrange a death if he is close enough to send a message and has a willing accomplice who can do the deed. How is it, think you, he showed up before Brice’s death was announced?”

  “He knew Brice was here and nae doubt wished to speak with him,” she offered. “Besides, who would kill for Colin?”

  “Someone at Strathnaver who has known Colin for a very long time and whom Colin would trust implicitly.”

  That could only be the chamberlain, who had worked at Strathnaver since before Colin’s birth. But Colin suspected the chamberlain of treason. Didn’t he? Her head began to ache. “He has never mentioned anyone he trusted at Strathnaver.”

  “I doubt he would.” Ranulf gave her a pitying look. “Especially to one he intended to deceive.”

  “Nae. He told me you, Alex, Robert, and Davey were the only men he could trust. ʼTwas his reason for having you all become part of our household.”

  “Certes that is a good story. But do you no think it odd that one of his closest confidants is English?”

  “Are you suggesting that Robert is also a spy for England?”

  “’Twas what made me begin to doubt Colin’s loyalty. Did you know that Robert is a distant cousin to England’s wealthiest horse breeder, Lord Du Grace? That man has angled to get his hands on as much of the MacKai herd as he could, ever since the old Earl of Strathnaver stole them from your clan.”

  “That certainly gives Sir Du Grace motive to tie himself to Colin through Robert. But Colin has promised me the horses will be returned to my brother as soon as we’ve caught all the traitors.” And after the letters from France are found, she reminded herself.

  Ranulf smiled indulgently. “You should ken from experience that men seldom honor promises given to women.”

  Ranulf was right about that, but nae Colin. When they were younger, Colin may have kissed her, stirred her passions, and thereby destroyed all her hopes. But he had never promised her anything. Thus, he’d never broken a promise. Clearly Ranulf wanted her to doubt Colin. But why, and did Ranulf pose a danger to Colin? And if Colin truly is the traitor Ranulf implies he is?

  “I see I have upset you.” Ranulf placed an arm around her shoulders.

  Sorcha shook him off and straightened to her full height. “You have given me much to contemplate, and for that I thank you. I need to retire to my chamber so I may think in private.”

  “Very well, my lady.” Ranulf bowed over her hand. “I doubt anyone will bother you between here and your room, so I will leave you.”

  She retrieved her hand. “Thank you for your kind escort, Sir Ranulf. I will go straight to the earl’s chamber and lock the door so you may be assured of my safety.”

  “You are all that is gracious, Lady Strathnaver.” He faced away and descended the stairs.

  Sorcha hurried to the chamber she shared with Colin; she had to decipher truth from falsehood in what Ranulf had told her then decide what, if anything, to do about it. She went to the window and stared out at the night.

  Her mind whirled. Too much of what Ranulf said made sense—if Colin were a traitor. However, if Colin were a loyal Scot, very few of Ranulf’s claims made sense. How could she determine the truth?

  Word by word, gesture by gesture, expression by expression she analyzed those moments on the stair. Something was wrong with Ranulf’s story, but she could nae decipher what. The moon cast light on the courtyard below. If only it could cast light on the puzzle box she tried
to unlock.

  A jingle of harness and creak of saddle stole her from her musings. Below in the courtyard, two riders headed toward the salley port. Laughter floated up to her from the riders. She’d recognize the slimmer, shorter man anywhere—Colin. The size of the second rider could only belong to Ranulf. Colin was supposed to go to the tabhairn with Robert. Although given events in the hall tonight, ʼtwas sensible for them to go separately. But why was Ranulf with Colin? That hadna been the plan. Despite her protests, Colin had insisted that one of the men stay at the stronghold to keep her safe from resentful Marrs. With Davey gone to Dungarob and Robert at the tabhairn with Colin, Ranulf was the only one left to provide the protection Colin insisted upon. Had Colin forgotten, or changed his mind without telling her? And why had Ranulf not mentioned leaving Strathnaver? Any number of explanations leapt to mind. A last-moment change in plans seemed most likely. Given that none had informed her, urgency may have prevented them from speaking to her before they left. Still, coming immediately after that odd conversation with Ranulf, the change in plans, even the men’s shared laughter, unsettled her.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  “That was quite a performance, my lord.” Robert stepped closer to Colin as he spoke, so the noise in the hall would mask his words.

  “Aye. I believe I made my wife cry.”

  “Hmmm. Was that your intent?” Rebuke glowered in Robert’s gaze.

  Taken aback, Colin blinked. “Nae at all, but it serves our purpose well, as does that glower you are casting at me.”

  “She may be innocent in all of this, and you blacken her name. I’ll remind you as well that she is not truly your wife. The two of you have neither hand-fasted nor received the blessings of holy church.”

  “Think you I dinna ken that? As for her name, if Ranulf’s suspicions are groundless, she’ll have her honor back and more, along with the gratitude of all Scotland when the truth becomes known.”

  Robert raised a brow. “You gave me one or two moments of doubt. Nonetheless, I accept your reassurances. Though, I must wonder if the lover and the husband going to the tavern together might look odd.”

  Colin had to struggle nae to smile. The situation they had staged did have its quirks. “It might nae look so odd if we go separately. For example, if I linger here pretending to get soused then pursue you in a drunken rage determined to beat you to a pulp.”

  Robert winced. “When Ranulf lets that puffed up vanity of his get the better of him, I’ve seen you lay him flat and leave his brain scrambled. Please tell me you’ll not put your full force behind your fist should we be compelled to act on your plan. I’ve no desire to have either my face or my brains broken.”

  Colin bowed his head to hide the grin he could nae repress. “Tis such an ugly face. Bruises and a broken nose might be an improvement.”

  Robert gave a mock glower. “I’ll make you eat those words.”

  “Will you now?” Colin’s brows rose, and he tried to convey anger when all he wanted to do was laugh. “And who is it can lay even Ranulf low?”

  “You only succeed at that because your smaller size makes you faster and you can duck within his guard then dash away before he ever plants a finger on you. I, on the other hand, have a reach like your own, and the hardness of my jaw makes up for any lack in speed.”

  Robert might be a finger’s span taller, which meant in a fight they would be equally matched. Colin did his best to exude anger. “I’ve nae wish to break my hand on the iron beneath your skin. I doubt you’ll be as lumbering an opponent as Ranulf, so let us pray we needna test the matter. I’ll curse you now for the benefit of those still watching our argument. You must throw up your hands at my madness and leave loudly for the tabhairn.” Colin raised his voice. “I’ll nae have a rotten, cuckolding scum at my table. Get out of my sight, you maidse, until you can prove to me you’ve nae interest in my wife.”

  “And how would I do that?” Robert brought his nose within a hand’s width of Colin’s.

  “Go home and tend to your own wife.”

  “I’d rather drink myself to death.” His friend visibly choked on the lie.

  “Then be about it, and to the devil with you.” He shoved Robert, nearly toppling him from the dais.

  Robert formed a fist and stopped short of swinging at Colin. “I’ll not be the same kind of fool as you. When you are ready to see reason, you know where to find me.” He lifted his chin, turned on his heel, and left Colin alone above the salt.

  Colin made a slow about-face then slumped into his chair. He called for ale and glared at those few clansmen unwise enough no to hurry from the hall once the argument was over. He drank alone for some time, dumping his ale into the rushes when the guards at the hall entrance were nae looking. When Ranulf showed up and offered to help Colin drown his sorrows, Colin decided ʼtwas time to follow Robert. “I was mistaken,” he slurred, “no to beat that bastard when I had him. My clan probably thinks me afraid of my wife.”

  He stood and staggered. “I’ll sh… show them ʼtis Robert who should be fearful. C’mon, let’s go teach the cur a lesson. We can enjoy the wenches once we’ve thrown the rat into the midden.” He stumbled as if he might fall over the edge of the dais.

  Ranulf caught him. “Please, my lord, you’ll think better of this when you’ve had time to sleep off the drink.”

  Colin shook off the big man’s hand. “Di ... dinna tell me what to do, or I’ll serve you the same meal of fists I intend to serve Sir Wife-Swiving Robert Clarwyn.”

  “Since you willna see reason then let me come with you.”

  Colin straightened with a typical drunk’s attempt to appear sober then shot suspicious glares at Ranulf. ʼTwas naught like intrigue to focus a man’s purpose. He was good at this, but much as he enjoyed the game of spies, he’d begun to realize he missed having a home. At what point did a man decide to lay down the deceptions to take up home and family? Family hadn’t seemed important until he faced the knowledge that he was the only direct heir to the Marr name. Despite his brother and father’s actions, ʼtwas an honorable name and one that didna deserve to die. He was the only person who could prevent that.

  “Did my wife tell you to make sure I dinna break her lover’s face?”

  Ranulf shook his head. “Nae. I’ve an interest in seeing Clarwyn’s face broken myself.”

  “Well enough.” Colin searched his friend’s expression, gave a single nod, then marched with excessive care from the hall, Ranulf at his heels.

  Soon they were alone and exiting the stables headed toward the salley port. “I want to be certain I didna misunderstand. Your expressed desire to see Robert’s face broken was only for the benefit of those still in the hall who might hear us talking, yes?”

  Ranulf threw back his head and laughed. “You canna be serious. Why would I wish to break my fist on Robert’s granite jaw?”

  Colin grinned in reply. “’Tis a good thing none of my clansmen know how difficult it is to give Robert a beating without hurting yourself more. Else they would nae have believed it when he slunk away in mock fear and didna answered my insults like a man.”

  “Aye, a right fine job he did of acting the cowardly wife thief. He was verra believable.”

  Colin shrugged. “’Twas as we planned.”

  “Aye, he probably took nae pleasure in making you look the cuckoo. Lady Strathnaver is beautiful enough to tempt any man, and she is nae truly your wife. So she is available. Who could blame Robert if he took his ease there while away from his own wife? Any man would do the same, especially if he thought her wealthy. Some of your clansmen whisper that while Brice wears the inheritance ring, ʼtis his wife who decides how the wealth is spent. The ugliest murmurs speculate on how long her husband will live now that the inheritance ring has reappeared. She would be a verra rich widow. A man would easily ignore that bitty limp of hers for so much wealth. I dinna ken how great the dowry was from Clarwyn’s present wife, but ʼtis probably a pittance compared with the Marr treasure. No doubt he
could use a fortune, if he can get rid of the wife he already has.”

  “I wonder how much a prize she will seem when I give Clan MacKai back their horses.”

  Ranulf’s mount sidled as if he’d jerked on the reins. “You intend to do that? ʼTis full half of Strathnaver’s wealth.”

  “Aye, but I want peace between Marr and MacKai. Since my father stole them, returning the horses is the only way to do that.”

  “Hmm. Will Clan Marr approve?”

  “They’ll support their earl, like it or nae.”

  Ranulf nodded. “Still, even half the Marr fortune will leave her wealthy, and her lover or next husband will have a pleasant woman in his bed too.”

  Colin ground his teeth and bit his tongue. Nothing he could say or do would change what happened with Sorcha. She’d leave Strathnaver as she’d always wanted or die the death of a thief and a traitor. All he could do was to pursue the truth and let fate take care of the rest.

  • • •

  Colin rode up to the tabhairn having found no way to rid himself of Ranulf. It wasn’t that he didna wish the big man’s company. Ranulf was one of Colin’s most trusted friends. However, the man’s incessant chatter about Sorcha’s appeal to other men and his speculation on whether or nae Robert intended to actually seduce Sorcha set Colin’s teeth on edge. Also, he worried that too many strangers might scare off any traitor entering the trap they’d set.

  They secured their horses to a post and entered the tabhairn.

  When the door closed behind them, Robert stood and lifted his tankard. “There ‘e is. Th’ bloody Earl of Strathnaver. Temperamental lord of all things Marr.”

  Colin glared at his English friend. “You’re drunk.”

  “Aye, that I am, my lord.” He waved his arms about and sketched a bow that sent him teetering and ale spilling across the floor. “Have y ... you come to apologize for overreacting to a friend’s laughter at your lady’s japes? Or should I hie myself back to England and my well connected wife?”

  “We’ve come to take you home.” Ranulf stepped around Colin and headed for Robert.