Page 18 of The Best of Brenna Grant

“Nay,” Dona replied. “But I’d sure be appreciative of anyone who gave me gemstones like the royal jewels.”

Loki tipped his head toward Torrian. “I’ll return in a moment. Need the garderobe.”

“Again?” Tessa asked.

Loki winked at her, “Aye, I drank quite a bit of ale with my meal. I promise to return post haste.” He crept out of the chamber, looking both ways before he stepped into the passageway. His intuition was not telling him anything good. As he made his way to the garderobe, he listened for any strange sounds, checking every nook of the mazelike corridors before making his way back.

When he entered the chamber, the first thing he heard was a gurgling noise.

A bald muscular man was holding a dagger to Torrian’s throat.

Loki’s gaze searched the room. The two girls stood in opposite corners, as far from the mischief as possible. The man was of rather large proportions, and it was clear he was waiting for Loki to act. There was noticeable sweat across Torrian’s brown, but Loki was pleased to see there was also fury there.

Humph. This would be easy.

Loki took a few steps toward his cousin.

“Halt. Do not take another step or your friend dies.”

Loki did as he was told and froze in place. “No reason to hurt anyone. What is the problem? Why are you here? We’ve done naught wrong, we’re just two traveling Highlanders looking for some entertainment.” He smiled, hoping to give the impression that they were two foolish young lads.

The brute’s dark gaze skewered into Loki. “Why are you asking about the jewels?”

Loki shrugged his shoulders. “Because we heard about them and hoped to uncover them and become heroes. No other reason. Why do you not release my friend?”

“I ask the questions, not you.” He tightened his hold on Torrian, who turned a darker shade of red. “My assistant will be here soon to tie you up.”

“Why must you tie us up? We’ve done naught wrong. Tessa and Dona promised us a sweet eve of pleasure. ‘Tis all we were seeking. Let us go and we’ll be on our way.” Loki managed to move himself to the exact spot he needed for good aim.

The door opened and the man with the eye patch stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

“Where have you been, Egan?” Clyde asked. “Get control of him. Find your dagger. ‘Tis the only way he’ll talk.”

Egan reached into his hidden belt, but he came out with naught besides a puzzled expression. “Clyde? Where’s my…”

“That could be a problem,” Loki announced, both hands on his hips.

Clyde smirked, “And why is that?”

Loki winked at him as Egan reached into his boot for another weapon. “Seems I have Egan’s weapons.” Loki flung one dagger straight into Clyde’s thigh, then pulled out a second dagger and twisted Egan around until he had the dagger pressed to the man’s throat.

As soon as the dagger was embedded in Clyde’s thigh, Torrian swung the man around and pointed his dagger at his throat, though the stronger warrior was a little harder to restrain than Egan had been.

Loki said, “Not bad, cousin. Nice job, especially with one his size. I didn’t know you had those kinds of moves.” Clyde only growled in response.

Torrian said, “He is my uncle, you’ll remember, and he has taught me a few things. How’d you get his weapons?”

Loki laughed. “Didn’t trust the fellow, so I knocked him down in the passageway and stole his weapons.”

Torrian grinned. “Nice strategy. I have much to learn.”

Squeezing the dagger against Egan’s throat, Loki said, “Now, would you mind telling us what you know about the missing jewels and why you’re after us?”

Neither Egan nor Clyde responded. Loki squeezed again.

“All right, I’ll tell,” Egan spewed. “And this has naught to do with the missing jewels.”

“You wee fool! Blackett will whip you.”