Page 289 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Lochland broke the silence. “We have company.” He stared at something beyond Talbot.

Talbot twisted and looked over his shoulder to see Sir Ronald approaching with one of his men. Talbot rose and turned as they neared. Lochland and Seward stepped up alongside him.

“We are preparing to leave,” Ronald said, when they reached Talbot. “You know what Edward will do when I return without you.”

“Would you prefer to fight now?” Talbot asked.

“So you can slaughter my men?” he sneered. “Have you any message for Edward?”

“As I told you last night, tell him I know of his plan.”

Sir Ronald hesitated. “Think of what you do. This is treason.”

“Is that what Edward told ye?” Seward interjected.

“Quiet,” Talbot commanded.

Ronald looked from the old man to Talbot. “I would speak with you alone.”

“Ye can go to the devil,” Seward growled.

“I must speak with you,” Ronald insisted of Talbot.

“Dinna’ be a fool,” the baron said. “Ye know what a snake Edward is.”

“Enough,” Talbot said. He nodded at Sir Ronald and started away from the two men.

“Remember your duty to my granddaughter and great grandson,” Seward called after him.

“Remember your vow to me,” Talbot replied. He hoped Seward kept his word and didn’t tell Lochland or anyone else about Edward’s plan to kill him.

They walked until they left the larger clusters of men behind. Up ahead, Ronald’s army prepared to leave, though, to Talbot’s frustration, they seemed in no hurry. Some were saddled and mounted while others still saddled their horses. Others still sat in groups talking.

“You are Sir Talbot St. Claire,” Ronald said. “You have been Edward’s favorite from the beginning. What have these Scots done to turn you against him?”

“Return and deliver my message,” Talbot said.

“Return with me, I beg you. Whatever has happened, Edward will forgive.”

“Edward will forgive?” Talbot shot back. “You know nothing of what Edward has to forgive.”

Ronald stepped closer. “He is our king Your king.”

“Aye,” Talbot said. Just as Talbot was his knight. But that hadn’t stopped the pontiff from trying to kill him—all so he could seize Talbot’s newfound power. “Have your men ready to leave within the quarter hour.” Talbot started to turn, then stopped and added, “Tell Edward this. I will be sending him my brother’s head.”

Shock shone on the knight’s face, then his gaze shifted past him. Talbot glanced over his shoulder. Seward and Lochland approached.

“I beg you not to listen to them,” Sir Ronald said in a low voice. “They have poisoned you.”

“It is not them who poisoned me,” Talbot said in a growl, “but the faithless king you say I serve.”

“Faithless? You speak treason.”

Seward and Lochland reached them.

“Your wet nurses have come to lead you home,” Ronald said. “I suppose I should not be surprised that you are allowing me and my army to leave instead of fighting. You have turned craven, St. Claire.”

“This one doesna’ know good fortune when it stares him in the face,” Lochland said. “If ye have an itch to fight, my men will oblige.”