Page 108 of The Champion

“Are you all right?” Stryder asked.

Christian nodded. “It was just a glancing blow. Enough to make me angry, but not enough to do much damage.”

“Kit said all of you were attacked.”

Swan nodded. “Someone threw an axe at my head while I practiced, but no one saw who threw it.”

“I had someone come up behind me and try to stab me,” Val said. “I caught his arm and knocked him back. He turned and ran so fast that I didn’t even get a good look at him. All I know is he was almost a head shorter than I am.”

“I had a dagger tossed at my head.” Nassir jerked his chin toward Zenobia. “Zenobia saw it coming and tripped me in time to save me.”

She looked at Nassir sweetly. “Ever my pleasure to undignify you in public.” She turned to Stryder. “But I didn’t see who threw it at him either. Only the sunlight catching the blade made me realize what it was.”

Like Nassir, he was grateful for her quick reflexes. “Did anything happen to you?” Stryder asked her.

“My wine was poisoned.”

Stryder felt his jaw go slack.

Zenobia waved his concern away. “Have no fear. It was dharindus. I’m not sure what you call it in your language, but it is a fairly common poison in Syria. I knew the instant I smelled the wine that it was tainted.”

“Why are they attacking us now?” Swan rose to his feet. “And why all of us?” He looked around. “Which one of you angered our enemies?”

“I think I did when I didn’t die,” Stryder said.

Nassir stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Who is controlling them?”

Stryder forced himself not to look at Kit lest he give his brother away. “I believe it’s someone called Kalb al 'Akrab.”

“Heart of the Scorpion?” Val asked gruffly. “What has that to do with all this.

“The Watcher of the West,” Zenobia breathed as a light came into her eyes. “My people believe the star Kalb al 'Akrab is responsible for causing discord and conspiracy. Many of my people take an oath by it to exact revenge on our enemies. It would be the perfect name to give to a spy sent here to eliminate all of you.” She looked at Stryder. “Where did you hear that term?”

Stryder didn’t answer.

“I gave it to him,” Kit said, surprising them all.

Stryder heard Rowena gasp, but she said nothing as Kit continued.

“‘Tis the name of an assassin executioner.”

Stryder stepped forward. “Kit...”

“‘Tis fine, Stryder. I don’t need you to protect me anymore. I’m tired of hiding.”

Stryder’s chest was tight as Kit unlaced his sleeve and showed his men what he had shown him earlier while he relayed everything else.

Rowena moved to Stryder’s side and in truth, he welcomed her nearness, especially her hand that she placed inside his own. It soothed him profoundly while he hurt for his brother who was bearing the most shameful of secrets to his men.

Nassir took Kit’s arm and read the names on it. “Aubrey, James and Vincent aren’t on here, and yet they were killed by assassins.”

“I’m not the only one they sent.” Kit met each of their gazes in turn. “All of you have been looking for someone like Zenobia or Nassir, but it’s not the Saracens who are going to kill you. It’s people like me. We blend seamlessly because we are one of you. We dare not tell anyone where we’ve been or what has happened to us. We have no Brotherhood. We’re nameless shadows born of shame and horror. We have no conscience left and all we want is to be free.”

“You killed Charles?” Swan snarled as he took Kit’s arm and read the names. “You bastard!”

Stryder caught him before he could strike Kit. “Don’t you dare!”

He forced Swan back.