Page 81 of The Champion

“On the morrow, at first light.”

The gravity of that statement hung heavy between them.

Kit joined their group, his face grim. “I take it, from the looks of you, that you’ve heard about the trial?”

Nassir and Christian nodded.

“Any thoughts on what we should do?” Swan asked.

Nassir shrugged nonchalantly. “Kill Damien.”

Christian scoffed. “We can’t do that.”

Swan crossed his arms over his chest. “Sure you can. You’re not related to him and no one from France or England has ever been able to defeat your country.”

Christian was aghast. “I could never kill a man in cold blood.”

“Nassir?” Swan asked. “You’re our resident assassin. Why don’t you go after him?”

Nassir rolled his eyes.

“Then, I’ll kill him.” Val lifted his chin. “I’ll challenge him tonight while we sup.”

Swan shook his head. “Nay, you cannot. I’ve seen the man train. You’re good, Val, but he’s better.”

“Then, kill him in the hall.”

Stunned, they all turned to stare at Kit, who spoke in a deadly tone. “You could go up behind him, pretend to stumble and then slide a grisarme into his back, straight into his heart. By the time anyone realizes he’s been mortally wounded, you can be out of the hall and back in your tent.”

Nassir and Zenobia exchanged a bewildered look. “How do you know about that?”

“I’m a minstrel. ‘Tis a common known way to deal with enemies.”

“I didn’t know that,” Rowena said.

Kit shrugged. “You don’t travel with minstrels who write of war.” His eyes took on a strange glint. “Imagine what it’s like when you stab someone who’s not expecting it. The look of horror and respect in their eyes as they stare at you, knowing you’re not so weak and helpless after all. The feel of that last gasp of their breath on your cheek before they fall dead at your feet.”

A bad feeling went through Rowena. “Kit?”

He gave her an innocent look. “Aye?”

“Is there something you wish to tell us?”

“Nay, why would there be? I only repeat what I’ve heard others say.”

Still there was an uncomfortable awkwardness between them all as each of them sized Kit up anew.

Could Kit...?

Nay, Rowena decided. It wasn’t in him to take a life.

She was sure of it. And even if he had, he would never allow Stryder to pay for the crime of it. He loved his brother too deeply for that.

It was a foolish thought. Besides, she fully believed the assassin was a woman. It made much more sense than Kit. The knights held even less regard for Kit than they did for her. None of them would have welcomed Kit into their tents and Kit would never have framed his brother.

Swan sighed. “Well, if we can’t murder him…”

“Let me talk to Damien,” Rowena said, interrupting Swan.