Page 39 of One Knight in the Forest

Lord Garroway, once again on his feet, loped toward Redmond.

Her hands around the back of a chair, Magdalen shivered and looked up at William. His attention shifted from Cyn, fighting Lord Northcliff, to Redmond, and then to her. The torment etched into William’s features hit her like a blow, but she must stay focused. William still had the vial. He could still kill with the liquid inside, if given the chance.

“Magdalen? Why are you dressed in that manner?”

“William.” She stretched out her hand. “Give me the poison.”

His burning gaze bored into her. “That missive you found… I was never going to kill Redmond. You must believe me.”

“Please. Do what is right. For Edwina and Timothy.”

“I am. I always do—”

“Then you will give me the vial. Now.”

“I cannot.”

“William!”

“’Tis my proof, Magdalen—”

“I must destroy it. ’Tis the only way, so no one is hurt.”

“Do it,” Cyn shouted, his face dripping with sweat. Swinging his fist, he walloped Lord Northcliff, whose head wobbled at the impact.

Do what is right, William, she silently begged.

His expression grim, he put his thumb and index finger to his lips and whistled: a shrill signal. He picked up the fallen handkerchief, wrapped it around the vial sealed with a cork-stopper, and handed it to her, just as the tavern door burst open. Men rushed in, all wearing peasant garb, but warriors she recognized them from Glemstow’s garrison. The faintest hope warmed her.

Cyn roared, a sound of intense agony.

Horror whipped through her as Lord Northcliff yanked his knife from Cyn’s left shoulder. Blood, dark and glistening, soaked through the front of Cyn’s cloak.