AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He retrieved the dagger, letting his fingers purposely touch hers in the exchange. It sent a tingle flitting across her skin. Her lips still vibrated from his kiss and the blood pumped furiously through her body from the rush of excitement coursing through her from their sparring. Her eyes stayed fastened to the dagger as he attached it to his belt and hid it again with his cloak. She loved Damascus steel but it was rare and very expensive. With the gems in the hilt of that dagger, it looked like he’d stolen it from a noble, or perhaps even the king.
He cleared his throat, causing her gaze to meet his. Steel gray eyes warmed her to her very soul.
“I see the way you look at my weapon. You must like it very much.”
“It’s amazing. I’ve never seen one like it before.”
He chuckled. “That’s what most women tell me in the midst of heated passion.”
She suddenly realized he was making a jest of the whole situation. Or perhaps he had really been talking about his manhood instead of his dagger all along.
“You’re not funny,” she ground out. “Now get moving, and I warn you, don’t even think of touching me again.”
Jacob quickly surveyedthe layout of the area, noticing after they saw the blacksmith’s shop and the stable that most of the guards on the wall were gone. A bell rang out for the second time, and everyone disappeared into the great hall. “What was that?” he asked.
“It’s time for the meal,” she explained. “You’d better gather your friends and come to the great hall because the food goes fast.”
“Is that where all the guards on the wall walk went?” he asked casually.
“Aye, Lady Ernestine is adamant about feeding everyone. The guard left at the watchtower will eat when the rest are finished.”
“I see,” he said with a satisfied nod. “Go on inside and I’ll meet you there. I will just help my friends pack up the wares and we’ll be there in a few minutes.”
“All right. I’ll let Lady Ernestine know.” She headed away into the great hall and Jacob watched her go. Then he turned and walked as fast as he could without running and causing suspicion.
“Will,” he said when he approached the wagon. “Round up the others and get to the armory right away. Bring the wagon to the front gate. We have a few minutes only to load the weapons into the cart and hightail it out of here before the guards return.”
“Are you sure we won’t be stopped?” asked Will nervously.
“There’s only one guard at the watchtower. I’ll take him out first and then we’ll load up what we need and be out of here before anyone even eats their main course.”
“Oh, so we’re not staying for the meal?” asked Will, sounding extremely disappointed. His stomach growled loudly, protesting as well.
“Nay, we’re not here for food or did you forget our purpose?”
“All right. I’ll bring the wagon around and tell the men.”
“Good.” Jacob scanned the battlements quickly just to make sure there were no more guards. “Be quiet about it,” he whispered. “We don’t want to alert anyone. I’ll get up to the watch tower and take care of the guard.”
“Sounds good.” Will hurried off to do his job while Jacob turned and headed to the stairs of the battlements.
“Oh, there ye are,” came a female voice from behind him, stopping him in his tracks.
He turned around to see Maira’s cousin, Morag, and flinched. She was going to ruin everything. “Aye. Hello.”
“Are ye comin’ for the meal?” she asked. “After all, ye were invited. We’re havin’ haggis today at my request. Lady Ernestine kens I miss my homeland of Scotland so she has the cook make food from my homeland as often as possible.” Morag droned on and on, taking up much of Jacob’s precious time.
“Aye, that’s nice,” he said, trying to get rid of her quickly. He saw Will moving the wagon into position. The rest of his men headed up to the armory, sneaking up the stairs in the shadows. “I . . . need to use the garderobe and I’ll be right there.” He turned the girl by her shoulders so she wouldn’t notice what was going on. “You go on back to the great hall.”
“But the garderobe is this way,” said Morag, pointing in the opposite direction.
“I can’t wait. I’m actually going to use the orchard. So you’d better leave unless you want to see my bare –”
“I’m goin’,” she said, holding a hand up to the side of her face to block her view and hurrying into the great hall to join the rest. Thank goodness, he managed to get rid of her, but she had slowed him down.
He ran up the stairs and over to the watchtower, throwing open the door. To his surprise, he found not only the guard but also Maira inside.
“I thought you’d end up here,” said Maira, leaning back on a chair with her arms crossed over her chest. “Guard, he’s a thief and here to steal from us. Put him in the dungeon.” She stood and pointed an accusing finger at Jacob.
