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“I don’t need help,” she protested. But before she could object again, Jacob’s large hands enclosed around her waist and he lifted her off the horse. Her hands went out to steady herself, holding on to his strong, wide shoulders. When he lowered her to the ground, she was so close to him that she smelled the leather of his arm guards and could see his dark lashes and the slight sunken indention under his eyes. He looked drawn and tired.
“What is this place?” she asked, stepping away from him and surveying the camp.
“It’s a hidden camp, not unlike that secret garden of yours,” he told her. “We move a lot so as not to be discovered by the castle guards.”
“That secret garden wasn’t mine, but it was at one time my mentor’s. And why are you hiding out here? Is it because you are a thief?”
“It’s so much more than that, my lady. You see, I have been training villagers and commoners to fight. That is why I needed the weapons.”
“Fight?” she asked in surprise. “Against who?”
“The High Sheriff,” Jacob told her, causing her to gasp.
“Do you think you should be telling her that?” asked Will under his breath.
“I don’t believe Lady Maira holds any love for the High Sheriff even if she is betrothed to him. After all, everyone hates the man.”
“That’s right, even Lady Catherine didn’t like him and she was his wife.”
“Leave us,” Jacob told Will. “All of you, leave us,” he called out to the men. The others who were gathered around the fire mumbled amongst themselves. Gradually, one by one, they took their food and ale and made their way into the tents or the woods, vacating the area around the fire and leaving Jacob alone with Maira. “Come,” said Jacob, guiding her with his warm hand on the small of her back toward the fire. The night was cool and she felt chilled. Sitting in front of a hot fire with a bite of food was just what she needed.
Once they were settled, Jacob handed her a metal plate with roasted pheasant on it. Then he poured some ale into a wooden goblet and handed her that as well.
“Thank you,” she said, eagerly consuming the food. “Aren’t you going to have any?” She looked up and eyed him suspiciously. “This isn’t poisoned, is it?”
That made him laugh. “Why would I want to poison you?”
“To get your dagger back.”
“If I wanted to take my dagger, I would have done so by now. And I wouldn’t have to kill you to take it.”
“I see.” She put down the bones and wiped her hands on a cloth he’d given her, not wanting to take any more chances until she knew what was going on. “Who are you?” she asked bluntly.
“I’m nobody.”
“What happened to make you live like this? As a thief?”
“The High Sheriff of Durham happened.”
She cocked her head, listening intently. “Go on.”
“I didn’t invite you here for pity and I don’t have time to explain.”
“Then why did you ask me here?”
“I want you to fight with me. In my army. We’re going to attack and seize Durham Castle soon.”
“Attack? Do you mean to kill my betrothed?”
“Aye, I will kill him if I have to.”
“And you have the crazy notion that I am going to help you do this? You are insane!” She jumped to her feet, wanting to leave. “Why would you even tell me this? Aren’t you afraid I’ll run back and tell Sir Gregory?”
“Don’t take me for a fool, my lady. I know the man too well. And from what little I’ve seen from you, I am sure you would never want to spend the rest of your life married to someone like him.”
“You presume an awful lot. You know nothing about me, so don’t pretend you do.”
“I know you walk around with enough weapons on you for three men and you also want more than anything to use them. Do you think the High Sheriff would let you do that?”
