Reluctantly, he turned toward the king. “I saw the attack,” Conan told him. “What she says is true.”
“Ignore that old man and help me exact justice,” Alannah demanded.
Out of the corner of his eye, Conan caught Diarmid’s grin at Alannah’s choice of words.
“Watch how you speak to the King of Mumhain, girl.” Broccan’s threat held more malice than Conan liked.
Alannah froze, her gaze sliding from Oran to Brian. “You’re Brian Bóruma mac Cennétig?”
Brian crossed his arms and stepped into the fray. “I am.”
“We had no idea,” Conan apologized.
The corner of Brian’s bearded mouth lifted in amusement. “Of course not. How could you?” He gave Alannah his full attention now. “I’m afraid that, regardless of his attack on your sister, I still cannot allow you to slay him. However, you are entitled to the full payment of the fine on her behalf. She had bruising, you say? For God’s sake, let the woman go.”
Alannah and Oran were both released. Before she could make any rash decisions, Conan walked right up to her and took her hand in his, giving it a squeeze.
“Yes, lord,” Alannah replied, squaring off with the king. “And he broke into our home, I believe with intent to do more than just that.”
“Lies!” Oran spat, storming toward her.
Conan stepped in the way. Cormac and Diarmid took hold of Oran’s arms again.
“All she ever does is slander me!”
This time, Brian turned to Conan. “Is that true?”
“It is not, lord,” Conan replied honestly. Alannah had told him she paid for folk to praise her business, not slander his. “He doesn’t have the right of it.”
“You lying son of a—”
“That’s quite enough from you,” Brian interrupted. “You will pay the victimized woman’s family three ounces of silver. If there is a repeat offense, the fine will triple.”
“You’re not king here!” Oran argued. “It’s Cahill’s laws we follow, not yours.”
Brian didn’t look the least flustered by Oran’s continued outbursts. “He’s just down the way if you’d prefer I fetch him. I doubt he’ll be pleased at being disturbed over something I’ve already handled, though.”
Oran roared in agitation, but didn’t argue further.
“Good,” Brian announced. “Now that that’s settled, let’s be on our way.” He turned a sharp eye on Conan. “Can I trust you to see the lady back home once she’s collected her payment?”
“Yes, lord,” Conan assured him.
“I don’t have the coin now,” Oran muttered.
Brian tsked. “Then you will give her your sword.”
Conan took great pleasure in watching Oran take off his sword belt and drop it on the ground, like a child throwing a tantrum over sweets. Alannah retrieved it, pinning Oran with a menacing glare. If the king hadn’t been standing there with his warriors, Conan had no doubt she’d have pulled it on him.
Without another word, Brian strode out of the guesting house, Broccan, Cormac, and Diarmid right behind him.
Conan sighed in relief a moment too soon.
“Cahill!” He heard Brian call loudly. “We were just on our way to your home.”
He heard his father’s voice just beyond the doorway, a chill coursing through him. It was a sound he’d hoped never to hear again.
“This isn’t finished,” Oran growled, taking a step toward Alannah.
