Caius nodded, looking to Maxton as William rose to pour himself more wine and summoned Sean, Bric, and Dashiell for a quiet conversation. As Peter and Kevin headed out to inform Morgan and Gareth of their coming mission, Caius spoke to Maxton.
“It will be like old times,” Caius said, a twinkle in his dark eyes. “Except for the women. I do not think your wife would like it if I demanded you go wenching with me.”
Maxton chuckled. “Nay, she would not, and she is not afraid to use a knife, so tread carefully with her.”
“I would only show her the greatest respect, Maxton,” Caius assured him. “But you, however…”
He snorted, which set off Maxton. “It has been a very long time, my friend,” Maxton said quietly. “How many years since we last had an adventure together?”
Caius shrugged. “I cannot even recall. It has been a long time.”
“I miss Kress and Achilles. I miss those days.”
He spoke of the other original Executioner Knights, men who had their own responsibilities and families these days. Caius grinned as he thought on those two.
“As do I,” he said softly.
“And Sherry,” Maxton said. “I miss him, too.”
Caius shrugged. “Sherry only worked as a team when he felt like it,” he said. “I love the man, but he could be a loner at times. That is why I am perpetually amazed that he has settled in as Christopher de Lohr’s commander. He’s usually quite a wanderer.”
But Maxton shook his head. “Not anymore,” he said. “Marrying a woman you are mad for can do such things to aman. Make him feel settled and whole. Mayhap you’ll discover that for yourself someday.”
Caius snorted rudely. “Never,” he said. “I will leave marriage to those of you who can stomach it. As for me, I…”
He was cut off by William, who waved them over as Bric and Dashiell departed. Sean was still standing with The Marshal, and William motioned to Caius and Maxton.
“Cai,” William said. “What’s this I hear? You met Marius de Wrenville tonight?”
Caius looked at Maxton, who smirked and averted his gaze. Now would be his comeuppance as he confessed his presence at The Pox.
Or not.
He still hadn’t decided.
He cleared his throat.
“I did,” he said, eyeing Sean even as he spoke to William. “But he was just another man in a tavern. I did not know who he was, only his name. Sean says he is a favorite of John at the moment.”
William nodded, some of his frustration returning. “He has been spending an inordinate amount of time in London with John,” he said. “Sean has been watching him and reporting back to me. That is why I believe Marius orchestrated Alice’s marriage to his father– Marius is ambitious and clever, but those are not compliments. He is also ruthless. What happened when you met him? Did you speak with him?”
Caius looked at Sean, who was stone-faced. Clearly, the man didn’t tell William about the circumstances of Caius’ acquaintance with Marius. He was leaving that up to Caius.
Caius had no choice but to tell him the truth.
“I beat him in a drinking game,” he finally said, watching the exasperation on William’s face take flight. “Half the tavernwas betting on who would be the last man standing after several bottles of strong Portuguese wine. I won.”
“Let me guess. At The Pox?”
“Aye.”
“At least you are truthful.”
“I am nothing else, my lord.”
William waved a hand at him as if to dismiss the potential for an insult in that line of conversation. “I know you are,” he said. “That is not what I meant. But The Pox? You know how I feel about that place, Cai.”
“I know, my lord. But it has excellent food and drink.”
