“Indeed,” Quinn said.
“You cannot think they will return?”the miller asked in dismay.“Surely not thrice in one season?”
“I see no reason why they would not,” Quinn said, not wanting to deceive the miller.“But this time, we shall be prepared for them.If we are wrong, then I will not regret it.”
“Nor I, sir.”
“We must lay in stores for a great bonfire this day, and stack it that it might be lit on a whim.I will post a sentry at Annossy to watch for the fire, and if it burns, we will ride immediately to your defense.”
Quinn gestured to Lothair and Niall as they returned.“These are my comrades, who fought by my side in Palestine against the infidels.I would trust them with my life, and so I often have.”The miller and his wife eyed the two knights, who did look most formidable.“I leave them to defend you.”
“But we are here to defend the mill,” one of the men-at-arms protested.
“No longer,” Quinn said with resolve.“You will return to Annossy.”
“But the Captain of the Guard entrusted us with this task,” protested the other.
“We take our orders only from Gaultier,” said the first.”
“That has changed,” Quinn said with soft heat and the second man flushed.They both dropped their gazes.“I am now Lord d’Annossy.I instruct you to return to Annossy and serve in its defense now.”
The first warrior’s expression turned mutinous and he spoke tightly.“Aye, my lord.”
Quinn turned to face him fully, removed his glove, and extended his hand.“I would have you pledge fealty now, before you return to Annossy.”
The pair hesitated only a moment but did exchange a glance before stepping forward.Each dropped to one knee and bowing his head before Quinn.He took their vow of service but did not believe it was heartfelt.Perhaps they liked this assignment far from their superior’s eye.Perhaps the miller’s wife was a good cook.They both appeared to be a little more plump that Quinn thought a fighting man should be.
Or perhaps they knew more of the raids than they chose to admit.They might even be in league with the brigands.Quinn knew only that he could not dismiss his sense that they were deceptive.
He gestured after they had made their pledge and Bayard led them to the task of laying the wood for the signal fire.
The miller took his wife’s hand when they were gone, his agitation clear.“I pray you would ride quickly if that fire is lit, sir.”
“Aye, with all haste.And now one choice is yours alone to make.”Quinn dropped his voice as he conferred with the miller and his wife.“We would have greater chance of success if all believe that the sole change is the arrival of my men and the laid fire.”
“Aye, sir.”
“That would mean that you continue with your established routine.”
“And that I remain here, as well as our grandson,” the miller’s wife said, seeing his import before her husband.
“I cannot command you to do as much,” Quinn said.“For there is peril in the choice.It must be your own.”
“Did you kill infidels in Palestine, sir?”that woman demanded.
“Many of them, and I saw many of our own killed, as well.”
“I would expect you saw much courage there.”
Quinn smiled.“And fear, too.Such a war brings out the best and the worst in all involved, I suspect.”
“We are at war here, sir,” she said.“The stakes are not so high as the recapture of Jerusalem, but I would see these villains caught and put to justice.”
“As would I.”
“Your scheme would be more likely to succeed if I remained?”
“I believe as much.”
