“So you are quicker than you appear, old man.” Niall managed to squeeze out the compliment.
Peter snorted. “And you are far more aggressive thanyouappear.” He pushed him at his two friends. “Do you provoke a fight with anyone you come across?”
The three exchanged glances, seemingly confused by the question. Finally Niall turned back and shrugged. “Yes.”
Peter laughed out loud at the audacious answer.
“So the Scots have earned their battle-loving reputation.”
Mort just shook his head.
What should he do with these enthusiastic would-be warriors?
“Should I speak to you about chivalry and the proper way to woo a lady rather than to just take and jump on anything that has breasts?”
Aldred’s jaw dropped, aghast. Peter bit his lip to keep from laughing.
“No wooing!” Aldred sounded as if he’d just been ordered to cut off his arm. “We would have no interest in that.”
Niall shook his head and rolled his eyes in apparent embarrassment at his friend’s outburst.
“What about you?” Peter asked. “Is that your true name? Niall?”
Niall sized Peter up once again with a very somber look on his face. “I had no need of jumping on anything I came across. The travelers were from across the sea and they were on our land.”
Aldred jerked his head toward Niall. “What? You said you’d like to get a piece of that!”
Niall reddened slightly. Peter knew how it was. Boys needed to impress each other with their constant virility. Well mayhap it was just to impress each other.
“They got away from you then?” Peter asked, his brows rising.
Judging by the blush creeping down Niall’s neck, Peter believed he had the right of it.
He couldn’t resist adding. “And they don’t even know the area?Tsk.Tsk.”
The intended jab struck home. Niall started breathing heavier and his friends gathered closer, their chins dipping lower. Any divisions were closed up tight.
“Rest easy now, lads. I’m just trying to anticipate what I should do if I come across this…much sought after…wench.”
“Give her to me!” The blond burst out, easing the tension, a smile on his young face. “I’ll know what to do with her.”
Peter shook his head. “Well, if you’ll leave us in peace, we have no quarrel with you.” It was to his benefit if he could get through this encounter leaving them unscathed. Their unity as a fighting force was inspiring. He’d like to be able to tap into that for his own use. Allies were more beneficial than combatants. “Would that be to your liking, Niall?”
The relief appeared heartfelt. Peter was glad he’d read the boy correctly. “We’ve no quarrel with you either. We can be on our way—”
“To hunt our prey,” the black haired one added, his big grin splitting his face.
Niall gave him an irritated look. “—on our way and leave you unmolested.”
A humorous statement since Peter was the one holding the blade. “That would be much appreciated.”
Chapter Seven
Peter and Mort heard the commotion long before they came upon the scene. Hurrying through the woods, they needn’t worry about being heard above the din they were seeking the source of.
“What the hell?” Peter grumbled, irritated to be yet again interrupted from his mission.
After their encounter with the team of Scots the day before, they’d decided to set up camp and begin their travels bright and early the next day. Bright, however, was not to be found and by the time the clouds gave way to filtered sunlight, the morning was swiftly passing.
