Soundlessly she moved across the camp and into the carriage, closing the curtains around her.
Peter assessed Ivan, sitting across from him, his stubby legs stretched out in front of him, his arms across his protruding belly.
“I wonder... What part of ‘leave us’ you had trouble with?”
Ivan tucked his feet in, leaning toward Peter. “Sir, I beg your pardon. I believed she was disturbing you. I thought only of your welfare... and hers of course.”
Did the man just insinuate Peter was being inappropriate?
“Why is she being brought to the Priory?”
The other two men joined them, sitting on either side of Ivan. Mort returned at the same time and stood just beyond the firelight, behind Peter. He was prepared for something but Peter was not sure why.
“It is where her father wants her to be brought. I follow the orders I receive. Much as you, no doubt.”
“I do follow orders, that’s true. I have a moral code by which I live as well so that when a situation presents itself, I know what I am called to do even without direct orders. Can you say the same?”
“Yes, I can. I see to my own comfort during these times and make the most of any situation I find myself in. Do you not?”
“I might look to my comfort but not if that comfort imperils one within my protection.”
Ivan guffawed. “You, sir, are a knight of the first order! I cannot say I would be quite so discerning.”
“And have you taken liberties with your ward?”
Ivan’s smile froze on his lips. “You disparage me, sir!”
“Do I?”
Ivan thought for a moment, almost as if measuring the best course of action. Peter wondered for the first time if this man had been a soldier. Cole and Andrew shifted, perhaps to signal readiness. Ivan narrowed his eyes slightly then stood, breaking into a huge grin.
“Ah, Sir Peter, dear Brighit is at your disposal. I ask only that she is returned when you are done with her.”
Peter threw the punch without forethought, hitting Ivan squarely in the jaw. The sting shooting up his arm assured him it was a solid hit. He did not shake his hand out but stood ready for the return blow.
The men on either side of Ivan merely shifted away, as the little man fell back on his arse. Getting as far as his knees, he rubbed at his jaw, moving it side to side, then stood. The huge grin returned. The three men turned and walked away, disappearing into the darkness.
Mort grunted and stood beside him. “Well played. Round one to Ivan.”
Peter’s eyes widened. “You think so? I thought my fist would have quashed his comment.”
“But his was still the last word. He is a wily player.”
Peter rubbed his knuckles. “I didn’t even know we were playing. I had the man pegged as a lecher of the worst kind, one who defaces sacred shrines and deflowers innocent virgins without much thought. Could I have been so wrong?”
“Perhaps you saw only what you chose to see. I am not sure he does not do just that. Lady Brighit is the only one who can answer those questions.”
“Lady? You believe she is a lady?”
“With a certainty. Her bearing is noble and she is well educated. I just cannot fathom why she is with this group.”
“I believe she was about to divulge that information when Ivan interrupted.”
“Oh?” Mort shifted closer as if to ensure he didn’t miss a single word. “What did she say?”
“She said, ‘My family cannot know what has happened to me.’” Peter scratched at the stubble on his chin. “I cannot say exactly what it means, however. Is she saying she does not want them to know or they have no way of knowing.”
“I’d say you have much to discuss with the lady.”
