Words ridden with a growl echoed behind her. “If you release the lady; I may let you keep your hands.”Callum.
Turning her in his grip, Malcom tightened his hold on her waist, shoving her back up against his front while his palm remained same as an iron shackle about her windpipe. Callum had the bow in his grasp with arrow nocked right at Malcom’s face. Brayden at Callum’s flank.
“I believe you are mistaken who harbors the stronger position in this battle,” Malcom sneered then threatened, “Take another step closer, either of you, I shall snap this bonny neck. ’Tis a shame laying waste to such a fine lass.” Her stomach curled when his tongue licked her cheek. Ohhhh, yuck.
The raiders who lay dead on the table across the common room had said “bottles’”. Malcom was part of the raiders; had he drunk the wine? Her eyes glanced at the bottle; Callum must have taken note also as he said in a steely tone, “Have you partaken in the wine same as the others at the table beside the hearth?”
Malcom’s fingers twitched; he had.
“’Twas a poison I harbor knowledge of,” Callum surmised at Malcom’s lack of answer to say, “If you release the lady, I shall offer the antidote. Resist, you will join those dead to my rear flank.”
“The antidote first!”
“Nella.” Her eyes widened when Callum whispered… only to her. Was Callum using his arm that was straight while holdingthe wooden portion on the bow, thus enabling him to cover his mouth discreetly from any prying eyes so he could speak only to her? Aye, brilliant! Her knight was speaking in a wisp from breath only she could hear. “My lady, if you hear me blink heavily –twice.”
If blinking could create a secret bridge only for the two of them it was just built.
“Good, I shall demand a glass of mead with onion but ’tis a ruse. There is nae antidote. When he reaches for the glass, break free to your left, and I shall sink this arrow into his eye. Blink once hard for nae or twice for aye.”
Hours they would spend in the fields hidden as he would practice at her encouragement knowing one day it would serve him well in keeping him safe during battle. Had she ever considered it would be her that needed saving? No. He was a master with the bow in unmatched strength – she blinked twice.Get him, Callum.
“Bring the Scot a cup of mead with onion,” Callum bellowed after her secret signal.
If time had halted it still would have seemed quicker at her current state before the serving lassie came forward bearing the request.
“Halt,” Malcom ordered the wide-eyed lassie, “set the cup upon the table before the bonny.” The fingers on her throat tightened. “Fetch it for me.”
“Nella, soon as he takes the goblet, he shall be distracted. Tilt your head left. Iwillmake the mark. I vow it to you with all I am.”Aye.
She reached for the goblet, which slipped slightly in her sweaty grasp.
Callum held her gaze. His normally cool blue eyes seemed to take a fierce color same as a thundercloud. “’Twill be allright, Nella, I promise.” Her breath paused from gasping a brief moment at his iron-clad reassurance.
The goblet met Malcom’s fingers as he loosened his grip on her throat, and the same moment she crushed her eyes shut and pulled left – hard.
Whizz.The arrow flew by her ear so close it sailed through the few wayward strands above her ears. She cried out. Malcom’s hands dropped from her body quick as the wind, which blew the shutters open wide beside them.Thump, gurgle.Shaking profusely, she glanced down. Her eyes burst wide at the sight of the arrow’s placement. A breath from her temple right through Malcom’s left eye.Callum… Callum had made the mark.
A sob broke free after warm palms circled her. Did it matter to her he was not granted the title or had taken the oath?Nae, he was the same as a Templar’s knight in skill.
“Summon the sheriff at once!” someone yelled from the chaos, which swept through the tavern at the event’s turn.
“My friend,” Sir Brayden said, “we must take our leave – directly.”
Callum’s focus was only for her. “Nella?”
Numbly, she nodded after looking at Sir Brayden who wore a worried look. Why were they running from the sheriff? Swallowing the fresh sob which longed to be torn loose, she nodded again before Callum grasped her hand while they bolted for the door.
The final sight of those fallen appeared in her gaze –the Benefactor was as evil as the night was dark!
Chapter 8
Callum took another deep breath, and the scent in herbs mixed with lass filled his soul. Aye, she was safe. His palm settled heavier about her ribs while they cantered through the sunny wood which had turned glossy after the fresh rain let up. The leaves now sparkled same as stars at midnight.
“I am the one who has fallen into bewilderment,” Nella began. “Why are we bolting in haste from the sheriff?”
“Discretion,” Sir Brayden called over the sound from the charger’s cantering.
“Discretion?” she repeated, puzzled.
