Holger quirked a brow up. “What are you considering, Scotsman?”
He halted his pacing, pointing his arms toward Sir Sean and Alec. “This lord believes an exchange was to take place this eve, flawlessly, where Alec was to meet a grave fate from poison. I am also supposed to be dead already at Sgàrlaid Castle.”
Alec grinned. “You mean to set foot into the keep?”
“To behold the reactions by those present. Shock indicates the traitor?” Sir Sean’s grin matched Alec’s.
“Aye.” Callum nodded at each in turn. “And aye.” He then met her gaze to say for her ears only. “Do you think a sound signature on breath being caught in shock or surprise a possibility if the traitor’s face does not reveal the deed?”
“And aye.” She smiled. “Take lead, Captain, your loyal guard awaits the command.” Which included her as well at this moment.Commence!
Chapter 43
Kinclaven Castle
Perthshire, Scotland
The torch-lit archway Nella stood was wide enough for a dragon to step through with its wings spread wide.
“How many knights are guarding the king while he is currently at prayer?” Nella heard Callum inquire toward Sir Sean.
“Four.”
Callum glanced at a robust royal guardsman just outside the keep’s closed-door entry to say. “Robert, double the number. Knights, not men-at-arms, are to surround King Alexander at all times. Same for our lord king’s tasters. Two, not one, henceforth for each dish or drink offered, understood?” Sir, tall, dark, and dashing, was taking it to a whole new level! Her heart tripled in beat.
Robert’s torso puffed up. “For certain, Captain.”
Callum continued closing in on the guardsman. “Robert, the gate watch has orders only those deemed essential and already known in this bailey or keep are to be present now and henceforth. If any are not, you seek me or Sir Sean straightaway. Make certain to tell each guardsman the order.”
“At once,” Robert replied, vanishing with his palm on his sword’s hilt.
Enough drooling, time to bring down a traitor. Nella clasped her hand tighter in her skirt’s folds as she peered into the great hall when the doors burst wide open by young pages. All shuffled about within the great hall after the sun had risen by those seeking to break their fast. The food seekers appeared among the numerous benches and dais. The highest chair was empty. The king must still be in prayer.Such a large number of lords were in this hall. Not everyone here was going to be present for the treaty upon the morrow at the monastery where the Northern delegation would be waiting after arriving there later today. However, all the Scottish courtiers had certainly seemed to have clustered here.
Okay. Assignments again? Alec, Sir Sean, and Lord Kolson were enlisted for watching any overtly grand expressions in shock or concern or anger while she chronicled all the sound signatures. Callum took two steps ahead, his hood up purposely hiding his features for a more dramatic reveal. He seemed part giant. Was it his immense height given most sat? No, it was him.
Callum paused, glancing at her one last time. He didn’t need to speak for the question to be heard in the herb-and-bread-fumed air. He was asking if she was ready for the immense chronicle before he stepped one more footfall from the final threshold. She nodded – once.
Time. Was. Now.
Callum lowered his hood.
“Oh, Sir Callum has returned, I may inquire as to whom he entrusts as a bowyer here in Perth.” Not him.
“The captain is back, time to see about rotating off night watch.” Not him.
“These eggs are ill-prepared.” Not the traitor.
“Better tell the captain not to try the milk, it tastes odd.” No, not him, either, ugh!
Gasp.
Gasp.
Her eyes snapped up while she held her head steady as to not give away her sense. Far corner of the dais, in embroidered surcoats were two wealthy lords who sat together.
Gasp.Another? Other side of the great hall, near the roaring hearth, a warrior not in a royal-crested surcoat.
“Sir Callum!” a voice boomed by the tapestry as the courtier or lord wiped his hands on a linen after using the basin by the passageway’s entry. “Grand to see you before quill meets parchment upon the morrow!”
