“What man?” he snarled, beyond annoyed to be disturbed when he’d actually managed more than an hour or two of sleep for the first time in months.
“He gave his name as Hugo MacFalny, sir. I believe him to be one of the minstrels. He claims to have urgent information for yer ears only.”
He’d recognized the minstrel for a greedy fool at their first meeting, but, obviously, he’d underestimated how great a fool. That he’d allowed anyof them to leave with their lives, after what their dancer had tried, should have been enough to guarantee many miles’ distance between him and this man.
However, if the idiot thought to tempt fate by returning to Tordenet, it was just possible that he did indeed carry important information.
“Have him wait in my solar. I’ll join him shortly.”
The servant ran the length of the hallway and disappeared down the stairs.
After so many hours spent sleeping in his clothes, Torquil felt the need to change. He tossed his shirt off over his head and drew on a fresh one, regretting having sent the little maid away before having her lay a new fire for him.
Even after refreshing himself, he still felt oddly out of sorts.
“A perfect way to approach a guest such as awaits me,” he murmured, setting off down the hallway to the stairs. Though definitely not perfect for the guest.
“Why have you come back, MacFalny?”
The man jumped as Torquil entered the room, his nerves apparently on edge with waiting.
“My laird MacDowylt!” He started forward, his hand extended. “How good it is to see you again.”
Torquil kept his hands at his sides, staring the interloper into submission. “I ask again. Why have you returned, when you were clearly told you’d not be welcome here again?”
The oily smile Torquil found so distasteful covered the man’s visage as he opened his mouth to speak.
“Such an unfortunate incident colored our last meeting, my good laird. It brought sorrow and shame upon my family, indeed. So it was only natural that when I came upon a situation which I felt merited yer attention, I could think of nothing but how I might be of assistance to you.”
“Indeed. And what is this situation which you wish to bring to my attention?”
“Ah well, you must understand, I find myself in a bit of a pinch. By thinking of yer needs first, it would appear I’ve lost my place with the Tinklers, along with all the belongings I was forced to leave behind in my haste to return to you with this news. I felt sure, however, that you would be willing to compensate me well for the news I bring.”
The man wanted the silver he had been denied after the attempt on Torquil’s life. Deep within, the beast stirred.
Foolish, foolish man.
Torquil agreed. The fool should have been satisfied to have escaped with his life the first time.
“So you come to me with the gift of information. A gift for which you expect me to hand over a few coins to grease yer palm. Do I understand you correctly?”
“More than a few.” Hugo chuckled as he leaned against the wall, a newfound confidence in hiseyes. “The information I have for you is quite valuable.”
He would withhold the knowledge he claims we need. There is no loyalty in such an act.
No loyalty at all, from one such as this. But a greedy man could often be a useful tool.
“Why should I trust you, MacFalny? It was yer own woman who attempted to take my life. Would it not be more likely that, failing to murder me, you’re thinking to steal from me now?”
Deep within, the beast growled.
“You wound me, MacDowylt. You’ve no reason not to trust me. Why would I risk my life to come here and tell you falsehoods?”
The reason was clear enough. A reason that would jingle in the man’s pockets.
“I would hazard to guess it’s yer desire to reclaim the silver I refused in payment after your she-devil made her attempt on my life that brings you back.”
“She’s not one of mine,” the minstrel answered contemptuously. “She’s a runaway from a castle we visited far south of here. We only agreed to allow her to accompany us to replace our dancer, who she herself injured when she was discovered hiding in the wagons. I warned the Tinkler then and there she’d be nothing but trouble, but he listened instead to his woman, and foolishly gave his permission for her to travel with us.”
