“We were very fortunate.”
The answer came not from Cole, but from Alexander, who was walking up behind them with Addax, Essien, Kress, and Achilles.
They turned to him.
“Fortunate, Sherry?” Alastor said. “Explain.”
Alexander pulled off one glove so he could scratch his scalp. “The Scots were moving them,” he said. “I do not know where, but they were on the move. We caught them just in time.”
Alastor looked stricken. “My God,” he breathed. “They were going to take them somewhere safe, to use as hostages.”
“Probably.”
The mere thought horrified Alastor. “Then you have my deepest gratitude,” he said, looking around at the Executioner Knights gathering. A couple of them, Bric and Achilles, had bloodstains all over them as a testament to the brutality of the rescue. “I am in your debt, truly.”
Alexander held up a hand to ease the excited, relieved father. “We are glad we were able to find your daughters,” he said. But his gaze moved over Alastor’s head to the massive army moving in the distance, heading north to the mouth of the River Tweed. “It looks as if Richmond has arrived.”
Alastor turned to look at the mass movement of troops. “Aye,” he said. “Richmond and de Royans, apparently. They were able to bring troops from Bowes Castle. Well over four thousand men, now moving to the mouth of the River Tweed because the longships were sighted about an hour ago, heading south against a stiff breeze. The progress is slow, but that is working in our favor. The Marshal is calling all armies to Berwick and to the mouth of the river. It seems we take our stand today because as soon as the Northmen come closer, the Scots will try to join with them.”
Everyone was watching the movement. In fact, they could see Savernake and de Winter moving out with them, too, armies that Dashiell and Bric were in command of.
“I suppose I shall join my men,” Bric said what they were all thinking. “They cannot make a move without me.”
The Irish brogue was thick with the jest, but the point was taken. Both Bric and Dashiell mounted their steeds, heading off to rejoin their armies. Achilles tapped Kress.
“We should join Richmond,” he said. “Max and Caius will be expecting us.”
Kress nodded, turning to Alastor and Cole. “We must take our leave,” he said, his gaze lingering on Cole. “It was good to see you in action today, Cole. It has been a while since we have had such an adventure.”
Cole smiled. “I have missed it.”
Flashing a grin, Kress joined Achilles and the two of them headed off to join Richmond and de Royans. That left Peter, Alexander, Addax, and Essien, and it was Peter who bowed out next.
“My father will be looking for me,” he said. “I must join the de Lohr war machine and so must Sherry. My father will come looking for him if he does not comply.”
Alexander grunted. “The success of the entire de Lohr army has been up to me,” he said sarcastically, eyeing Peter. “You are just another pretty blond de Lohr face, Peter. You can fight like the devil himself, but you haven’t a brain in your head, I am sorry to say.”
Peter started laughing. “That’s not what your mother said last night.”
“I do not have a mother.”
“Not after I was finished with her, you don’t!”
Alexander swatted him and Peter roared with laughter, heading off to find the de Lohr army as Alexander mounted his stallion.
“I swear to you that my sword will slip someday and cut off something vital of his,” he said. Then, he snorted. “He’s a fool, but I’m rather fond of him. And you, Cole– well done today. I am glad your lady is safe.”
Cole went to him, taking his hand and holding it for a moment. “I owe you everything,” he said. “I will see you after the battle.”
“Indeed, you will.”
As Alexander headed off, Cole returned his attention to Alastor.
“Does my father still hold the castle?” he asked.
Alastor nodded. “Still,” he said. “He has his entire army positioned inside of it, prepared to fend off the Scots and the Northmen along with the Earls of Orkney should they break through the line of English.”
Cole looked off to the northeast, to the city with the castle crouched like a panther over the dark blue ribbon of the River Tweed.
