Page 69 of Highlander the Conqueror

“He told me the coin was not worth it and blamed a friend for talking him into joining the mercenary group for this mission alone.”

“So, you’re a motley crew that was hastily thrown together for this mission,” Slayer said, having realized that upon first seeing them and learning that his two dead warriors had managed to kill twelve more of them before losing their lives. If the fools had planned well and worked in unity, the outcome could have been vastly different.

“When you’re hungry, sir, you’ll do just about anything for food,” Lester said. “I have nothing left, no family, no home?—”

“No clan?” Slayer asked.

“Nay, sir. It was swallowed up in a quick battle and the new chieftain made it clear that if you could not do your share, you were no longer welcome in the clan. My leg had been damaged in a previous battle and never healed right.” He glanced down at the bloody cloth around his leg. “It’s probably worse now.”

“What else did this man say to you?”

“He said women weren’t worth the trouble they caused, especially the beautiful ones.”

Lester barely shook his head, but Slayer caught it and demanded, “What have you not said?”

“The man said something odd but now getting a closer look at one of the Murdock sisters his words make sense.”

“What words?” Slayer asked, the annoyance in his voice warning that he was losing his patience.

Lester hurried to respond. “He said, “‘Beauty or not, it is good the woman with the strange affliction dies.’” He shook his head in a way that questioned. “No mention was ever made about a Murdock sister with an affliction. So, how was he aware of it?”

Sky placed her tankard back on the table without taking a swallow and contemplated the question. How could that single mercenary know about her affliction when none of the others did? A quick glance at Slayer caught deep wrinkles at the corner of his eyes and told her that he questioned it himself.

“You did not see this man leave?” Slayer asked.

“Nay, sir. I was exhausted from the battle and the pain from my wounds. I closed my eyes and when next I opened them, he was gone.”

“What were you told of this mission?” Slayer asked.

“That there was a large bounty for the death of the two Murdock sisters with the light-colored hair.”

“Do you know who offers this bounty?”

“Nay, the men answer to the fellow who leads us, and he answers to someone else from what I could tell. I did not care as long as I got some of the coins. Those who were wise enough to have fled when your men descended on us probably joined the small band of mercenaries that waited for news and, no doubt, they have already fled.”

“Where would they go?” Slayer asked, though the answer did not matter to him. He would send warriors to track them down.

“Somewhere they believed safe for a few days at least. Men joined us along the way and talked of being moved around to different mercenary groups. Some talked about men leaving to try the mission on their own so they could keep the coins for themselves. Others mentioned some mercenary leaders killing those who attempted to go off on their own. It is chaos out there and all for the sake of generous coins.”

“The top mercenary leader would keep the majority of the coins for himself and share little, if any, coins with his men,” Slayer said.

Lester tilted his head slightly and squinted in question. “Are you saying the men will get no coins for their help as promised?”

“Why do you think the Gallowglass was founded?” Slayer asked of the gullible man. “Nobles were searching for warriors who could be trusted, honorable warriors who would fight for honorable issues, and who would keep their word and not steal from or lie to the nobles.”

“There is no honor among the men I fought alongside,” Lester said, sadly.

“Then you were a wise man to speak up.”

“Your word was that I am a free man, my lord,” Lester reminded.

“Free to remain here at Clan Ravinsher,” Slayer said, tapping the table hard with his finger. “When I can confirm what you say is the truth, then you are free to leave.”

Lester’s eyes showed worry. “That might be difficult to do, my lord.”

“Not as difficult as you may believe, Lester. I have eyes and ears everywhere in the Highlands. I will know soon enough if you speak the truth or lie to me. The truth will bring you freedom. Lies will bring you death.” Slayer turned to Reed. “Have his wounds tended to and see that he is fed. House him with the warriors so they can keep an eye on him and make certain he does not go outside the castle walls.”

“Should I assign him a chore, my lord?” Reed asked.

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