Page 70 of Highlander the Conqueror

“Not yet, and make sure he is watched closely,” Slayer ordered and returned his attention to Lester. “A warning. If I find you lied to me or you try to escape before I set you free, I will find you no matter how long it takes and when I am done with you, you will beg for death, but it will not be forthcoming.”

Sky shuddered along with Lester, who also paled when hearing Slayer’s ominous warning.

Lester bobbed his head and turned away as quickly as his injury would allow and followed slowly behind Reed.

With his eyes still on Lester, Slayer waited. Once the door closed behind the two men, he turned to his wife. “What do you think of Lester’s story?”

“I cannot say for sure if he speaks truthfully or not,” she admitted, a bit perplexed. “It is difficult to tell when a person lies, and Lester has good reason to lie… freedom. So, you are wise to keep him around until you can find out the truth. However, I agree with Lester’s question of how the man knew about my affliction when Lester did not know anything about it until he saw me. And another thing that gave me pause was that the man asked if Lester thought more mercenaries would pursue the hunt for the woman, not two women since no one knows whether it is Leora or me who is the true target? And why would this man even care if he claimed it wasn’t worth it?”

Once again, his wife impressed him. She had a sharp mind and listened well. He had found issue with the same things Lester had told them as she did. Issues he intended to pursue as they searched for the truth.

“What are your thoughts,” she asked, more relieved than pleased that he continued to think of her differently than others. Most people not only thought her two different colored eyes evil, but many thought it also left her brain lacking, not able to comprehend like normal people.

“It makes me wonder if two different people search for you and your sisters and for different reasons.”

“I did not think of that, but you could be right.” Instinct had her reaching out to lay her hand on his arm when she realized what she was doing and dropped her hand in her lap. “That might make it more difficult to keep me safe.”

Slayer slipped his hand beneath the table to grip her hand that lay in her lap. “Nothing will stop me from keeping you safe.”

The voices of servants not far off reminded them that they were not alone, but Slayer kept his hand gripped on hers beneath the table, not willing to let go, not just yet.

“I must go talk with my warriors,” he whispered, and his hand slowly fell off hers and he gave her leg a gentle squeeze before standing. “Stay close to the keep,” he ordered gruffly.

Sky smiled softly at his gruff manner, knowing it was for the benefit of others there and her reputation. “As you say, my lord.” She saw in his eyes what she felt that he wanted to kiss her as much as she wanted him to.

“With me, Fane,” Slayer ordered, and the hound followed his rushed steps out of the keep.

She hurried to her feet. Time to keep herself busy and rid herself of thoughts of her husband, not a likely endeavor. He invaded her thoughts constantly in ways that made her smile and ways that stirred her desire. There were far more important matters for her to dwell on. She smiled. What could be more important than her husband? She shook her head again.

“Many things,” she scolded herself and hurried to find Angel and take her with her to the garden.

It didn’t take long to find the kitten sound asleep in a makeshift bed by one of the two hearths in the kitchen. She looked far too comfortable to disturb her and feeling a lovely breeze drifting in from the open door, she eagerly sought the outdoors.

“Join me,” a voice said.

A bit startled, after only taking a few steps outside, she turned her head.

“I did not mean to frighten you, but the day has turned lovely, the sun peeking out from behind the clouds now and again,” Lester said, sitting on the long bench, which sat against the outside wall of the kitchen, holding a wood bowl, the food in it almost gone. “I love the sun and we don’t get enough of it.”

She was going to refuse his invitation not sure she would be safe with him. But with two Gallowglass warriors nearby keeping watch on him, what was there for her to worry about? Talking with him could help determine if it were truth or lies, he had told.

She joined him on the bench, though kept a good space between them.

“You are safe with me. Freedom is more important to me than coins,” Lester said with a smile then gave a nod at the bowl in his hand. “Your cook is not only a good one but generous with her portions.”

“That she is, but you should have had your leg tended to before you ate,” Sky said with a nod at the bloody cloth.

“The wound can wait. It has been too long since I have eaten.”

Being this close to the man, she noticed he appeared far fitter for an older man. But there were some older men fitter than most so she could not be sure about his age. There were also some men whose hair turned gray when young. So how old was he actually?

“You are Lord Slayer’s wife?” he asked.

“Nay,” she said, wondering why he would ask.

“But you sat at the dais with him.”

“I am a friend, no more than that,” she said, keeping their marriage secret as Slayer had warned. She decided to be blunt, having no intention of lingering there with him. “Did you lie to Lord Slayer, Lester?”

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