Page 44 of Highlander Lord Of Vengeance

Torrance’s brow furrowed and his tone was edged with irritation. “It took you long enough to complete the task. Three days now.”

Una planted her hands on her hips. “Aye, and it took that long because I don’t go flinging blame without cause… unlike some.” She met his glare without flinching.

Esme sent Una a warning look. The woman had a mind of her own and spoke it, but a free tongue would not serve her well here.

Torrance’s jaw tensed. “Watch yourself, Una. I’ve no patience for insolence.”

Una looked ready to snap at him, but she wisely took a breath before saying, “Aye, my lord.”

Esme almost smiled at how Una had acknowledged his warning but extended no apology.

“You better have good news for me, Una,” Torrance cautioned.

“No one in the kitchen had cause or chance to poison the food,” Una stated bluntly. “I questioned them all and watched their movements. I also caught their whispers. No one in the kitchen is the culprit.”

His eyes narrowed. “You disappoint me. If none in the kitchen are responsible, then who poisoned the meat?”

“I gave thought to that dilemma and recalled two monks who came by that day. They requested food. Something about them didn’t sit right with me.” She crossed her arms. “They were too watchful, too curious, and they never prayed before taking a bite of food.”

“Monks?” Torrance’s voice dropped low with suspicion. “You think they weren’t monks?”

“They wore the robes, but robes don’t make the man,” Una said. “And they never offered a prayer in exchange for the food. It is something all monks do, offer prayer for the generosity of others. Nor did they ask if there were any ill people they could visit and pray for before they took their leave. They had no regard for anyone but themselves.”

Esme’s heart gave a small thud. “Do you think they poisoned the meat?”

“I’d not wager against it,” Una said. “They left well before nightfall, said they were heading north.”

Torrance’s gaze turned stormy. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“It took time to talk with everyone in the kitchen and make sure it wasn’t any of them. Then I had to think on who it might be as well as question others who saw or spoke to the monks to gather more information. I didn’t want to come to you with foolish nonsense.”

“You did well, Una,” Esme praised, hoping her husband would express the same appreciation for a task well done.

“She is a servant who completed a task I set for her. She needs nor deserves praise,” Torrance said with a scowl.

The door suddenly burst open and a strong, cold wind followed Brack in along with several of Torrance’s warriors who immediately took a stance along the sides of the hall.

“He comes unannounced,” Brack called out.

“I don’t care if I arrived without warning,” came the deep voice from the doorway.

Hakon, a massive Northmen with shoulders the width of boulders and long dark hair that fell in tangled waves strode into the Great Hall as if he owned it. The jagged scar running down one side of his face warned he was a fearless warrior. Four of his warriors followed like shadows, silent and menacing, and the room’s warmth seemed to chill.

Torrance, remained seated, glaring at the mighty warrior. “I warned you not to come on my land without summons.”

“My unannounced arrival would not be necessary if you had kept your word,” Hakon said with an angry grunt. “You promised me a wife, a Highland lass. Strong and fierce. And what do I get? Silence and delay.”

Torrance stood and rested his arms over his chest, displaying his annoyance. “Perhaps I was ensuring I did not send you someone you’d kill on the first night.”

Hakon let out a bark of laughter. “I want a woman with fire in her belly, not one who simpers and trembles. Don’t insult me with that weak talk.”

“Ignorant savage.”

“Who said that?” Hakon demanded, turning his head to cast a glance at everyone there. His eyes settled on Una and her eyes narrowed. Her wild red hair had fallen loose from its braid, and the tilt of her chin spoke volumes. “You,” he accused with a nod at her.

All eyes turned to look at Una.

“I won’t deny the truth,” Una said boldly.

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