Page 56 of Wolf's Return
“You know, the house you talk of has a back entrance.”
The hall fell silent, and all eyes turned to a boy Constance had not noticed before. The boy picked up a goblet, his eyes gleaming as he admired the inset gems.
One of the twins cuffed him across his head. “Put the cup down, lad. I did not bring you here to steal the dinnerware. I have already paid out more coin than I intended.” He shook his head. “Donation to the chapel, indeed. You should not have gotten caught.”
The boy scowled, then offered the big man an impish grin.
“Tell us what you know of this house,” said the twin.
The boy shrugged. “I know it is more than a pleasure house.” He put the cup back on the table and picked up an elaborately carved knife.
The twin snatched the knife out of the boy’s fingers and tossed it on the table. “Explain.”
The boy’s eyes narrowed. “What is worth to you?”
The twin growled. An uncharacteristic wave of frustration surged through Constance’s chest. They did not have time to waste. D’Artagnon was on his way to confront the enemy. Alone. Could they not hurry? Move faster?
The boy shrugged. “A person has to eat.”
“They do, indeed,” said Seigneur Gaharet. “We will compensate you well for your troubles, boy. A position on one of our estates? Edmond?”
The twin nodded.
The boy raised his eyebrows. “Like a stable hand, or kitchen boy or something?”
“Or something,” growled Edmond.
The boy flicked shrewd eyes around the group. “Did you say this D’Artagnon has gone…wolf?” The boy tapped a finger to his chin. “Mm, I do recall Eveque Faucher—”
Edmond raised an eyebrow at him. “The eveque who was going to cut off your ears? I will not offer again, boy. A position on our estate, a place to sleep and plenty of food to eat, or you can see how much money you can squeeze out of the eveque.Ifyou keep your ears.”
Vulnerability flashed across the boy’s face, then he raised his chin. “And a blanket and a warm coat? Winter is coming, you know.”
Constance took a step toward the boy, then halted. It was not her place, but must they stand around talking? Bargaining with the boy? Give him what he wanted. She silently pleaded for Seigneur Gaharet to take his men and hurry after his brother. D’Artagnon needed him.
Seigneur Gaharet sliced his hand through the air. “Enough.” The hall fell silent. “You will accept Edmond’s offer and help us, or I will shake the answer out of you. Make your choice.”
Constance did not believe Seigneur Gaharet would harm the boy, but in the face of an alpha losing patience, the boy’s courage would surely crumble. It was a good offer—a place on an estate. The boy would be foolish not to accept.
The boy gave an elaborate bow. “Remi at your service.”
“Good,” said Seigneur Gaharet. “Now tell us about this pleasure house and its back entrance.”
“Of course. The madam takes advantage of her location against the village wall. For a few coins, she will provide an escape route over it, should you find a need to leave in a hurry. You know, for those who cannot leave through the gate.”
Edmond fisted his hands on his hips. “How is that supposed to help us?”
Remi rolled his eyes. “The route works both ways. If you want to get back into the village unseen, you only have to know how it works and have a few coins in your purse.” He picked up the bejeweled goblet again. “A few coins should not be a problem for any of you, and I know how to get you through.”
Seigneur Gaharet snatched the goblet from his hands and placed it on the table. “It looks like you are going to prove very useful after all.” He turned to the old cook. “Anne, do you have the armor, sword and clothes for D’Artagnon I requested?”
“Already in a pack on a spare horse, Gaharet.”
“Excellent. We ride for Langeais. Ulrik, Aimon, you go through the gate and approach the pleasure house from the front door. The rest of us and Remi will approach from outside the walls. D’Artagnon has a head start on us. Let us hope we get to Lance before he does.”
With a thud of boots and a clinking of steel, the men left the hall.
As he passed her, Seigneur Gaharet halted. “I will find him, Constance. I will bring him back to you. That I promise you.” With a gentle squeeze of her arm, he followed his men.
