Page 46 of Flanders' Folly
Stephan's face darkened with fury. "Ye dare?—"
"Besides," Robert continued, "I'll burn this place to the ground myself before I let that man inside these walls."
Flanders slapped him on the back with a laugh. "So much for diplomacy." He leaned closer to Robert. "Come on. Let's make Comyn’s grandson sing for his supper, eh?"
* * *
Flanders wavedRolf closer and gave a quiet order. “Change of plan. Hurry on ahead. I want that silver covered up. I don’t want Atholl to see it, do ye understand? He can wonder all he wants, but he won’t lay eyes upon it or he’ll find a way to add it all to his demands before we can suggest any exchange. And stoke the fire. Good and hot. Let us warm him to his bones and when they start to melt, he’ll want to strike a bargain just to get out. And spread the word. This man is not to be trusted, nor his guards, royal decree or not.”
As they watched Rolf go, Robert nodded his agreement. “We were far too weary last eve to think clearly. We could have lost everything.”
“Aye, well, we still may.”
23
THE BEST DEFENSE IS A GOOD LIE
* * *
Inside the main tower, at the base of the stairs, Flanders turned to face Atholl's guards. Four men, hand-picked for their size and scowls, no doubt. They stood with hands resting on sword hilts, eyes darting around the keep as if memorizing its defenses.
"I'm afraid this is where we part ways, gentlemen," Flanders said pleasantly. "The war chamber is rather small, only enough room for negotiators.”
The largest of the guards stepped forward, clearly disgruntled by the fact that he had to tip his head back to look Flanders in the eye. "We go where the earl goes."
"Not in Todlaw, ye don't." Flanders' smile never wavered. "Ye'll be well cared for here. Food, drink, perhaps a bit of entertainment."
"Entertainment?" The guard's eyes narrowed.
A group of children appeared in the entrance to the great hall, faces lit with excitement. Brigid had done her part well.
A small boy of about six summers stepped forward and bowed with exaggerated formality. "We've prepared a special performance," he announced proudly. "With singing and dancing and a play about a brave knight who slays a rat."
The other children nodded eagerly, some already humming.
Atholl looked from the children to Flanders, then to Robert. "My men stay with me."
"Then ye stay with them," Robert replied. "Down here. With the children. Though I doubt we can make much headway over their noise."
One of the smaller girls stepped forward and tugged on the guard's sleeve. "Do ye know how to play Catch the Pig? I'm very good at it."
The guard looked down at her in horror.
Atholl sighed. "Very well. My men will wait here,” he announced, as if it had been his decision. He turned to the largest guard. "Keep yer wits about ye."
"Aye, my lord."
As they climbed the stairs, Flanders studied their unwelcome guest. David Strathbogie, Earl of Atholl, was a striking figure despite his youth. Tall and lean, with golden brown hair and sharp features, he carried himself with the confidence of a man born to privilege.
His clothing was rich but practical—beneath his russet cloak he wore a fine wool tunic of deep burgundy with silver embroidery at the collar and cuffs, his hose looked to be of exceptional quality and deliciously warm. Flanders couldn’t have hoped for more. He very nearly broke into a sweat just thinking about the heat awaiting them.
Atholl’s short boots had clearly never seen a day's labor. A silver chain hung around his neck, bearing a pendant with his family crest. But it was the man's eyes that held Flanders' attention—shrewd, calculating, and constantly moving as they greedily took in every detail of Todlaw's interior.
When they reached the landing, the earl paused, his gaze sweeping over the stone walls, the high ceiling, the quality of the workmanship evident in every corner. "Impressive," he murmured. "I've heard tales of Todlaw, but I confess, I never expected such...magnificence."
"My brother was ahead of his time," Robert said with pride.
"Indeed." Atholl ran a hand along the orderly stone of the wall. "It's curious that in all his land dealings, The Bruce never claimed this place for himself."
