Page 83 of Wolfehound
That explained quite a bit and, quite honestly, Tyrus wasn’t surprised that she was that thorough. A woman like LadyWarenton had been around a very long time and understood the political game. She understood how it all worked and he had to respect that. But there were other things that weren’t clear to him at the moment.
“So you want me at Berwick,” he said. “That castle belongs to Cassius’ father.”
“It does.”
“And Cassius does not mind if the man he tried to kill serves his father?”
Jordan shrugged. “Another thing ye’ll have tae keep silent on is the fact Cassius knew of Cambria’s rumor,” she said. “Ye saw him at Folkingham. Ye knew he came back tae warn everyone. And he only injured ye so ye’d not kill Liam, not because he had a personal vendetta.”
“I assumed,” Tyrus said. “Is he still here?”
Jordan shook her head. “He’s returned tae Edward now,” she said. “He has no objection tae ye serving his father so long as ye do it well and keep the secrets.”
That explained Cassius. The man had gone back to serve Edward as if nothing had happened and, frankly, Tyrus didn’t particularly care. He wasn’t sworn to Edward, nor did he have any real respect for the man. But there was one more thing he was curious over.
“And Herringthorpe?” he said. “Didhe survive?”
Jordan nodded. “Survived and thrived,” she said. “He had a bit of the poison like ye did, but it dinna last for long. He’s already up and walking. At least as much as Bria will let him, but he’s recovering.”
Tyrus was somewhat relieved to hear it. He was convinced he’d killed Liam, but maybe not all that surprised to hear he hadn’t. “He was the best man I’ve ever fought,” he said. “You do understand that there was nothing personal against him. It was only because he interfered with what I’d been tasked to do.”
Jordan nodded. “I understand it,” she said. “After the fight was over and everyone was calm again, they understood, too. Even Cassius, who was the first one tae point it out. No one here is yer enemy, lad, at least not yet. But ye’re in possession of knowledge that canna make it tae the archbishop or the king. So we’re going tae keep ye close. Ye’re going tae Berwick and serve with distinction or ye’ll have tae answer tae me.”
Tyrus was thinking that the dowager was more intimidating than anyone he’d ever served before. It wasn’t her size or strength or skill in battle, because she didn’t have any. But the woman had a mere presence that could melt steel.
He found that fascinating.
“Incredible,” he finally said. “Your show of mercy is… incredible.”
“I know,” Jordan said. “And ye’ll remember that mercy should the urge tae speak of what ye know comes tae ye. Ye’ll never be shown mercy again if ye do.”
“I am well aware of that,” he said quietly. “It’s simply that I’ve never been one to show mercy. And now it has been shown to me and I am puzzled.”
“Then mayhap ye understand it better than ye did before.”
“Mayhap,” he said. “But this position at Berwick… I haven’t had a legitimate position in years.”
“Ye have one now.”
Tyrus could only shake his head in awe. The last position he’d had was serving with the Executioner Knights and the House of de Lohr, but when they exiled him from the spy coven, he’d been without any income, anywhere to go, and anyone to answer to. He’d been alone. It was true that he’d found business as an independent, as he had for the Archbishop of Canterbury, but given that he was now indebted to Lady Warenton, the fact that an actual position had come out of this—with the de Wolfe empire, no less—was truly astounding to him. He’d come to thenorth to get to the bottom of a mystery and wound up being tasked to serve at a powerful castle.
Truth be told, he was up for the challenge.
“If that is what you wish,” he said. “I’ve never battled the clans before. Can I expect them to be as shrewd as you?”
Her lips twitched with a smile. “No one is as shrewd as me.”
“I would sincerely believe that.”
Before he could reply, another figure entered the chamber and Tyrus found himself looking at the young woman whom Liam had once introduced to him as Bria. He hadn’t seen her since the day he met her, but here she was, in the flesh. She flashed him a smile before handing Jordan neat rolls of bandaging.
“Here, Matha,” she said. “Do you need more than that?”
Jordan peered at the wounds. “Nay,” she said. “That’ll be sufficient.”
As the woman turned to leave, Tyrus stopped her. “Wait,” he said. “You there, lass. You’renotBria.”
She smiled broadly. “Nay, I am not.”
