Page 50 of The Masked Baron
“There aren’t any women watching now,” Mr. Crow said, “so I can tell you and your friend to hand over the girl.”
“There’s nothing to tell us, unless it’s an apology.” Lord Kerrigan took a firm stance, refusing to back down. Either he was very brave or very foolish. It was clear Mr. Crow was broader and stronger, but Andalin could always hope Lord Kerrigan knew how to defend himself.
“Not on your life!” Mr. Crow argued. “I will set the terms here. That woman might have come with you, but she’s leaving with me!”
Andalin moaned. “He’ll kill them. They need to let me go with Mr. Crow.” Katrina grabbed her hand and squeezed it. With all her brave declarations, Andalin’s feet were cemented to the ground. Mr. Crow was about as welcoming to her right now as the witch from the Black Forest.
“You can huff all you want, old man, but your ticket home will now not only be an apology but a promise to never seek out Miss Durante again.”
Andalin’s mouth dropped open. She wanted to see the chivalrousness in all of this, but how could she, when Lord Kerrigan was digging his own grave?
Mr. Crow gave a low chuckle. “Does the dandiprat have a weapon to back up his words? Because from where I stand, I’m the bigger man. You wouldn’t stand a chance against me in fisticuffs. And”—Mr. Crow paused as he reached inside of his dress coat—“it looks like I’m the only one who came prepared.”
Andalin heard Katrina gasp, but it took her a second to see what Mr. Crow was holding. The vile man moved, and light reflected off the short blade of a knife.
Katrina’s husband pulled Lord Kerrigan back a step. Lord Kerrigan held up his hands in front of him. “You’re not a fair fighter. Shame.”
Mr. Crow snorted. “Me? Not likely. Now, the three of us are going to walk quietly back to the front of the house, where you’re going to send that pretty girl home with me.”
Chapter 18
It was all over. Andalin’sfairy tale would have a tragic ending. Her heart sank, and her throat tightened in fear.
“I’m sorry to disappoint you,” Lord Kerrigan told Mr. Crow, his voice unwavering and his feet unmoving, “but I’m not the dolt you take me for. I’ve got a wild card you haven’t thought of.”
“What?” Mr. Crow spat.
Andalin saw Mr. Crow freeze, and then his face grew tight and unnatural. Andalin nearly stumbled onto the lawn with the effort of craning her head to see. There was a man behind Mr. Crow who held the tip of a sword to Mr. Crow’s back.
Ellis! Only he could sneak up on a man like that. But what was he doing here?
“Drop it, or I’ll run you through.”
Mr. Crow obeyed, dropping his knife. He turned slowly to address his captor. “The Dark Rider!”
Ellis nodded.
“Why, the Knight of the Road is merely a man with a mask. I’m not afraid of you.”
“But you are. The Dark Rider has a keen sense of smell, and you reek with fear.”
“You can put the sword down. I was just having a bit of fun.”
Ellis shrugged. “I enjoy cutting off the limbs of imbeciles.” Andalin choked. Was he serious? With a flick of Ellis’s wrist the man’s jacket buttons were cut off. “You had your chance to leave peaceably. You also had your chance for a fair fight. I will leave nothing else to chance. Swear you will leave this instant and never seek out Miss Durante again, and I will only cut off your arms.”
Mr. Crow sputtered, his fear now very evident. “My arms? Listen, I swear I’ll never go near her again, but don’t cut off my arms. As one gentleman to another, I’ve got a business to run. A man needs his arms!”
“You are not a gentleman, whatever title you own or clothes you wear. I’m not even sure you are a man. Half a man would not dare dishonor a lady like you tried to do tonight. Why would I show you any mercy when you would not show my friends any?”
Andalin did not know her feet were moving until she was right next to Lord Kerrigan. “Please! No bloodshed!” She begged. She wouldn’t have Ellis’s reputation further ruined because of her.
“Hold her back!” Ellis ordered sharply. Lord Kerrigan grabbed both of Andalin’s shoulders in a firm grip.
Mr. Crow glanced back at Andalin. “Listen to the lady. Have mercy!”
Ellis looked from Mr. Crow to Andalin. “Nay, this scoundrel deserves a consequence.”
Andalin knew she could appeal to the real Ellis, but right now it seemed the Dark Rider was the one standing in front of her. His words were tight and angry, his sword hand unflinching.
