Page 41 of Forgotten Secrets (Secrets of the Heart 4)

“Percival, stop it.” Bedivere stopped pacing and stared at his brother. “You are the son of a knight and even if you’ve never killed a man, it is time you go to battle. Start acting like the man Father wanted you to be.”

“I don’t think Father would have looked kindly on your profession.” Percival nodded to the blades scattered across the floor.

“I didn’t have a choice. I took on the responsibility to clean up the mess that Father left. If you think badly of me for my decision, then so be it. I don’t care.”

“Nay, of course I don’t.” Percival hung his head. “I admire you for your strength, Brother. If there’s anything you need to me do . . . then I will do it.”

“Good.” Bedivere walked over and put his arm around his brother’s shoulders. He looked back to the door and spoke softly. “I need you to get our aunt and uncle and our siblings.”

Percival looked at him in surprise. “They are already with the villagers in hiding, like you told me.”

“Then get them out of hiding and bring them here to Rothbury.”

“Here?” Percival shook his head in confusion. “I don’t understand. Whitmore will see them.”

“Aye, I hope he does. Anything that makes him uncomfortable will help as a distraction.”

“Distraction? From what?”

“Didn’t you hear him? There are two other assassins within Rothbury’s walls. I need to figure out who they are and stop them before they try to attack Morag’s uncles.”

“Won’t our family be in danger here?”

“I have a plan that will make them safe. We’ll keep them in plain view and close to Lady Ernestine. Go now, and bring them back quickly. And don’t say a word of what happened to our family to anyone. Do you understand me?”

“Aye, but what about Mother?”

“I’m working on that.”

“You’re not really going to kill Morag’s father, are you?”

“Morag,” he said under his breath, thinking about their intimate time together. “I’m afraid I’ve made a mess of things and need to find her right away and fix it.”

“You’re not going to tell her any of this, are you?”

Bedivere strapped on his weapon belt and headed for the door. “I don’t know what I’m going to do yet, but I hope to figure it out fast or I’m going to lose her forever.”

---