Knights of Valor

by Denise Domning

  Jared lifted the mug of ale to his lips and took a deep drink. When he replaced the mug on the table, he noticed Slane standing in the doorway, searching the room. Jared waved him over. "Where's Sully?"

  "Seeing to the horses," Slane answered, taking the seat opposite him.

  Jared signaled the innkeeper, and the short, rotund man started in their direction. They ordered three bowls of porridge and a duck. The innkeeper nodded in satisfaction and went off toward the kitchens.

  "You know Sully well," Slane surmised.

  "Well enough," Jared said.

  "Where did you two meet?"

  "You ask a lot of questions for a man who refuses to be questioned in turn."

  Slane made no reply.

  "We were hired by the same lord years ago. When that job ended, we just stuck together." Jared shrugged as if that was all that needed to be said. Slane opened his mouth as if to ask another question, but Jared cut him off. "After we eat, I'll talk to the innkeeper here and see if he's seen the ring or if anyone's tried to sell it."

  Slane's eyes narrowed. "Sell it?" he asked. "Why would they try to sell it?"

  "It's silver—must be worth a lot of coin. If it was stolen or —"

  "Who said it was stolen?" Slane demanded.

  "Well, I just assumed —"

  "And how did you know the ring was made of silver? I never mentioned that."

  Jared swallowed hard and looked away.

  The door opened again, causing a gust of wind to sweep the room and the flames in the hearth to flicker. Taylor entered and shut the door behind her.

  Jared felt relief course through his body as she approached. She stopped before the table, dusting her hands off on her leggings, eyeing the two men. "You two boys getting along?" Taylor inquired innocently.

  Slane slapped his palm on the table. "Enough of this," he ordered. "I want answers."

  Taylor ignored his outburst and casually took a seat at the table, grabbing the third ale. "Answers to what?" she asked after taking a deep drink of the brew.

  "He wants to know why I thought the ring was stolen," Jared told her.

  "And how he knew the ring was made of silver," Slane added quickly.

  "He used to work for lord Sullivan. Of course he knows what the ring looks like."

  Slane's gaze shifted from Jared to pin Taylor to her seat. Jared tensed, but then quickly remembered Taylor was not one to squirm. Not even under the piercing glare of an angry lord. "How did you know it was Sullivan's ring?" Slane asked.

  The grin never slipped from her lips. "I know his crest. I worked for him once, too."

  Jared smiled inwardly. She was a quick thinker and it made him proud.

  Slane sat back in his chair, but the suspicion still shone in his eyes. He crossed his arms over his chest. "That still doesn't explain why he thinks it's stolen."

  Taylor imitated him, leaning back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest.

  It took all Jared's will not to burst out laughing.

  "Well," Taylor answered, "if Sullivan doesn't have it then it must have been stolen."

  Slane winced. He leaned toward her over the table. "How come you have all the answers?"

  Taylor leaned toward him. "Jared and I have talked about it," she said simply.

  A rumble of laughter sounded from Jared's throat. When Taylor and Slane shifted their gazes to him, he covered his amusement by clearing his throat and looking away from them toward the door.

  His humor died quickly as he saw their prey enter the inn, flanked by four rather large men.

  Taylor watched the mirth leave Jared's blue eyes as he gazed at something over her shoulder. A tingling raced across the back of her neck and she turned. When her gaze locked on Irwin, every muscle in her body tensed. A sudden surge of anger rushed through her, followed just as quickly by resolve.

  Jared's hand covered her own. "Don't do something rash," he warned her.

  "I never do anything without thinking it through," she replied coolly, forcing the words through tightly clenched teeth. She never took her gaze from Irwin.

  "What's going on?" Slane wondered.

  Taylor could feel her blood pounding through her veins. She attempted to rise, but Slane grabbed her arm.

  "Where are you going?" he asked, turning his gaze back from the men entering the inn. "I'm not paying you to settle the score with an old lover."

  "This one's on the house," she quipped with her usual sarcasm and attempted to pull her arm free. But when Slane didn't release her, she turned her enraged glare on him.

  "It will do me no good if you're dead," he said.

  "It's not me who's going to die," she replied.

  "He has the ring you're searching for," Jared broke in.

  Slane's gaze slid past Taylor's shoulder to again eye the men who were now moving into the inn. "A man?" he murmured.

  "Stay out of it," Taylor warned. "This is my fight and I wouldn't want that pretty face of yours to get messed up." She smiled at him with her still swollen lips before pulling her arm free. She turned to face Irwin.

  As soon as Taylor stood, Irwin's gaze locked on her. Dread filled his pinched features, and his beady little eyes glanced nervously from side to side. For a moment, Taylor would've bet he was going to run. But apparently the four men behind him gave him courage because he suddenly straightened up and approached her.

  Her eyes narrowed, and she licked her lips in anticipation of giving him a taste of what he had done to her.

  "Well," he smirked. "I see you enjoyed being taught a lesson. Back for more?"

  Taylor had to take a deep breath before the customary calm washed over her. "Not as much as you'll enjoy the lesson I'm going to teach," she replied.

  "Still so proud?" Irwin reached out to touch her face, but before his grubby fingers touched her, she seized his arm and twisted it. "I believe you took something that belongs to me," she stated calmly.

  His body twisted with his arm as he cried out in pain.

  "I offered to work this out before, Irwin. But now it's gone far beyond that."

  "Please!" the innkeeper called. "I want no trouble here."

  "Give us the ring and we'll go quietly," Jared said, leaning forward in his chair.

  Taylor held Irwin's hand tightly. He squirmed in her hold. She wanted nothing better than to beat this little rodent, to make him feel a portion of the pain she had felt. But if Irwin gave her the ring, she would leave. She hoped he wouldn't do it. She twisted his hand and he stiffened, groaning.

  The four men behind him moved forward, hesitantly. Their glowering faces locked on Taylor.

  "I would give it to you, I swear! But —" Irwin yelped as she twisted his arm farther.

  "All you have to do is give us the ring. I'm not even asking for the coin you stole from me."

  "Take it outside!" the innkeeper hollered.

  One of Irwin's companions smiled, revealing two rows of crooked brown teeth. "He lost it to me."

  She bent to Irwin's ear. "I'm disappointed, Irwin. Very disappointed." She shoved Irwin away from her and the little man tumbled to the ground.

  Slane put his hand on her wrist. "There's no need for this. The ring isn't that important to me. I just want to find the woman who was supposed to be wearing it."

  "It's important to me," she returned hotly. She jerked her hand free and drew her sword.

  The sound of Jared freeing his weapon echoed Taylor's.

  "Please, no swords!" the innkeeper shouted.

  Taylor heard Slane's muttered curse as she pointed her weapon at the burly man's neck. "Just give me the ring and we'll be on our way."

  The burly man walked toward her slowly.

  "Don't make me use this," she said.

  "You won't use it," he said, laughing. "I have no weapon. It is against your code to hurt me."

  Her eyebrows rose and with a slight jerk of her wrist, she slashed his arm with the tip of her blade, drawing blood. "You obviously have me mistaken for a knight," she
said lightly. "Now give me the ring or I'll run you through."

  The wound seemed to enrage him. He rushed at Taylor, and she had to step quickly aside to avoid his rampaging bulk.

  Jared stuck out his leg and the burly man tripped over it, his momentum propelling him forward. As the big man flew past, Jared snatched the man's coin pouch from his belt. The burly man slammed straight into a table. Mugs and food flew everywhere.

  Taylor watched Jared glance into the coin pouch. Anxiety tensed her body. What if the ring wasn't there? But Jared looked up at her and nodded. She allowed a grin to form on her lips, but suddenly she was shoved from behind into Slane. As their bodies collided, she caught sight of Irwin fleeing the tavern. She pushed herself away from Slane to dash out the door after Irwin.

  "Sully, wait!" Slane called, but he had to duck the blow meant for his chin as the room erupted in fighting.

  "Someone must pay for all of this!" the innkeeper shouted, spreading his hands wide to indicate the broken tables and smashed mugs and spilled food scattered over the floor. "Look at my inn! Who will return here to drink?"

  Slane ignored him, rubbing his cut lip. He and Jared had made quick work of the rat-faced man's companions. Three of them had quickly fled; the burly man still lay unconscious on the floor. The one hit Slane had taken on his jaw was the first, last, and only blow that came anywhere near touching him. Now he lifted his head and cast a glance at Jared, who still stood guard at the door, waiting for Sully's return.

  Jared paced the doorway like a father worried about his daughter. Slane could see the tense muscles along Jared's shoulder blades as he clenched and released his fists. Once he jerked forward as if to pursue Taylor, but then pulled back, resigned to let her deal with Irwin alone. Jared caught Slane's gaze and shook his head. Slane was sure now of their relationship. If they had been lovers, Jared would have gone out after her.

  "How am I to do business? Where are my customers to eat?" the innkeeper was going on.

  Slane was tired of hearing the man complain. His head was pounding from the blow. "It will be taken care of," he snapped impatiently. The innkeeper withdrew at Slane's harsh tone. For some reason, Slane felt uneasy. He wasn't sure if it was because Sully hadn't returned yet or because they had found the ring but not the girl he sought. He groaned softly and raked his hands through his hair. God's blood! he thought. Perhaps she isn't even alive anymore.

  Slane's thoughts turned to Sully. She should have been back by now. He looked at Jared, who was straining to see down the darkening street. Outside, thick sheets of rain cut off any visibility beyond a few feet. Slane could hear the heavy splashes on the roof and just outside the open door. Despite her battered face, she appeared to be able to take care of herself, he reminded himself. But she was rash and impulsive; what if something had happened to her?

  Slane rose and stepped over a fallen man to place a comforting hand on Jared's shoulder. "She'll be back," Slane assured.

  Jared sighed, keeping his gaze on the street "I'll give her a few more minutes and then I'm going out after her."

  "You'll never find her in this rain," Slane said, dropping his hand. Despite his pessimism, Slane knew he would help Jared find Sully. Even in this torrential downpour. Part of this was his fault after all. He leaned against the wall and fingered the pouch Jared had taken, then turned it over to empty the contents into his palm. Four shillings and the ring fell into his hand. Slane snorted. What good was the ring if the Sullivan girl was not wearing it? He tossed the four shillings onto the body at his feet. They disappeared into the folds of the burly man's shirt.

  Jared picked up a fallen chair from the floor and righted it. He sat down heavily, shaking his head.

  A worried father, Slane thought.

  Silence descended on the room. Slane caught the innkeeper peering at him from around a corner, but the man quickly ducked back into hiding when he met Slane's gaze.

  "I can't leave you two anywhere."

  Slane looked up at the cheery voice to see Sully sloshing in through the open front door, her clothing soaked through to her skin, her hair dripping with the heavy rain's wrath.

  "Look at the mess you've made."

  A strange feeling of relief engulfed Slane at the sight of her bruised and battered face. And he noticed with satisfaction there were no new marks.

  Jared shot out of his chair. "Are you all right?"

  Sully nodded.

  "And Irwin? Is he...?"

  "He won't bother us again," she promised gravely. Her gaze swung to Slane. "Well, did you get what you were after?"

  Slane grasped the ring by two fingers, holding it up so she could see it.

  Taylor strolled over to him and snatched the ring from his hand, inspecting it.

  When she shifted her gaze to Slane, he saw the sparkle of triumph in the one green eye that was not swollen. Slane grabbed Taylor's wet forearm, leading her away from the prying ears of the innkeeper to a still standing table near the flaming hearth.

  Taylor quickly pulled out of his grasp, moving away from the fire. Slane glanced quizzically at her, then followed her to a table well away from the warmth of the flames. He took a seat opposite her. "First, a word of thanks for helping me find the ring."

  Taylor shrugged slightly and opened her mouth as if to speak, but Slane hurried on. "How did you know who had it?" he asked.

  "I know a lot of things," she said evasively.

  Slane grunted. "He took it from you, didn't he?" He watched the unease spread across her face. Then she straightened, as if readying herself for something. But for what? To battle him? "I will let you keep it if you tell me one thing."

  Her posture didn't relax; she remained as stiff as a board.

  He leaned closer to her to whisper, "Who did you steal the ring from?"

  Something flashed over her face. Slane couldn't tell if it was fear or anger.

  "Where is she? Did you kill her?" he continued.

  Her eyes narrowed to thin slits. "I'm wounded, Slane," she said in a clipped tone. "Really, I am. I'm not in the habit of stealing." She shook her head, her long, wet locks waving about her shoulders. "Furthermore, I don't kill women. That is unless they deserve it." Drops of rain fell from her wet clothing as she rose before him, planting her hands on her slim hips. "You disappoint me, Slane." She took his hand and opened it, depositing the ring in his palm. "Give us our payment and we'll be gone."

  Slane set the ring back down on the table, pointing to it. "How did you happen to be in possession of this when that Irwin took it from you?"

  "I'm afraid the time for questions is over," she said. "And so is our employment. If you'll just hand over our payment..."

  Slane frowned, cursing the irrationality of females. He searched her eyes as if trying to find the answers there, then snatched the ring and placed it in a leather pouch at his waist. With a muttered curse, he reached into his coin pouch to pay her.

  Slane removed the pouches from his belt and tossed them onto the table beside the bed. He shook his head. He wasn't quite sure where to pick up the trail of the Sullivan woman. Jared and Sully had been his best chance.

  He removed his sword and belt and was preparing to take off his tunic when a knock sounded on his door. Slane growled in frustration and impatience, then moved to the door.

  The innkeeper stood there, wringing his hands. "There is a man downstairs asking to speak with you."

  "Fine," Slane said and followed the stocky fellow down the stairs. When they came to the common room, Slane's eyes scanned the area, but no one seemed to be looking for him. He turned to the innkeeper.

  "He must have left," the innkeeper said, shrugging.

  "What did he look like?" Slane asked.

  The innkeeper shrugged. "Tall, dark hair. Slim."

  Didn't sound familiar. "Well, if he comes back, tell him to wait until morning," Slane said and stalked back up the stairs.

  Once back in his room, he removed his tunic and fell onto the straw bed. He wondered briefly who
would be looking for him here. Had John sent him word about Elizabeth? Or was there news from Castle Donovan? He shrugged the questions away and his weary mind immediately focused on Sully. There was something about her... He couldn't quite put his finger on it. She was like no one he had ever met before.

  Intelligent, brave, impulsive. But she was also defiant, headstrong, and impetuous.

  He reached over to the table beside the bed and grabbed the pouch that held the ring. It crunched.

  Scowling in confusion, Slane pulled the pouch open. It was empty save for a piece of parchment. The beginnings of outrage ate at the borders of his mind. His jaw clenched tight as he pulled the parchment out and unfolded it.

  Lord Slane,

  Thank you for helping me retrieve my mother's ring.

  Sully

  Awash in amazement, Slane could only stare at the note. But then his hands began to tremble with anger as he slowly crumpled the note in a clenched fist.

  "You shouldn't have told him." Jared practically had to shout over the din of the falling rain.

  "I couldn't resist knocking his arrogance down a notch. Can you believe he thought I killed myself?" Taylor hooted.

  "He'll be looking for you now," Jared reminded her, as their horses trudged down the dark, muddy road. "Before, he had no idea who you were."

  Taylor shrugged slightly. "It should be no problem keeping ahead of him. He doesn't know the towns and people like we do. Besides, he's no tracker. Why do you think he had to hire us?"

  Jared grunted his disapproval, wiping the steady stream of rain from his eyes. "It's dangerous to ride at night like this, Sully," he said. "I don't like it."

  "We've done it before," she said. "The only thing I don't like is this rain." She glanced up at the black, black night, which hid the moon and stars, and she blinked away the raindrops splashing in her eyes.

  "It's the only reason I agreed to travel tonight. No one in his right mind would be out on a night like this," Jared said. He paused for a moment, thinking. "You know what this means. We sleep in shifts again. In the forest."