Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101336 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 507(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 338(@300wpm)
Sky placed her tankard back on the table without taking a swallow and contemplated the question. How could that single mercenary know about her affliction when none of the others did? A quick glance at Slayer caught deep wrinkles at the corner of his eyes and told her that he questioned it himself.
“You did not see this man leave?” Slayer asked.
“Nay, sir. I was exhausted from the battle and the pain from my wounds. I closed my eyes and when next I opened them, he was gone.”
“What were you told of this mission?” Slayer asked.
“That there was a large bounty for the death of the two Murdock sisters with the light-colored hair.”
“Do you know who offers this bounty?”
“Nay, the men answer to the fellow who leads us, and he answers to someone else from what I could tell. I did not care as long as I got some of the coins. Those who were wise enough to have fled when your men descended on us probably joined the small band of mercenaries that waited for news and, no doubt, they have already fled.”
“Where would they go?” Slayer asked, though the answer did not matter to him. He would send warriors to track them down.
“Somewhere they believed safe for a few days at least. Men joined us along the way and talked of being moved around to different mercenary groups. Some talked about men leaving to try the mission on their own so they could keep the coins for themselves. Others mentioned some mercenary leaders killing those who attempted to go off on their own. It is chaos out there and all for the sake of generous coins.”
“The top mercenary leader would keep the majority of the coins for himself and share little, if any, coins with his men,” Slayer said.
Lester tilted his head slightly and squinted in question. “Are you saying the men will get no coins for their help as promised?”
“Why do you think the Gallowglass was founded?” Slayer asked of the gullible man. “Nobles were searching for warriors who could be trusted, honorable warriors who would fight for honorable issues, and who would keep their word and not steal from or lie to the nobles.”
“There is no honor among the men I fought alongside,” Lester said, sadly.
“Then you were a wise man to speak up.”
“Your word was that I am a free man, my lord,” Lester reminded.
“Free to remain here at Clan Ravinsher,” Slayer said, tapping the table hard with his finger. “When I can confirm what you say is the truth, then you are free to leave.”
Lester’s eyes showed worry. “That might be difficult to do, my lord.”
“Not as difficult as you may believe, Lester. I have eyes and ears everywhere in the Highlands. I will know soon enough if you speak the truth or lie to me. The truth will bring you freedom. Lies will bring you death.” Slayer turned to Reed. “Have his wounds tended to and see that he is fed. House him with the warriors so they can keep an eye on him and make certain he does not go outside the castle walls.”
“Should I assign him a chore, my lord?” Reed asked.
“Not yet, and make sure he is watched closely,” Slayer ordered and returned his attention to Lester. “A warning. If I find you lied to me or you try to escape before I set you free, I will find you no matter how long it takes and when I am done with you, you will beg for death, but it will not be forthcoming.”
Sky shuddered along with Lester, who also paled when hearing Slayer’s ominous warning.
Lester bobbed his head and turned away as quickly as his injury would allow and followed slowly behind Reed.
With his eyes still on Lester, Slayer waited. Once the door closed behind the two men, he turned to his wife. “What do you think of Lester’s story?”
“I cannot say for sure if he speaks truthfully or not,” she admitted, a bit perplexed. “It is difficult to tell when a person lies, and Lester has good reason to lie… freedom. So, you are wise to keep him around until you can find out the truth. However, I agree with Lester’s question of how the man knew about my affliction when Lester did not know anything about it until he saw me. And another thing that gave me pause was that the man asked if Lester thought more mercenaries would pursue the hunt for the woman, not two women since no one knows whether it is Leora or me who is the true target? And why would this man even care if he claimed it wasn’t worth it?”
Once again, his wife impressed him. She had a sharp mind and listened well. He had found issue with the same things Lester had told them as she did. Issues he intended to pursue as they searched for the truth.