Page 64 of Ladybird

“Nay, but it is my plan exactly and you cannot object unless you want me to turn you in.”

“You wouldn’t do that.”

“Wouldn’t I?” asked Cassian. “It was a stroke of luck when you dropped that brooch and I found it.”

“I want the brooch back. Where is it? That is worth a lot of money.”

Cassian paused before he answered. “I don’t know. I lost it.”

“Damn you! That would have brought me good coin. Enough to live on for a long time.”

“Don’t worry, you simpkin. We don’t even need the jewelry. These birds will bring in more than enough. We’ll be living like kings for the rest of our lives.” Cassian slipped the falconer’s glove onto his hand. “Have you got the horse and cart waiting?”

“Yes, it’s ready.”

“What about the night guards? Did you take care of them?”

“Yes. I spiked their ale with bitter nightshade. We’ll have a few hours before they are back to normal.”

“What? Why didn’t you use the hemlock like I told you?” spat Cassian.

“Because, I know that could kill them and I don’t want anyone to die. I can’t believe you used it on Roger.”

“Yes, and I used a good amount, too. That boy must have an iron stomach to have healed so quickly. The amount I gave him should have killed him.” Cassian chuckled lowly.

So that’s why Roger was sick, Regina realized. It had been foul play to keep him away from the mews. She wanted to strangle Cassian for admitting that he’d tried to kill the boy. She was only thankful that she’d told Sage about Roger being ill before they left for the hunt. Sage was a healer and she must have had a hand in curing him.

“I can’t believe they didn’t put a guard on the mews,” said the mystery man.

“Naw. I convinced them that I’d watch over the birds better.”

“Even though they think you can’t hear?”

“They’re stupid, the lot of them. I could convince them of anything. Come here and hold the cage while I put the birds inside.”

Regina wasn’t about to let anyone steal her birds, no matter what plan Hunter may have. Not able to sit there and do nothing any longer, she jumped up and made her presence known.

“Stop!” she cried. “Leave my birds alone, you thieves.”

“Regina, nay,” she heard Hunter groan from behind her.

Before she knew what was happening, the stranger in the cloak grabbed her and held a blade to her throat.

“Release her!” Hunter jumped up with his sword at the ready, but stopped when he saw in the dim light that the thief had Regina and was pressing the sharp edge of a dagger to her throat.

“Drop the sword,” warned the man in the cloak. His face was hidden and Hunter couldn’t see his identity.

“All right. Just don’t hurt her.” Hunter threw down his sword.

“Dammit, these aren’t even real birds!” spat Cassian, ripping the stuffed image of a bird from the perch that Hunter and Luke had made from covering old shoes with leather and feathers, similar to the way Regina had constructed the birds’ lure for training. “We were set up. Damn it, let’s get out of here anon.” Cassian hurried toward the door. As the man in the cloak pulled Regina out of the mews with him, Hunter reached into his boot to retrieve his throwing dagger. He saw Cassian pull a sharp blade from under his cloak and lunge for Hunter. Hunter raised his knife, struggling with Cassian to free the blade from the man’s hand. In the struggle Cassian tripped and fell against Hunter. Hunter raised his arms to protect himself and his blade stuck right into the man’s chest. Cassian fell to the ground with blood streaming from his mouth.

Hunter bent down and turned the man over, seeing his bulging eyes. “Where are they taking her?” he bellowed.

“I’ll never…tell you…Mercenary.” The man died with his eyes open.

“Damn it!” swore Hunter, not meaning to kill the man. He’d been hoping to get information as well as a confession out of him. Now, his only hope was to find Regina’s abductor on his own. Hunter retrieved his sword and ran out into the courtyard, looking around for the man who took Regina.

“Hunter,” he heard a muffled cry, and looked across the courtyard to see Regina struggling with the man who had taken her. They were disappearing behind the keep. He realized they were probably headed for the postern door as a means of escape. He’d heard the man say there was a horse and cart waiting. The castle’s drawbridge was up and the gate down. He had to move quickly if he was going to save Regina.