Page 72 of The Scot

Grasping both of his hands, she said, “Tell me what happened.”

He took a deep breath. “You know that James was successful.”

“Aye,” she reprimanded, “but only because you found yourself on the wrong side of the river.”

“Indeed.” He smiled, as if they weren’t talking about the fact that he’d nearly died, and squeezed her hands. “There were around one hundred and fifty men. Led by two men, I believe. Ulster was one of them—”

“And Langham, the second?”

“I thought it was him at first, but no, not Langham. He never spoke or took off his helm, but I didn’t recognize the banner. Red and black with three snakes in the center.

“Who was it?”

Terric shrugged. “I still do not know. Nor does Rory, but I’d not expect my brother to know as he’s spent less time here than I have.”

“Your twin brother,” she pointed out.

“Aye.”

That fact did not seem to please him. Roysa would ask him about that, and why he had chosen to withhold the information, at another time.

“How did you get away?”

She’d thought so many times of Terric facing down an entire retinue of men, alone. And could not imagine how he could have possibly managed to free himself.

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t . . .” That was certainly not the answer she’d expected.

“As I told the others, I delayed them as long as possible. But eventually, they saw the smoke.”

“And realized what you had done?”

“Not precisely. But it did bring an abrupt end to our conversation. Ulster suggested taking me captive. ’Twas what I would have done.”

“To bargain with later.”

“Aye. But the other man said something to him, and then I was set free.”

Her eyes widened. “Did they say anything to you?”

Terric appeared as confused as she felt. “Ulster told me to prepare for a siege. He said we’d meet again soon.”

“And he simply let you go?”

“Aye. I rode ahead of them, and only saw them once. A man alone travels much faster, and I suspect they spent a bit of time assessing whether the bridge could be saved. But I never did recover my sword.”

“You were . . . you faced them without a weapon?”

“Not by choice.”

It made little sense. “Why does he believe Dromsley will hold up under siege?”

“This castle was designed for it. I would expect the same.”

“But you will go to battle instead.”

Terric’s eyes narrowed. “The king thinks to show our supporters how easily we can be overcome. I will not allow him the satisfaction.”