Page 84 of Bound to a Warrior
“He had wanted her dead,” Duncan said. “Why the change of heart?”
Neil shrugged. “Some believe he feels guilty for acting so rashly when he discovered that her mother, his longtime mistress, had betrayed him. He flew into a rage and ordered both their deaths. He succeeded in taking his mistress’s life, but his daughter got away.” Neil nodded, bobbing his head repeatedly. “Some think that the king discovered that her mother left vital information about the true king with her and he wants that information.”
“This is all speculation?” Trey asked.
Neil continued bobbing. “All except the death of his mistress. That’s true. Her daughter survived because her mother sent her away with plans to meet up with her later. Her delay cost her her own life, but saved her daughter’s life…though for how long is anyone’s guess.”
“Is this the important news you brought us?” Reeve asked.
Neil’s bobbing turned to shaking. “No. I have uncovered some dire news.” His voice turned low. “I have learned that there is a spy amongst you.”
“Who?” Duncan demanded.
“I don’t know,” Neil said. “I only know that the person has recently arrived.”
“Man or woman?” Trey asked.
“Again I don’t know,” Neil said. “It is being kept hushed and I was lucky to have learned of it. Be careful. Do not let anything happen to the true king. The people are praying for his safety and that he takes the throne soon.”
“He’s in safe hands. Don’t worry,” Reeve said.
“I will try to learn all I can about the one who has come to spy on you,” Neil said.
Duncan reached out and placed a firm hand on the thin man’s shoulder. “You serve the true king well. He is pleased and looks forward to meeting you one day.”
Neil smiled and tears gathered in his weary eyes. “I pray I live to see him crowned king.”
“Be careful and be safe,” Duncan said.
They left Neil with their father who, along with six warriors, escorted him to the border where one warrior would trail him until he was safely away.
The three brothers returned to the keep and went straight to the solar where all mission matters were discussed. It occupied the second floor of the keep, the doors kept lock. It was known that none could enter without permission and none dared.
“Neither of you have to say what you’re thinking,” Duncan said, sitting in one of the wooden chairs in front of the hearth.
Reeve said what Duncan wouldn’t. “That Mercy’s a spy. Problem is that it just doesn’t make sense. I’m more concerned with the thought that Mercy could possess information about the true king.”
“He’s right,” Trey said, sitting in the chair beside Duncan and stretching out his booted feet to the fire. “I could see why some might think it, she being daughter to the king. But if anyone knew of what you two have gone through, it just won’t be a thought. However, I too, wonder if she knows something that she does not share.”
“I’m glad you two see how improbable it is that she would be a spy,” Duncan said.
“We’re the only ones that matter,” Reeve said. “Besides, this news can’t be known, this has to remain between us.”
Duncan nodded. “We let whoever it is set his own trap.”
“And we’re there to capture him,” Trey said.
“As for Mercy having information about the true king,” Duncan said, “if she does, she hides it well. She even eluded that it was simply a myth and nothing more.”
“What if she doesn’t know she carries information?” Reeve asked.
“That’s a good possibility,” Trey said. “Her mother never would have risked her status unless she had positive proof about the true king.”
“Has Mercy spoken of her mother at all?” Reeve asked.
“No, she hasn’t,” Duncan said.
“Has she said where she was to meet up with her mother?” Reeve said.
