Warriors for Hire [The Swordsmen 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic ManLove) by Cara Adams

Author:Cara Adams
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance
Published: 2015-12-24T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

Bancroft called Alistair, Denver, Randall, Cedric, Yates, and the still-limping Chandler over to the area of the courtyard where he and Winston had stood to talk. Knowing Chandler’s ankle was probably aching, and that the discussion might take a while, he suggested they sit on the ground. Winston brought Baxter, Hartley, Archer, Kolby and Edgar, and the talkative man, Drake, to join them in a loose circle.

“We’ve already told you that Lord Garrick has promised to pay what we’re owed on behalf of Lord Howard and Lord Bolton. He’s also promised us a bag of flour, a small pig, and some chickens when we leave. That’s very generous of him,” Bancroft began.

“It is indeed. A less honorable man might have washed his hands of the entire situation since both the lords died in combat,” Winston added.

The men grunted agreement, and a couple of them crossed themselves. A swordsman was always aware that the next death in battle might be his own, as even a minor injury could turn bad and poison him.

“Lord Garrick has placed a suggestion before us. Both Winston and I think it has a reasonable chance of success and we would like all of you to join us in it.” Bancroft looked from man to man as he spoke. All of them were listening to him, although some were still gazing around them as well, as an alert swordsman tended to do. It was one reason why they sat in a circle. No one could creep up behind them without some of them knowing about it.

He looked to Winston, who took up the story and told them about the departed Lord Denzil and his castle, and the masterless men living there.

Immediately Drake asked, “How many masterless men are there?”

“We don’t know and we don’t know how disorganized they are either. Lord Garrick doesn’t think there are as many of them as there are of us, but until we spy out the situation we won’t know for certain.”

“Spying won’t tell us how capable their leader is, though,” Drake said.

“I disagree. If there are regular guards on the battlements and soldiers watching the entry, we’ll know they’re organized. If winter crops are being planted we’ll know they are thinking ahead and planning for the winter,” Bancroft argued.

“We’re all seasoned warriors. I think if we watch them for several days we’ll be able to plan a strategy that maximizes our chances of success,” Winston said.

“Part of that success will depend on them not seeing us, though. If they know we’re watching they’ll be on guard, maybe call for reinforcements, and we’ll lose the advantage,” Bancroft warned them.

“Edgar and I can scout for you. If you don’t want them to see us, they won’t see us. Edgar and I can hide behind a blade of grass,” Kolby bragged.

“Those who go scouting for us won’t be wearing armor or carrying a sword. We want to pass for a peasant if anyone does see us.” Winston had a stern tone in his voice that Bancroft appreciated, but none of the men flinched.

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