Bargain, The by Julia Templeton

Author:Julia Templeton [Templeton, Julia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780425214053
Google: 2RsIb7ZOrjwC
Amazon: B0013W4QQ8
Barnesnoble: B0013W4QQ8
Goodreads: 115822
Published: 2012-02-19T18:01:51+00:00

Renaud was surprised at Adelstan's appearance. The young man appeared gaunt, his skin a grayish color. He knew Adelstan had been fed, but wondered if the boy had eaten any of the food that had been prepared for him. Renaud guessed not, for he had lost a stone during his short imprisonment.

It would be so much easier if Adelstan were not Aleysia's twin. In truth, had Adelstan not been Aleysia's brother, then he would not be here now, asking a Saxon traitor to make a pledge to King William. But the eyes staring at him now with distrust and venom, mirrored his sister's, unsettling Renaud. "We leave for York by week's end."

Adelstan took a deep breath and released it, but showed no emotion.

"I have come to give you an opportunity."

Adelstan's eyes narrowed. "An opportunity?"

"Aye, it could spare your life."

"Go on."

"Would you swear homage to King William?"

Silence filled the chamber and for a moment Renaud thought Adelstan had not heard him.

Running a hand through his straggly blond hair, Adelstan replied, "Nay, I would not."

"Even if it meant your life?"

The Saxon nodded. "Even if it meant my life. I will not become Judas to my people. Not after all that we have fought for."

"Think you they would deny this opportunity if given the chance themselves?"

Adelstan nodded. "Aye."

"You know King William will remain in power."

Defiance shone brightly in the young man's eyes. "I know your king will continue to burn the north, leaving not a soul alive, not even an animal. He would oppress the entire country to retain his power, and that to me is not a king. Your king is a tyrant. What kind of man would want to swear allegiance to such a man?"

The boy's treasonous words angered Renaud, but he did not let Adelstan see it. Instead, Renaud's mind raced, wondering what he could do to change this young man's fate. "For Aleysia's sake, will you consider it?"

At the mention of his twin, Adelstan flinched and Renaud knew he had found the boy's weakness: Adelstan's love of his sister. "She will be alone, Adelstan."

Adelstan swallowed hard, his jaw clenched tight. "Duncan will come for her."

"He has already come and gone."

"When?"

"Days ago."

Adelstan frowned. "I heard no fighting."

"There was no fight."

"He left? So swiftly?"

"He did. He brought a small army who could not stand up to my men. It would have been suicide."

Disbelief came over the Saxon's features, and for a while he said nothing. He ran a hand down his face. "Aleysia remains at Braemere?"

"Aye, she does."

Adelstan cursed under his breath. "I cannot believe Duncan left without her. Did he offer money?"

"He did."

"And you refused?"

"I did."

Renaud did not want to hurt Adelstan any more than he was already hurting, but he felt like he owed the young man the truth. "Adelstan, MacMillan asked only for Aleysia's release. He said you could remain in Braemere's prison for all eternity."

The young Saxon fell silent for a moment, his gaze searching Renaud's so intently as to be uncomfortable. It was clear he did not believe him.

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