Red Robin and the Huntsman by Nicola M. Cameron

Author:Nicola M. Cameron
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: 0
Published: 2017-12-17T22:00:00+00:00

7

A PECULIAR DISCOVERY

“Captain Bardahlson!”

Duncan stopped on the staircase, turning to see Lambert hurrying down after him. “Ser Arthur?”

“I just wanted to let you know that I’ve reconciled all the accounts,” the tax collector announced. “The tax payment is ready to head to Mons as soon as you can rally your men.”

Duncan forced a polite smile. “That’s good to hear, Ser Arthur. My father made it clear that he’d like us back in time for Frostfair dinner if possible. But I thought you wanted us to stay and capture the Redbird.”

“Ah, yes.” Lambert rubbed his hands together. “I was rather caught in the heat of the moment, I’m afraid. I’m sure the local bailiff can handle that rascal, and I can have my men guard Lady Busse until he’s captured.”

Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you? He could still feel the weight of Robin on him as she rode him last night, gazing down at him with so much love. Wild horses couldn’t drag him from Wellen at this point. “Well, if you’re sure, I’ll tell the men to get ready to head out.”

“Splendid.” Lambert headed past him towards the dining hall as a blinking Ewan wandered in from the entryway, yawning.

His brother gave the tax collector a cursory glance. “He seems happy this morning.”

“Aye,” Duncan said quietly. “He’s finished the reconciliation and he’s more than ready for us to go.”

“I see. So what’s the plan?”

The best way to untangle a knot was to start at the outer threads and work inward. “I want to have a chat with Master Heurlis,” Duncan said. “His handwriting was on the note that was pitched through the library window last night.”

“All right.” Ewan yawned widely. “Can I grab some sleep first, though?”

It wouldn’t do to have both of them tired. “Go. We’ll head over there around noon.”

“Aye.” A smirk slid over his brother’s face. “You might want to catch a few winks as well. I’m guessing you didn’t sleep much, either.”

Duncan couldn’t find the heart to deny it. “Shut your mouth,” he said gruffly.

Ewan chuckled and headed up the stairs. “Ask Adele to save some breakfast for me, brother dear.”

That particular breakfast turned out to be an exercise in acting skill, as Duncan struggled to keep his expression bland while Lambert prattled on about the successful reconciliation and his plans to defeat future attempts by the Redbird. Across the table, Robin spooned up her porridge primly while Hamish entertained himself by discussing horses with Charlie.

Scattering his usual salt on the porridge, Duncan said, “The men should be ready to leave sometime this afternoon, Ser Arthur, after I run an errand in Halle with my brothers. Will that be sufficient for you?”

Robin didn’t look up from her breakfast but her shoulders tensed. Oblivious, Lambert said, “That will be perfect, captain. I’ll make sure to have the money bags sealed and ready.” He gave Robin a triumphant smile, patently counting the hours until the cavalrymen were gone and he could put his “proposal” to her.

Grimly, Duncan imagined how it would feel if he shoved his spoon into Lambert’s eye socket.

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