The man could have been Slatter’s twin brother.

At first Willow felt a sense of relief, thinking Lord Tarass had found the culprit. That soon faded when she realized the man was not treated as a prisoner, but with respect shown to either a chieftain or a lord. Her stomach knotted painfully fearful of what that meant.

“This is Lord Sterling of the Clan MacBlair from the Isle of Wakelin. He has some information you’ll wish to hear, James,” Lord Tarass said.

Lord Sterling dismounted and approached the steps, staring up at Slatter. “I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it with my own eyes. You are the exact image of me.”

Slatter grinned. “I wouldn’t say exact, I’m much handsomer.” His grin shifted to a glare. “Wakelin, you say, isn’t Wakelin that piss-ass isle no one gives a fig about?”

Willow squeezed her husband’s hand in warning. It would do no good to antagonize the man, at least not yet.

He returned her squeeze, though never took his eyes off Sterling.

“Your lack of manners and civility prove what a scoundrel you are without me saying a word. You’re also a sly one, giving me the slip at every turn,” Lord Sterling said.

“This is best discussed in private,” James said.

“Why? Your clan should know that an evil man resides among them,” Lord Sterling said, raising his voice and not taking his eyes off Slatter as if daring him to deny it. “This man has committed endless crimes, some unspeakable. He cares not who he harms or the damage he leaves in his wake. He is a common thief, a thug who does anything for a coin, a liar who charms his way out of things or charms his way into a woman’s bed, mostly married women, then threatens that he will tell her husband if she doesn’t pay him for his silence. And he murders anyone who threatens to reveal his true nature.”

“You claim much detail about my supposed exploits,” Slatter said. “How is that?”

James agreed. “Slatter is right. How is it you claim these accusations?”

Lord Sterling pointed to Slatter. “You cannot see why by just looking upon us? I have suffered greatly because of this miscreant. I have been accused of stealing, lying, bedding married women, and causing harm for a mere coin. I cannot travel far from home without someone accusing me of a crime and wanting me to suffer for it. I finally had enough and began my search for the man responsible for it all… Slatter.” He pointed again to Slatter. “Now it’s time for him to suffer.” He looked to James. “And when you learn what else he has done, you’ll agree with me.” He turned and shouted. “Bring her to me.”

Willow stood beside her husband more frightened for him than she had ever been. She wanted to shout out that Sterling was a liar. That it was he who had done all the things he accused Slatter of, but she held her tongue, though it wasn’t easy.