‘What in heaven’s name are you rambling on about, defender?’

Blackmane looked around for Isabel, but she was nowhere in sight. ‘I’m saying that your father’s noble idea to build a camp for the people of Carmarthenshire has run its course.’ He paused. ‘Sometimes these ideas just don’t work, not because people resist being rehabilitated but because they never needed it to begin with. It’s over.’ It was undeniably enjoyable watching the colour drain from Hodge’s face. ‘You’ll need to find another way to make money.’

Hodge’s face twitched. ‘You expect me to believe that rebels have taken control of my camp in the short time since I left?’

‘I don’t expect anything from you. I didn’t come here for that.’

‘Then what are you doing here, defender?’

Blackmane searched the trees behind Hodge. ‘I came to collect one of the prisoners.’

‘Well, I am sorry for the wasted journey, but there are no prisoners here.’

‘I’m talking about Lady Isabel.’

A faint smile settled on Hodge’s face. ‘You know, I do not blame you for taking a fancy to her. She is truly lovely and would seem all the more enticing to a barbaric man like yourself. I was aware of your interest, from the very first day. I noted the way you kept a special eye on her during our short time together. I tolerated your presence because I had to. But now your heroic gestures are really starting to get on my nerves.’ He brushed a finger down his nose. ‘So let me be very clear about something. Lady Isabel returns to Hampstead Keep of her own free will. She is safe, and she is no longer your concern.’

‘If that’s true, then I’ll wish you both well and be on my way. But I’m going to need to hear it from her mouth.’

Hodge’s smile broadened. ‘Always the protector. I worry, however, that you might be drastically overstepping. The fact that you are here without your comrades says a lot.’

‘You don’t have to worry about me. I’m very capable on my own.’

Hodge chuckled lightly and looked over his shoulder. ‘Bring her out.’

A few moments later, four guards emerged from the trees, Isabel tucked between them. Her eyes were sunken with fatigue, her face a pale contrast against the vibrant green dress she was wearing. She held his gaze for a moment before looking at Hodge.

‘My beloved,’ Hodge began, ‘Blackmane here has ridden all this way to check on you. Is that not terribly considerate of him?’

She did not reply.

‘I was just telling him how much you are looking forward to being reunited with your family at Hampstead Keep.’ He adjusted his hands on the reins. ‘Can you imagine how devastated they would be if you did not return as planned? Lady Gwenore and Everard are two of our biggest advocates.’