Shapur looked up from the table he sat behind. ‘You are supposed to wait until you are invited in after knocking, defender.’

‘Apologies, sir. I’ve received some news from Carmarthenshire and require a few days’ leave.’

Shapur stared at him. ‘For what purpose?’

He did not dance around the facts. ‘My brother and Isabel Maddock have gone to Hampstead Keep, and I fear they might be in danger.’

Shapur rose slowly. ‘You have a lot of nerve barging in here with this request. Now, get out before I have you locked up.’

Blackmane did not move. ‘I’m happy to go alone.’

Shapur’s eyes narrowed into slits. ‘Are you trying to start a war?’

‘Actually, I’m trying to prevent one. Lord Hodge is holding Lady Gwenore and her son at Hampstead Keep against their will. Swift and discreet action could prevent this from building into a fight that will halt all chains of supply to Chadora.’ He paused. ‘I just need four days.’

The tips of Shapur’s fingers pressed against the wooden table. ‘Fine. You leave Chadora discreetly, and you are back in four days.’

Blackmane’s lungs relaxed. ‘Yes, sir. Thank you.’ He turned to leave.

‘Blackmane.’

The defender stopped and waited.

‘I want Hodge in one piece at the end of the four days. Understand?’

He nodded. ‘Yes, sir.’

Chapter 34

CHAPTER 34

Isabel stood in front of the moat that enclosed Hampstead Keep, watching the gate lower before her. Armed guards observed the pair from above, and Tolly watched them right back. The gate touched the ground a few feet in front of their horses. Hodge stood on the other side, his face illuminated by orange light cast from the torches on either side of him.

‘My beloved.’ His voice carried across the bridge to her.

She felt only anger and disgust as she stared at him and had to assume it showed on her face. ‘My lord.’

‘I see you brought a friend,’ he said, displeasure clear in his voice.

Isabel glanced sideways at Tolly. ‘This is Tolly Blackmane, my escort.’

‘Oh, I know who he is.’

Tolly glanced up at the guards as he asked, ‘How’s the hand?’

Hodge held it up and wriggled his fingers. ‘As good as new.’ He let it fall to his side before adding, ‘I appreciate you getting Lady Isabel here safely.’

‘I plan on getting her home safely too.’

Hodge’s lips turned up. ‘You are free to wait out here if you have nothing better to do.’

‘Actually,’ Isabel said, ‘I think this is far enough for both of us.’

Hodge’s eyebrows lifted slightly. ‘I thought you would be keen to see your family.’

And so the game begins.

‘Where are they?’ she asked, content to play for now.

He glanced over his shoulder. ‘In their quarters, waiting to eat.’

‘In their quarters?’

‘Yes.’ He feigned confusion at her question.