Hadewaye nodded in agreement. ‘We all have our bad days.’

Hodge looked at Tatum and shouted, ‘Is there no discipline within your unit, Commander?’

‘For missing?’ Tatum asked, feigning ignorance.

Isabel was looking from tree to tree, likely worried that the eagle would return. When she did not spot it, she turned her attention back to Hodge. ‘I am so sorry. I did not think she would follow.’

He lurched for her again, seizing her arm and proceeding to rub her hand all over his bloodied face. ‘Look at what she did. Look!’ He held her hand in front of her face, forcing her to see.

Blackmane instinctively reached for the knife strapped to his leg, but a single glance from Tatum made him pause.

Isabel’s eyes welled up. ‘I am sorry.’

‘I have told you time after time that an eagle is not an appropriate pet for a woman of your status,’ Hodge ranted.

Blackmane, on the other hand, now thought it the perfect pet.

‘I do not want that thing near you ever again,’ Hodge went on. ‘Do you understand?’

She blinked, and a few tears escaped. ‘I cannot simply—’

He squeezed her hand. ‘Promise me, or God help me, I will hunt that thing to the ends of the earth.’

‘I understand,’ she whispered, reaching for his face in an attempt to soothe him. ‘I understand. I am sorry.’

She was trembling now, as was Blackmane, but for a different reason.

Hodge brought her hand to his mouth, lips pressing so hard that Blackmane was sure his teeth would leave an imprint. ‘I love you,’ he whispered. ‘I love you. I love you.’

The man was insane, and Blackmane was beginning to realise just how trapped she really was. The English guards had all averted their gaze at this point. Alveye and Hadewaye looked on with bewildered expressions. Tatum appeared utterly confused by the whole scene.

‘I suggest we get moving,’ Blackmane said at a volume that only his commander would hear, ‘before I summon the bird for another go at him.’

Tatum nodded. ‘We should keep moving.’ His voice cut through the awkward silence.

Finally, Lord Hodge released Isabel’s hand and looked around like he had forgotten he had an audience. ‘One moment.’ He reached for his waterskin. ‘Hold out your hand, beloved. Let us get you cleaned up.’

She held out a shaking hand and let him wash the blood from it. He then used some of the water to clean his face.

‘All right,’ he said when they were ready to leave. ‘Let us go.’

Slowly, Isabel gathered up the reins and followed him without lifting her gaze to anyone.

Blackmane rode behind the pair for the next part of the journey, and Tatum did him the favour of not bringing attention to the fact. Time passed in silence. Thankfully, there were no more incidents, and the eagle was smart enough to stay away.

When it was time to make camp, the party found a clearing next to a creek a mile off the main road and set up a guarded perimeter. Two tents were erected for Hodge and Isabel while the rest of them slept around fires out in the open, ready to take their turn keeping watch.