When we meet again it will be as the King’s man and Llygad’s daughter, but know that you are in my heart. He held on to those words, and doubted that his own expression hid his heart as well as hers did.

Carwyn ducked his tall body through the tent flap, and two other men followed. Ale was poured and drunk.

Finally, Arundal spoke directly to Carwyn. “Surrender. We outnumber you. We have had scouts in those hills these last days, and they count no more than one hundred fifty.”

“Unlike your camps, which are easy to find and count, ours are scattered and keep moving. Perhaps we have only fifty men, the ones you see on that hill. Then again, maybe we have two thousand.”

“No matter what your numbers, you are at a disadvantage,” Marcus said. “The men of Barrowburgh and Anglesmore and Arundal are experienced and battle hardened and well equipped, not farmers just plucked from their fields.”

Carwyn laughed. “That is the great offer that caused this delay? The offer to surrender?”

“Nay,” Arundal growled. “We offer you a quick death, instead of that of a traitor.”

“We offer no death at all,” Marcus corrected. “I received no command from the King for recriminations.”

Arundal and Hubert were halfway through their objections when the King’s command was mentioned. That stopped their words, but not their scowls.

“You do not know the half of it,” Carwyn said. “However, since we indulged you in this parlay, we should hear what you offer in terms. Make it quick, however. My men have waited too long for this fight.”

“I offer you what the King offered. You will disband, and I will marry the daughter of Llygad, so that amends are made for the insult done to his honor.”

“If we considered such a marriage suitable amends, we could have all stayed home.”

“It is the King’s offer, and mine. I must add one more term, however. You, Carwyn Hir, must leave the realm.”

“I’ll be damned first.”

“You will be condemned if you do not.”

Carwyn laughed. A sneer twisted above his dark beard. “Now hear my terms. You withdraw from this valley, and from Llygad’s manor, and you end this betrothal that you forced. Perhaps then you will live to fight another day.”

“There will be no battle on another day. If we engage, I end this here. There will be no quarter. You have taken my betrothed prisoner, and I am not in a merciful mood.”

Hubert’s head snapped around. “She doesn’t look like a prisoner to me.”

Arundal snorted his agreement. Nesta said nothing.

Carwyn’s blue eyes lit with acknowledgment, and approval. “Your responsibility to her, and for her, should be worth more than what you offer.”

“That responsibility is why you hear any terms at all. Send your men down, and see where my blood is on this.”