“Sire,” Alex said with a bow.

“You are either extremely brave or extremely foolish.” Or maybe a little of both, Alex thought. “Say what it is you come to say, and then leave. As you can see, I’m busy.”

Alex faced the man he’d always believed in—even when he’d turned his back on him. It was more difficult than he thought it would be. No matter what his reasons, he’d given Bruce his loyalty—his oath—and he’d broken it. Whether he had good intentions couldn’t seem to stem all the shame.

Alex cleared his throat. “I made you a pledge nine years ago to help see you on the throne, and tonight I have come to fulfill that pledge.”

“Is this the same pledge that you conveniently forgot about for two years?” The look the king gave him could have cut through stone. “I would never have believed that Chris’s brother would have turned traitor.”

Though the blow wasn’t unexpected, it was powerful. It was also deserved. His brother had loved Robert Bruce like a brother; he would never have understood what Alex had done. But Alex did, and he realized that was enough.

He drew himself up, meeting the derision in the king’s gaze directly. “Traitor for what I thought were good reasons,” he said simply. “Which is the same reason I am here now. I bring you my sword and information.” He didn’t pause long enough to let the king comment. “The English army is disheartened, has lost faith, and is in disarray. Whatever authority Edward once had is gone. There is no one in charge, his leaders are too busy vying for position or squabbling. They do not expect you to really fight and have no battle plan if you do. You are not likely to get a better choice of terrain and know the benefits of the ground upon which they are camped.”

He moved over to the crude map that was set out upon the table, not surprised when Boyd stepped in front of him. The two men eyed one another.

“Let him pass, Raider,” the king said.

Boyd gave Alex a long, hard look meant to intimidate, which it might have years ago, and then reluctantly did as the king commanded.