if ye cross her about somethin’ simple. I am certain she is verra upset ye hae captured her king.”
“Eh,” he said, “You’re just a man, layin’ in the dirt.”
I sighed over-dramatically. “Tis true, ye should give me the dignity of lettin’ me up tae m’feet afore I am killed.”
“Get him up.”
Two soldiers yanked me tae standing.
“Am I tae follow ye?”
“Nae, stay here.” He stalked from the tent with guards flankin’ him, leavin’ me, thankfully, nae guarded well enough.
I kent how tae remove m’wristbands. They had belonged tae my government, and I had seen them in use. There was a twist and release movement that would do it, but from inside the bindings it might take a few attempts. If my hands had been behind me, twould hae been easier tae hide m’gestures. I dinna want tae get caught, because this was the one chance I had of escape.
My eyes darted around the area. If I jumped the soldier tae m’right I might hae his gun in enough time tae shoot the soldier on the left, but I would hae tae go fast as the shots would call more soldiers in.
Lord Philip stood tae m’far right. I faced down at m’hands but looked furtively around. If I got him tae draw closer and if I was fast enough tae get his sword afore he could raise it. If I could swing it on the soldiers afore they were the wiser — if I could swing, for I had gotten a good beatin’ a’ready.
I asked the soldier closest tae me, “Are ye from the kingdom? I daena recognize ye, but ye must ken, I am yer king if ye are.”
“No, I am not.”
“Where are ye from then, what time?” While I spoke tae him I kept my eyes on Lord Philip.
“I’m from the year 2082. Most of these men are.”
“Och, did ye hae wealth? Was it a time of peace? How did Roderick get ye tae fight on his side?”
“He pays well.”
I nodded. Tae Lord Philip I said, “Tis your answer as well, aye? Ye are in it for the riches?”
He grunted.
I said, “Ye ken your mother, Lady Mairead, will be—”
“My step-mother.”
“True, she daena hae a blood connection and will kill ye for yer actions. I look forward tae watchin’ it.”
“You are weak to let a woman fight for you.”
I shrugged. “She is formidable, weak or nae, I daena think tis wise tae cross her, especially when ye are such a wee, witless—” Loud voices rose from the field.
Lord Philip and the soldiers turned their attention there. I asked, “What did they say?” I pretended tae look while working frantically on m’bindings.
I tried twice tae get the binding off. I glanced up tae see Lord Philip and the soldiers were once again talkin’ tae each other. I took a deep breath.
A storm from far off, lightnin’ cracked, a loud rumble of thunder — Lord Philip winced from the sound. The soldier beside me chuckled. They turned their attention away. I twisted my wrists, pressed them together, and pulled until my arms were free. I looked around, nae one had noticed.
I glanced at Lord Philip’s sword, slung casually at his hip, mere feet away. “Lord Philip, when we signed the treaty, did ye mean tae break it at once, against yer word, or did ye take yer time afore ye decided tae?”
He glared at me.
The voice again, projecting, in unison: “Release the king! Release the king!”
“Och, they sound upset. Are ye wondering right now if ye will live through the night?”
He dove toward me. “Be quiet! I have had e—!”
I yanked his sword from his hilt, grabbed him, an arm around his neck — a split second consideration: Tae hold him, tae use his death as a bargain. But nae, he was sure tae be reviled. Nae one would negotiate for him.
I stabbed the sword through him and dropped him on the ground. I kicked m’blade free of Lord Philip’s gravely injured body and swung against the soldier tae m’right killing him straightaway. Then I stabbed the soldier on m’left.
Overridin’ the pain, I strode from the tent, and fought another soldier, a clean swing, cuttin’ through him. Then I pushed down another and stabbed down through him tae the earth. I grabbed a gun from his belt and shot another soldier who was blockin’ m’way.
I charged from the tree line straight for Roderick, standin’ in the middle of the field convenin’ with Lady Mairead.
“Roderick!!”
He was so astonished he fumbled drawin’ his gun which