The man exploded into movement. He caught the end of one sword on the tip of his blade, pushing it to the side as he used his other hand to grab and twist the other sword. Colm wrenched his blade free of the man’s grip. He smelled blood and knew the blade had cut his foe. The man’s foot flashed up and struck the guard in the groin. Out of the corner of his eye, Colm saw his guard crumple to a knee, but he focused on the opponent in front of him.
The wiry man glided and darted with amazing agility and cunning. This wasn’t some young fool as he’d first thought. The enemy showed no fear or doubt even as more men with torches and lamps ran toward them. The scream of warning had drawn the attention of the guards on the wall. Finally.
Colm drew his knife to use as a guard. Colm saw the man’s eyes fasten on him. Even as the man advanced, he knew the man had decided to do as much damage as possible. Colm wasn’t going to let that happen. Colm swung his sword and the man jumped back to avoid the waist-high swipe of the blade.
As men approached, the man’s eyes became more frantic. He dove in under a sweeping swing, his dagger lunging for Colm’s midsection. Colm twisted out of the way and drove his knife deep into the man’s chest. The man dropped to the ground at Colm’s feet, his breathing shallow and his life fading. Colm inwardly cursed, but hoped that the other man had been taken alive. He watched the man as others began to crowd around the dying man. Bending while the man still drew breath could be dangerous so he waited to search for some clue why he was here. He didn’t recognize the man or the tattoo at his neck. There might be a mark somewhere on him to designate a sect or mercenary group. He didn’t hold much hope for anything as clear as written orders. Even knowing what they were after would help narrow who sent them.
There were men inside the walls. One’s dead, the other I don’t know yet. Colm focused his thoughts on his bond brother.
Damn. Any idea why they’re here? Linc asked.
No, but hopefully we can find something to at least give us a place to start our search. Is Cami still with you? I don’t want her on her own until the entire building is swept to make certain we didn’t miss anyone. Colm exhaled slowly.
They wouldn’t have known the men were here without her help. At least not until someone had been hurt. He believed that. Her dream had been right and it left him wondering what exactly she’d seen that had her so cautious of them. Had she heard him say something in one of those dreams about wanting a woman who wasn’t his mate? He was pretty sure she’d had at least glimpses of the other women from some of her comments.
She’s still here. Tired and a little unhappy about having to stay, but right now she’s cooperating. Linc assured him.
Have her go sleep in the bed if she’s tired. Colm frowned. It was where she belonged. He was tempted to ensure she slept there every night, but they were still trying to do this the slow way.
I tried. She says she’s not sleeping there, emphasis on there. She’s not explaining what she means and she’s not budging on it. Linc’s thoughts carried his frustration easily.
Again Colm wondered what she’d seen. It’s those dreams. She saw something.
But she’s not saying what it is that’s got her upset. She knows we’re lovers. Linc hesitated at the last.
I’m certain she knows. I’m fairly sure it’s not about you and me being lovers. It’s probably something we said or did with the other women. Colm wished he knew the specific thing that was causing all her doubts and anger. If he knew, he could explain or at least find some way to battle it. Now he could only guess at the cause.
If she gets too tired, I’ll take her to one of the other rooms and stay with her as she sleeps. We’re going to have to find out what is behind all this. I have a feeling it’s something she’s told us before, but we didn’t put any special meaning on it, Linc replied. Keep me informed.
Good. I’ll be busy here. I need to find out how they got