The Legend of a Rogue - Darcy Burke Page 0,42

so that Elspeth’s room was now behind Tavish. He was tempted to go and ensure she was safe, but he had to finish this first.

With a loud cry, Kent drove forward, swinging his sword. Tavish parried the blow, clenching his jaw as the blades struck, igniting a spark that Tavish feared was the sword starting to flame once more. He was relieved when it did not and concentrated on the love in his heart.

“No!” Elspeth’s cry from inside her room spurred Tavish into greater action. With renewed fervor, he attacked, pushing Kent backward toward the stairs. He was relentless in his pursuit, thrusting and swinging until he finally met the man’s flesh. Lann Dhearg cut into Kent’s shoulder.

The man screamed and dropped his sword. The blade clattered down the stairs. Tavish kicked out and sent Kent tumbling after.

The married guest, carrying another sword, ran to the fallen Kent. It was all Tavish needed to see. He spun around and raced to Elspeth’s room.

Elspeth’s lower half was outside the window. She clutched at the leader’s hand as he started to turn. “Grover!” she shouted.

“Don’t you let her fall,” Tavish said. “Not if you want this sword.”

Grover held a pistol, which Tavish hadn’t realized he possessed. He leveled it at Tavish. “I will have that sword, whether she falls or not.”

“It’s not Dyrnwyn.” Tavish felt a rush of satisfaction at the surprise in Grover’s eyes. “Your order wants Dyrnwyn. I’d tell you to inform them of their mistake, but you won’t be able to do that.” Tavish hadn’t wanted to kill anyone, but this man had made it clear he’d go to any length to get what he wanted. And Tavish still didn’t know what had happened to Carrie.

Grover’s dark eyes glittered in the light from the fireplace. “It may not be Dyrnwyn, but I will have it.” He let go of Elspeth. She wildly reached for purchase.

Tavish pitched himself toward her as Grover fired. Dropping Lann Dhearg, Tavish grabbed her hands and pulled her back through the window. They landed together on the floor, with him taking the brunt of their fall.

He looked into her wide green eyes. “Are you all right?”

She nodded, then pushed herself off him. Tavish leapt up and helped her to do the same. Grover had picked up the sword.

He frowned. “Why is it so bloody heavy?”

Tavish advanced on him. “Because it wasn’t made for you.”

“Get the sword!” Elspeth rushed at Grover and lifted her arm.

Tavish saw the glint of a blade in her hand, but couldn’t see what she did to Grover. He could guess, however, as Grover’s eyes rounded. The villain gasped, and Lann Dhearg fell to the floor.

Grover stumbled back. Elspeth stepped away. Tavish plucked up the sword, then saw blood staining the front of Grover’s clothing. The knife Tavish had left in his boot protruded from his chest. Grover fell against the window opening. Elspeth pushed him through.

The villain opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He fell to the earth below.

Elspeth threw her arms around Tavish’s neck. “You’re safe.”

“So are you.” Clasping her, he buried his face in her hair and closed his eyes. Suddenly, all the injuries he’d suffered decided to remind him they were there. He winced. “Ow.”

She let him go and pulled back. He opened his eyes to see her looking over him intently. “You need help.”

“Soon. I want to make sure everyone downstairs is safe and that the rest of the villains are in hand.”

She nodded, taking his free hand. “I’ve got you.”

“Yes, and I’m never letting you go.”

Chapter Eleven

As Elspeth helped Tavish walk downstairs, she was aware of every ache and pain he suffered. “You need to sit as soon as possible so I can tend to your feet. What happened?”

“Glass in the kitchen. I had to break a window to get in.”

“So you decided to dance all over it?”

Tavish was surprised he could laugh, but he did. “I had to fight someone.”

“What happened to him?”

“Same as Grover, minus falling from a window.” Tavish kissed her forehead. “You are a formidable woman, Elspeth.”

“He was evil.”

“Yes, he was.”

She guided him down the stairs and immediately surveyed the common room. Kent and Thane were bound together near the bar, while the other two were off to the side. One was the victim of Balthazar’s musket, and the other had been gutted by someone’s sword.

Aunt Leah rushed to meet Elspeth, hugging her tightly. “I’m so glad you’re all right.” Then she looked at Tavish and gasped. “You look terrible.”

Tavish gave