Moon Burning - By Lucy Monroe Page 0,49
the boy’s father.”
The man in question made a sound of profound grief and Connor’s mother started to sob. Neither begged Barr for their son’s life, however.
Sabrine was certain that was not because they didn’t want to, but having lived so long under Rowland’s leadership, they did not know leaders could be merciful as well as violent and selfish.
The father came forward, dropping to his knee in front of Barr. “In accordance with clan law, I offer myself in my son’s stead for punishment.”
Barr frowned. “You are aware he is guilty of treason against his clan and his laird.”
The older man nodded, the weight of his son’s circumstances bowing his shoulders.
“You will die for your son?”
“No!” Connor shouted as he tried to break the ties binding him to the bench on which he sat.
His mother’s sobs were quiet, but shook her entire body.
Sabrine laid her hand on Barr’s arm. “Will you hear testimony on the boy’s behalf?”
He stared down at her. “You caught him with the bow, what could you possibly add that might sway my decision?”
Oh, the sheer arrogance of men.
“I can attest to his mind-set when I found him. I can tell you how easily and quickly he dropped his bow. As a Chrechte I can tell you he told the truth when he said he did not intend to kill Earc, but was forced to try to shoot him with an arrow because of the threats against his father.”
Barr did not appear moved. “Rowland’s threats carried no weight. He was marked for death.”
“Connor did not believe your second could defeat Rowland. None of us did,” the Chrechte mother said with a valiant effort to control her tears.
Barr said nothing, his expression giving away only what he wanted it to. He’d masked his scent so effectively, even Sabrine could not tell what he was feeling.
Sabrine moved to stand in front of the human male. “I gave my word not to let anything happen to this man.”
“To whom did you give your word?” Barr demanded with a scowl.
“To Connor, of course.”
“Laird, Connor had no love for Rowland, but he is a good son,” Verica said.
“He didn’t want to kill Earc,” Circin added.
“He has always kept our secret,” another Chrechte who had followed them into the hall added.
“If Rowland deserved to die for his supposed sins, this human”—one of the older Chrechte spat the word—“must die for his.”
Barr turned toward the old man, his expression no longer neutral. Rage cast his features in lines that probably should have frightened her but Sabrine found much too appealing.
The man was strong enough to match her. She had not known another warrior she felt this way about.
“Your opinion is of no consequence to me, old man, in this or any other matter.” There was something under the surface of Barr’s words, as if the other man should know exactly what his laird referred to.
The gray-headed Chrechte sneered at Sabrine as if she had said something foul.
Barr growled, the sound sending chills down her spine and arms. She had to suppress a shiver.
Barr snarled, “Do not think I neglected to mark your lack of support of my lairdship this morn.”
The recalcitrant man flinched, his anger draining to be replaced by blatant fear.
“You may give me your pledge of allegiance, or leave the clan.” Barr looked like he’d prefer the latter.
Fury arced off the older Chrechte but he inclined his head, just barely baring his throat.
Barr did not look pleased, but he nodded with a short jerk of his head. “You may move your things to a relative’s home. Your quarters in the keep will be needed for my new seneschal.”
“Who?”
But Barr ignored him, dismissing the older man without another word as he turned back to her and the man kneeling behind her.
“Step away from Aodh. His view of the back of your legs is unseemly.”
She didn’t laugh, but it was a close thing. “You’re a very possessive man.”
“Aye.”
“Will you attempt to kill the human?”
“Attempt?”
She just glared. If he didn’t think she could save the man, he would soon learn differently.
Barr shook his head. “Allow me the courtesy of your respect.”
“I do respect you.”
“Prove it.”
She crossed her arms and gave him a look that told him not to let her regret it as she moved to the side.
“You are certain you wish to take your son’s punishment?”
The man nodded, his determination not wavering even as his fear turned the air sour.
Barr considered the man in silence for several long moments. He lifted his gaze and met