Free The Price of Freedom by Carol Umberger Page B

how?”
    â€œUse your imagination, can’t you, Rodney?”
    â€œOf course.” Best to change the subject quickly before Edward used his. “And what of my desires, sire?”
    â€œYou will be rewarded according to your success in getting me what I want.” He leaned forward. “I want Homelea and its river crossing.”
    â€œAnd the woman?”
    â€œWhy must you have the one woman in my kingdom who doesn’t want you?” He leaned back again. “There are others just as wealthy as Lady Kathryn who would willingly grace your arm, you know.”
    â€œNo doubt. But ’tis her I want.” She will bow to my will.
    Edward speared him with a look. “In all likelihood, Bruce will give the woman to one of his nobles. We probably cannot stop such a marriage, but time is running short for Bruce and his rabble army.” He made a quick decision. “You will accompany me north to Stirling.”
    Rodney felt ill at the suggestion. “I’m a swordsman, not a warrior.”
    â€œYou can sit a horse while you wield your sword, can’t you? If you want the countess, you will seek out Mackintosh and kill him.”
    â€œBut what if she’s already married?”
    â€œWe will seek an annulment. Nothing is impossible when one has money and the ear of the pope.”
    â€œYes, Your Majesty.”
    â€œAs to Mackintosh, it shouldn’t be hard to find him on the field of battle after we tear Bruce’s army into shreds. Indeed, Black Bryan is always in the ranks that protect his nefarious sire, and I want him dead, too.”
    Edward stood and Rodney followed suit, replacing his goblet on the table. “My liege, perhaps we can use Kathryn to lure Mackintosh, and even Bruce himself, into a trap and thus avoid a battle at Stirling altogether.”
    Edward clapped his hands together. “Yes, just the thing, Rodney. Your devious mind is always working. See how it can be done. One way or another, I will rid my kingdom of that trumped up king.”
    KATHRYN SAW LITTLE OF HER GUARDIAN the next week. From Fergus she learned that the knight’s squire was named Thomas and his man at arms was named Adam. All three were recruiting men for the Scottish army. When she saw them enter the hall on Saturday evening, she quickly sent a servant to invite them to join her at the high table.
    She awaited them by the fireplace, Fergus at her side. She wasn’t surprised to see Maggie the hound at Sir Bryan’s heels.
    â€œSo that’s where the dog has been all day,” Fergus said.
    â€œAye, she’s taken to Sir Bryan, it seems.”
    She feared her distrust of the knight must have shown in her tone of voice and Fergus defended him. “A man who inspires such canine loyalty can’t be all bad, can he?”
    Kathryn frowned. “Don’t trust a dog to judge a man’s character, Fergus. Will you join us for the meal?”
    â€œI will stay in the hall, aye. But not at table with you.”
    Sir Bryan and the blond man walked to where Kathryn and Fergus stood. The men nodded curtly to one another before Fergus took his leave while the squire went to sit with Sir Bryan’s soldiers. She saw Fergus give orders to several of the castle guards before finding an empty spot at a table near the kitchen doorway.
    Her attention was soon captured by Sir Bryan’s man at arms. His smiling face certainly contrasted with the dour knight’s. Bending over her proffered hand, he said, “We have not been properly introduced, my lady. Adam Mackintosh, at your service. I have the misfortune to be this brute’s foster brother as well as his master at arms.”
    He straightened and clapped Sir Bryan on the back. The smile that accompanied such impertinence assured Kathryn the men were the best of friends, despite the difference in age. Adam looked to be at least five years older and was as fair as the other man was dark, their coloring