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Ewan was astute enough to realize the details and emphasis of the stories were often dependent on the attitudes of those relating the tale. Even with a dirk held against her throat, his mother would be hard-pressed to find one good or kind or fair thing to say about the earl.

There was good mixed with bad in all people. Though in Ewan’s experience, one side almost always dominated the other.

Yet as he melded back into the dense woods, two questions remained foremost in Ewan’s mind.

Who was the blond beauty? And why was she so important to the earl?

Chapter 10

It was a cheerful trio that returned to the castle, Gavin leading the way. Fiona sat relaxed and content on her palfrey. An impressive string of fish hung from the end of Spencer’s fishing pole. Gavin, too, felt an uncharacteristic sense of well-being. It had been a rare treat to escape his ever-present responsibilities for an afternoon.

“We’ve received an important message fer ye,” Aidan said, as he grasped the lead on Gavin’s horse and pulled him toward the stable.

“More messages?” Gavin grinned as he dismounted, his mood too uplifted to manage a serious response. “Is the new King Edward dead also?”

Aidan smiled faintly. “Not yet. But there is a king wanting yer attention.”

Gavin’s heart quickened. There could only be one king to which Aidan referred. The Scottish King Robert.

“With the news of Edward’s death, I expected he would move south,” Gavin said in a hushed voice.

“Ye’ve got that right.” Aidan glanced around the crowded area, then leaned in close. “He’s waiting fer ye upstairs in yer private solar.”

“Why not the great hall?”

“That’s where he wanted to go. I thought it wise not to question his request, but ’tis clear he dinnae want to attract much attention. He arrived with a small contingent of heavily armed soldiers, none bearing the royal standard. As it was, only Connor, Duncan, and I recognized him.”

“Has he been here long?”

Aidan shook his head. “Less than an hour. Connor rode out to fetch ye, but ye’ve returned before him.”

“We didn’t see Connor. He must have taken a different route to the loch.” Gavin laid a hand on Aidan’s shoulder. “Take charge of Lady Fiona. And make certain I’m not disturbed.”

Gavin took the stairs to the private solar two at a time, arriving at the top slightly out of breath. Without knocking, he swung open the heavy wooden door and found the king lounging comfortably in a padded chair, a meager offering of refreshments set before him.

“Sire, welcome. I humbly beg yer pardon fer not being here to greet ye,” Gavin said, bowing low.

“As I gave ye no warning of my arrival, ’tis understandable,” Robert replied, coming to his feet. “’Tis good to see ye, my old friend.”

The king extended his hand and Gavin shook it. Robert looked well. He was lean and fit with a natural air of authority and regal command surrounding him. ’Twas hard to believe that a scant year ago his kingship had been in grave peril, his cause all but lost. With his army defeated and his support scattered, Robert had been lucky to make it out of Scotland with his life.

But he had done what he promised: gathered more troops, secured greater support, and returned to fight for his crown. “I had not expected to see ye so soon after Loudon Hill,” Gavin said.

Robert grinned cheekily. “’Twas pure delight watching Mowbray and his cavalry force flee, was it not? And besting the Earl of Gloucester a few days later added a certain element of justice to our fight.”

“A victory fer all of us to savor,” Gavin agreed.

“Aye. And now we’ve had the best possible news of all.” Robert shot Gavin a look of pure glee. “Longshanks is dead.”

Gavin returned the grin. “Praise God. My people are planning a grand celebration as we speak. Will ye join us?”

“Regretfully, I cannae stay long.”

“Then at least allow me to offer more fitting hospitality to my king,” Gavin said, gesturing toward the goblet of ale and simple platter of cold meat, cheese, and brown bread on the table in front of Robert.

“Nay, this has more than appeased my hunger and assures me that few in yer household are aware of my true identity. I find it easier to evade my enemies when I dinnae travel with all the royal trappings. There will be plenty of opportunities to make a royal progress when the crown sits more securely upon my head.”

“Do ye anticipate much resistance from young Edward?” Gavin asked, taking the seat opposite the king.