Page 121 of Kingdom of Chains

CHAPTER 39

Blackmane was on his way to see the warden when he was intercepted by three very unhappy defenders fresh from the training field. They were sweat-soaked with grass in their hair and matching scowls.

‘Firstly,’ Tatum said, ‘what the hell were you thinking going to Hampstead Keep by yourself?’

Alveye shook his head like a disappointed parent. ‘You could have been killed.’

‘We’ve been worried sick,’ Hadewaye added. ‘Tatum has been running extra laps to manage the stress.’

‘And you know he hates to run,’ Alveye said.

Tatum held up two fingers. ‘Secondly, what in God’s name are you wearing?’

Blackmane looked down at his clothes.

‘And thirdly,’ Tatum said, drawing Blackmane’s attention back to him, ‘did you get Isabel?’

Blackmane’s eyebrows lifted slightly. ‘That’sthe order of your questions?’

Tatum looked down at the peasant clothes again, then said to Alveye, ‘Should the clothes question have been first?’

‘I’m going to assume Isabel’s safe,’ Hadewaye said, ‘or you wouldn’t be here.’

Blackmane nodded. ‘She’s back at Maddock House. I’ll answer your other questions after I’ve spoken to the warden.’

Alveye’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. ‘About what?’

‘He needs to know I’m back, for a start.’ Blackmane shifted his weight. ‘And there’s another matter I need to discuss with him.’

‘What other matter?’ Tatum asked.

The warden exited the armoury and looked around, expression hardening when he saw Blackmane. The defender immediately broke away from the group and headed towards him, but the others only followed him.

‘Good to see you alive,’ Shapur said, frowning down at his clothes. ‘Where is your uniform?’

‘I took an unplanned swim in the moat, sir.’

Shapur nodded. ‘I gather Lady Isabel has been reunited with her family?’

‘Yes.’

‘And Hodge?’

‘Alive and well.’

‘Good.’ He gave a curt nod. ‘Go get yourself cleaned up.’

Blackmane glanced behind him to where the others were eavesdropping. ‘There’s a matter I wish to discuss.’

The warden sighed. ‘Go on.’

‘I’d like to return to Llanelieu.’ He paused. ‘To live.’

There was an exchange of colourful language behind him. Shapur glared in the direction of the other defenders until they fell silent.

‘I suspected there were feelings involved,’ the warden said, ‘but clearly I underestimated the extent of them. Surely you of all people are not foolish enough to throw everything away for a woman you barely know.’

That was a reasonable response. ‘I’d prefer not to throw anything away if I can help it. I have an idea I’d like to put forwards.’