Page 14 of Kingdom of Chains

‘What secret?’ Hadewaye asked.

Tatum swung theatrically around the edge of the doorframe. ‘Blackmane has taken a fancy to Lady Isabel.’

‘Fairly sure that’snothow keeping secrets works,’ Alveye pointed out.

‘Get your drunk arse into bed,’ Blackmane said as he pushed between the two defenders still in his way.

‘Where are you going?’ Hadewaye called to his back.

‘Perimeter check.’

‘What?’ Alveye’s voice followed him out into the open corridor. ‘I’m confident they have that covered.’

Blackmane kept walking without responding.

The air was crisp and sharp outside, and every inhale woke him up a little more. He headed down the path that led to the outer wall, then climbed the icy steps to the top. Two men on patrol stopped talking when they spotted him. They looked down at his uniform, then watched him with a wary expression as he passed them. He did not care if his presence made anyone uncomfortable, because going to sleep without knowingthe castle was secure madehimuncomfortable. He was not at Hampstead Keep in search of new friends.

His boots landed quietly as he took in his surroundings, listening for anything unusual. He passed four more guards on the north wall, nodding in place of a greeting, then entered the turret at the end. They appeared to have a decent number of weapons, which was something.

As he stepped onto the west wall, he felt someone’s presence. Stopping, he looked around, finding only shadows. But he was definitely not alone. His eyes narrowed on the darkest corner. ‘I suggest you show yourselfbeforeI draw my sword.’

Nothing.

He drew his weapon. A beat later, a cloaked figure stepped into the flickering light cast by a nearby torch.

‘How did you know I was there?’ came Lady Isabel’s voice. She pulled down the hood of her cloak and waited for his response.

‘It’s a defender thing.’ He sheathed his sword. ‘What are you doing out here on the wall at this time of the night?’ He looked past her. ‘Are you alone?’

‘Now I am.’ She looked over her shoulder. ‘Margery had to go.’

It was an odd time and place to meet a friend. ‘You should have left with her.’

That made her smile. ‘Oh, I wanted to.’ She closed the distance between them. ‘But I would need wings for that.’

‘I’m going to assume from your response that Margery is either an angel or a bird.’

‘She is both.’ Her face turned serious. ‘But please do not mention the meeting to His Lordship. She is not supposed to leave her cage, and he is rather strict with that rule.’

He blinked. ‘I will try my hardest to refrain from discussing yourpet birdwith the lord of the house.’

She angled her head. ‘I appreciate that, defender.’

‘And might I suggest you return to the castle now.’

‘You know, you are a little high-handed given that this is not your home.’ She regarded him a moment. ‘What are you even doing up here?’

He looked around the wall walk. ‘Perimeter check.’

Her eyes shone with amusement. ‘Right. Well, do not let the guards overhear you. They might take that as criticism of their work.’

Before he could respond, a flash of light caught his attention behind her. He stepped up to the embrasure and peered down at the ground below. There were several fires burning approximately fifty yards away. ‘Is this normal?’

She came up next to him, eyebrows drawing together. ‘What on earth—’

A burning arrow passed over their heads before she could finish that sentence. Shouting along the wall ensued.

‘Archers to the wall! We’re under attack!’