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Artur had never been more relieved to hear Rooster's voice. He'd known someone would come looking for him, but not how long it would take. It was good to have one of his own here.

“Don't worry, we brought our own doctor. We got the message you sent.”

“Message?” Julep echoed. She sounded mystified.

“I had the stable boy send it,” Artur explained. “Make sure you pay him well for his time,” he ordered Rooster.

“Already did, Boss,” Rooster assured him.

Artur smiled. It was great to have competent people on his payroll.

Far from reassured, Julep stayed by the window, avoiding the new goblin. She found Artur's competency alarming. He’d been half dead and still found a way to send a secret message.

He didn't trust her, and that scared her. Maybe because, when he was weak and dependent on her, he was less frightening.

More goblins crowded into the room. She backed up as far as she could, anxious. Fortunately, they ignored her.

It was one thing to tell herself not to worry because Artur was far too hurt to harm her. It was another to see him commanding people. It stripped away the illusion of safety.

While they were distracted, she quietly slipped out of the room. Hadn't she wanted to leave him behind? This was her chance.

....

“We can't find her. We searched every room in the inn, the stables and the surrounding area. She's gone.” Rooster stood at attention, waiting anxiously for orders.

Artur was annoyed with himself. He'd been distracted. It was understandable given his condition, but not acceptable.

She'd slipped out, probably feeling overwhelmed. He knew she was nervous around goblins, but once the doctor started poking at him, he'd been busy growling. Goblin doctors were more efficient than tender.

One of his goblins ran in. “A blacksmith spotted her being grabbed. He was too far away to do anything about it, plus there were at least three men. They threw her on the back of a war ram and took off. We've already got goblins in pursuit, but they had a head start.”

Artur's eyes narrowed. His goblins were competent. They’d catch up and rain hell on the kidnappers. “Find her. Protect her. Interrogate her kidnappers and find out why they took her.”

He wondered if it had to do with the gold hidden in her cart, if that was part of the reason why she was so jumpy. “Also, secure her cart and her sheep. We'll take it with us.” She’d want it later.

He had to heal. But he would find her. They had unfinished business.