The King's Sword (11 page)

Ronan’s eyes swept out at the street, searching the bodies for one in particular.

“She is across the street. I saw her go in there about half an hour ago,” Keegan called, bringing Ronan’s attention back to him. “She didn’t even look at me but then I was already entertaining two other lovelies at the time.” The horseman winked and lifted a mug of ale to his lips.

Ronan nodded his appreciation and set out across the street, smoothing down his coat. Beneath it, a sword of white metal swung heavily in the sheath he had bought earlier.

He entered the tavern across from the one he was staying and his eyes slipped over those who sat drinking and talking loudly with one another. No sign of her. His eyes drifted to the stairs and before he could question himself, he moved forward. At the top of the stairs he rounded the wall into the corridor and ran head first into the woman he’d come looking for.

“Forgive me,” Ronan murmured, reaching to steady her. His fingers brushed the bare skin of her waist. Her soft skin glowed golden in the light of the candles that lit the corridor. He didn’t let his hand linger. He certainly didn’t want to scare her off.

“My fault entirely. I wasn’t watching where I was going.” She answered without smiling but Ronan would not miss his chance. And he would do his best.

“Then I am glad I was here, otherwise you would have gone tumbling down the stairs.” He smiled broadly and for a moment the woman just stared at him. Then slowly, she smiled back.

“Do you live here in Fullerk?” She asked.

“Only for the next day or so.” Ronan shook his head. “Just passing through.” Her smile wavered but didn’t disappear completely.

“Which way did you come from?”

“And here I thought you were smiling at me because you found me witty and charming.” Ronan sighed. “I am traveling south. What is it you need?”

“How do you know I need anything?” She tilted her head.

“Because you haven’t kissed me yet and still you are standing here.” Ronan shrugged. “You need something.”

Her smile widened again and she nodded. “Yes, I do. I’m actually looking for a blacksmith.” His brow rose as she continued. “One in particular. His name is Ronan Culley. You didn’t happen to have passed him on the road to Fullerk did you?”

Ronan forced himself not to stiffen. Why would this woman be looking for him? How did she know his name? He was certain if he’d ever met her, he wouldn’t have forgotten her.

“No, I did not pass him on the road.” Ronan leaned against the wall, crossing his arms. “But there are several blacksmiths here. Why the one called Culley?”

She sighed with disappointment. “I was told he would be here. Perhaps they stopped earlier for the night and will arrive tomorrow.” She wasn’t really talking to him, just thinking aloud. “I’ll give him a couple of days. If he doesn’t arrive by then I shall push north.”

“Sounds like a good plan. Do you have any for the days you wait?” Ronan watched her blink and look back at him.

“Do I have what while I wait?”

“Any plans?” Ronan grinned. “You know like a monstrosity for a husband who might bash in my head if I decided to spend a bit of time with you.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Why do you think I would spend time with you?”

“Because though you haven’t kissed me, you got the information you wanted and you are still standing here.” Ronan grinned when she laughed. He’d always been able to make a woman laugh. Even
with
the beard.

“Now you need something else from me. Bumping into you has suddenly named me an information booth.” Ronan lifted his hand and wagged a finger. “This is Fullerk. Everything has a price.” He straightened and the woman’s yellow-flecked eyes widened. “I’ll answer whatever questions you have if you will join me for a drink.”

“Because the loud mouthed horseman I am traveling with would not see me with you if we remain here.” Ronan grinned, leaning toward her. “The truth is that my friend saw you come into this tavern. I was actually looking for you when you tried to trample me.”

“I did not try to trample you.” Still she laughed. “Why were you looking for me?”

“Because I couldn’t stop looking at you earlier today. I saw you in the street and my friend is under the impression that I am too old for a woman like you.” Ronan decided to use the truth. It was easier that way. And as long as she was smiling, he might find out why she was looking for him.

“A woman like me? You mean a changeling like me?” She met his eyes as he shook his head.

“I mean a woman who is as young and pretty as you.” Ronan cleared his throat, suddenly uncomfortable with the words he’d said. “Come, you can do me this favor, even if I am too old. It would serve my friend right and I will give Mikel the Hort to you in the morning.”

“He is yours to give?”

“As long as he remains scared of my ox of a friend he is.” Ronan chuckled. She stared at him for a long moment.

“Very well. I’ll give your friend the show you want.” She smiled when Ronan blinked with surprise. He stepped toward the stairs and held out his hand, indicating she should go first.

“A gentleman?”

“Just afraid you’ll fall on me and break my neck.” Ronan smiled as she passed him and her laughter drifted back up to him. He’d never had a woman this beautiful be seen with him. As he followed her downstairs and into the street, he studied her black hair and bronzed skin. He’d seen the faint gold coloring around her neck but it hadn’t changed the fact that she was beautiful.

She had not pressed him for his name. And he wasn’t going to give it to her until he found exactly why this beautiful changeling was looking for him. Despite her exterior, she could prove a dangerous threat to the safety of the sword.

“Which one is your friend?” She turned to look back at him when they stood outside.

“That ogre standing there.” Ronan nodded toward Keegan. “He’s not a bad fellow really. And he knows his way around these parts pretty well. But he can climb onto one’s nerves at times.”

“Handsome though.” She grinned when Ronan groaned. “Come on, then.” She slipped a hand beneath his arm, pressing her side against his.

His grin widened when Keegan looked up, mouth falling open, and he almost dropped his ale. “If I forget later, I thank you for this.”

“Who is the young one gaping from beside him?” She lowered her voice as they neared.

“He already worships me. It’s the big one I wanted to impress.” Ronan was surprised when she turned, curling her fingers in the lapels of his coat. Walking backward, she tugged at his coat, urging him to walk with her toward the entrance of the tavern. Up the stairs to his room, she giggled when he closed the door behind him.

“Was that a good enough show for you to answer whatever questions I want?” She asked in a low voice.

“Almost,” Ronan answered and dipped his head. He did not kiss her hard, only tasted of her mouth while waiting for her to demand that he release her. She did not. She gasped but her lips submitted to his with no resistance.

There was a thump on the door. “Go away,” Ronan murmured against her mouth. Another thump sounded, this time more heavily. He growled and stepped backward pressing against the wood grain. The third thump was forceful enough to jerk through his body.

“Yore, I will run you through if you do not leave me alone!” Ronan warned and the woman chuckled lowly from within his arms. He set her to her feet and turned when the thumping did not stop.

Ronan threw open the door. “I have a sword with your name on it, Keegan!” But his eyes widened as they landed on the centaur Bryan’s deep chest.

“Busy?” Bryan tilted his head, looking past Ronan at the woman. “At least she is better than the one I last saw you with. I pray that you left the witch with a dagger in her black heart.”

“I did not.” Ronan sent the woman a glance over his shoulder, “You should leave.”

“That is a centaur,” she said as if he were stupid.

“Yes, I know.” Ronan took another step backward. “We are old friends. He won’t hurt you if you leave now.”

“You should have killed the witch. You know you should have.” Bryan reached to light the lantern on the shelf by the door. “She killed my brother.”

Ronan moved forward, suddenly angry. “You were about to kill the boy. You cannot threaten death without expecting someone to do what they must to protect themselves.” Ronan shook with sudden anger. Light filled the room, glowed out from the lantern and Bryan faced Ronan, looking in his eyes. His nostrils flared.

“Nice shave.” Bryan flipped his hair back over his shoulder. “I saw what happened at the river.”

Ronan turned to the woman. “Leave us. I thank you for what you did but you should leave us now.”

“Why?” the woman asked.

Ronan’s lips twitched despite the situation. “Do you never run out of questions?” Her eyes dragged from the centaur to rest on Ronan. “I’ll be fine. Go.”

“He’ll not be fine. He’ll end up like his friends if he isn’t careful.” Bryan nodded when Ronan whirled. “I told you I would use the weapons you gave me.” The sound of metal breaking free its sheath filled the room and the point of the sword rested at the center of the centaur’s chest. The woman gasped but Ronan didn’t look back at her.

“If you killed them I will…”

“They are alive.” Bryan’s eyes flicked down to the blade. “If I don’t return in twenty minutes with the sword, they will not remain that way.” Ronan’s hand shook but was certain it could not be mistaken for fear. His breath deepened.

“Where are they?”

“Give me the sword. Go home,” Bryan said softly. “That is where you want to be.” Ronan shook his head.
Ahearn, find Keegan. Bring him to me.
He did not know if he was even sending the thoughts out correctly. He prayed desperately though that the horses were listening.
Sorcha, get Ula to safety
.
Dermot, you get Arien.

“You cannot use that sword.” Ronan had forgotten that the woman was there, behind him. She’d moved closer.

“Oh, yes, I can use it.” Ronan smiled as he heard hooves clomping quickly up the stairs. Bryan looked behind him and Ronan lifted the blade and brought it flat against the centaur’s head.

“No bloodshed.” Ronan nodded approvingly at his blow as the centaur slumped heavily against the wall. “Now everyone can be happy.” He turned to the woman, grabbed her hand.

“Come. You don’t want to be here when he shakes off the pain.” Ronan gave her hand a pull, smile widening when Ahearn halted in the corridor, Keegan’s sleeve gripped in his teeth.

“Damn you, Culley! What is this about?” Keegan snatched his arm from the horse’s mouth.

“Culley?” The woman repeated with surprise in her voice,

“No time for explanations. We need to get moving.” Ronan heard Bryan groan from the room. “Quickly.”

“No, wait. If you are Ronan Culley, I can handle this situation.” The woman argued but Ronan gave her arm a rough jerk.

“He will use you against me,” Ronan ground out when she jerked back.

“I am no one’s weapon. I am Fiona Magle of the Serpentine Warriors. The wizard Thestian sent me here to meet you and escort you to Merisgale.” She put her arm out, pushing the blacksmith behind her when the centaur stumbled from the room holding his head.

“No,” Ronan commanded.

“No?” She echoed.

“No,” Ronan repeated, this time stepping between the woman and the centaur. “Serpentine Warriors can kill easily. I may be ignorant but I do know this much. And I’ll not have this centaur killed.”

“He’s crazed,” Keegan whispered. Ahearn neighed, shaking his head. The horse pushed past them and stood at Ronan’s side.

“Well you can’t chance striking him again with that thing. You could have cut his head open. You have no idea what that would have meant for you and Meris.” Fiona looked past the blacksmith at the centaur as he glared down at Ronan’s head. “I would get out of the way if I were you. He doesn’t look too happy.”

“Don’t make me use it, Bryan.” Ronan did not turn. “I will if I must.”

“You told that lie once before. Give me the sword,” Bryan bellowed and slowly Ronan turned. The centaur towered over him.

“Do it not and I will run everyone of you down and take it,” He added.

Ronan sighed, bowing his head. “Culley, no.” Keegan warned but Ahearn tossed his head, as if to attract the horseman’s attention. Ronan lifted the sword and let the edge fall, turning the hilt out for the centaur to take.

“I’m tired, Yore. At least this way, it isn’t in anyone’s hands that would use it to destroy us.” Ronan bowed his head. For a moment the centaur did not move.

“You will let us go?” Ronan asked, momentarily tightening his grip.

“I will.” Bryan nodded and reached forward. Ronan gave the sword to him.

“You fool!” Fiona hissed but Ronan turned and hauled her onto Ahearn’s back, then swung up behind her.

“Go, Yore! On your horse now. Let’s get out of here before he changes his mind.” Yore hesitated and Ahearn gave the man a nudge. Moments later the horse followed the horseman from the tavern.

“Let me go! I have to get that sword back!” Fiona twisted, attempting to wrestle free from Ronan’s grasp. Keegan swung atop his horse and they both kicked their beasts forward.

“Idiot! Release me!” Ronan’s eyes widened when the woman’s skin color began to change. A forked tongue snaked out her mouth and flicked him sharply on the cheek but he did not release her.

“Keep still,” Ronan growled, tightening his grip around her but her body moved as if it suddenly had no bones and she nearly slipped from his grasp. “I said be still! I have the damned sword!” Fiona grew still and did not struggle again. They did not stop until they were far from Fullerk and rode upon a confused boy with two nervous horses.