Part 12 (1/2)
They paused their discussion at his approach.
”Forgive my intrusion. I'm trying to locate Stryder of Blackmoor.”
Two of the men burst out laughing while the others appeared less than amused.
Lochlan exchanged a confused look with Catarina before the one of the laughing men sobered.
He cleared his throat. ”Stryder is on the field. If you want to speak to him, you'd better don armor. He's not exactly in a friendly mood.”
His words brought more laughter from the others.
”Is there something I should know about the man?”
”Aye, he's been fighting with his wife all week. She's holed up in the castle while he stands in the list. He's in the foulest of moods, so unless you come bearing a peace offering with Rowena, I doubt he'll be interested in anything you have to say.”
That wasn't something he wanted to hear. d.a.m.n. The last thing he needed to do was walk into the midst of a marital spat.
Catarina pulled him away from the men. ”I have an idea.”
Before he could ask after it, she headed for the castle. ”Catarina?”
”Trust me, Lochlan.”
Did he have a choice? She was quickly making her way through the crowd, oblivious to everyone around her. What the devil was she about?
In fact, she didn't pause until she was inside the hall, where a small group had gathered. Lochlan hesitated as he heard laughter and music.
Catarina approached a guard to their right. ”Beg pardon, sir. Can you tell me where I might find the Countess of Blackmoor?”
The man smiled down at her. ”Hear that voice that sounds like an angel in heaven? That be she, milady. She's in the hall singing.”
”Thank you.”
Lochlan finally understood what Catarina was about. What better way to tame the lion and bring him to heel than to win over his lioness? It made sense to seek the lady out first and since Catarina was also a woman, no one would think it untoward of them.
Catarina headed for the small gathering of n.o.bles. Lochlan stood back, afraid of disturbing them.
Or worse, fearing one of them might wish to cause more angst between Rowena and Stryder and report to the earl that Lochlan had been seen speaking to his wife.
But luckily the countess was all but finished. She sang the last note and then handed her lute over to a young man to her left. He had to give Stryder credit, the countess was as beautiful as she was talented. With long blond hair and bright eyes, she was definitely striking.
The crowd applauded and cheered for her. She took her bow, then started away from them.
”Countess?” Catarina called.
She paused. ”Aye? Do I know you?”
”Nay. I've come here with a friend.” Catarina glanced back at him and motioned him to move closer. ”We must needs speak with your husband.”
The countess's eyes sharpened as anger darkened her cheeks. ”Then I suggest you don armor and seek him on the field as that is the only place that man cares to be.” She started away from them.
”Please,” Catarina said. ”'Tis of dire importance. Lord Lochlan is seeking information on his brother who vanished in the Holy Land. He was told Lord Stryder was the last to see him alive.”
Those words succeeded in making the countess stop. ”Outremer?”
Lochlan nodded. ”We thought Kieran was dead. But a man bearing his plaid was killed in Scotland. I was told Lysander once--”
”Lysander,” she breathed. The anger fled her face. ”Exceptionally tall and dark-haired?”
”Aye.”
Cat froze as she realized something. The countess was very concerned and if her husband had once been a captive in Outremer like Lysander...
She lowered her voice so that no one could overhear them. ”Is Lord Stryder a member of the Brotherhood of the Sword?”
Rowena cast her gaze about furtively. ”How do you know the Brotherhood?”
”Lysander and Pagan were like family to me. I traveled with them.”
Recognition lit the countess's eyes. ”Are you Cat?”
”Aye.”
All the suspicion left her face and was replaced by instant friends.h.i.+p. ”I've heard many stories about you. 'Tis a pleasure to meet you finally.”
”Thank you.” She held her hand out toward Lochlan. ”This is Lochlan MacAllister, laird of the clan.”
And again her face lightened as she heard his name. ”You would be Lord Sin's brother?”
”Aye.”
”Then we're all practically family, eh?” Rowena grimaced as if she'd had a sudden thought. ”But this means I must go make amends with the devil. Plague on the man and all his principles.
Fine. 'Tis for a greater good. I do this for another and so the Lord in all his mercy will bless me.”
She let out a frustrated breath. ”At least He'd best bless me. Heaven knows the last thing I want to do is cater to the devil's ego. I've had my fill of it.”
Cat glanced to Lochlan, who appeared as baffled as she was. ”The devil?”
”My warring husband of course. Now come before I regain my senses and leave you on your own.”
Cat laughed at the woman. She didn't know why, but she really liked her. ”Thank you, Countess.”
”Call me Rowena.” She started for the door, looking very much like someone about to call for Last Rites.
Lochlan trailed after the women, trying not to get his hopes up. It was possible that Stryder knew nothing of Kieran's whereabouts. But what if he did? What if, by some miracle, Stryder had seen him recently?
It was hard to keep himself in check. This was the closest he'd been...At last, he might have an answer to his brother's fate.
Rowena led them straight to the tourney field. Without stopping, she went to the tent that was set up just on the edge of the lists. It was solid black and guarded by a well-muscled man who snapped to attention as he saw Rowena's approach.