Part 30 (1/2)
”Aye. Mistress Snow tells all who will listen about your skill with a needle.”
”I made her a gown because she had loaned me hers. But that does not make me less skilled in the ways of battle. I can handle a sword as well as you, Brice Campbell.”
”Can you now?” Without warning he reached out and yanked the weapon from her hand. He sent it cras.h.i.+ng to the floor before taking a step closer and facing her.
”So much for your skill with a sword.” With a smile he half turned toward Jamie and winked.
”How will you defend yourself now, my lady?”
”With this.” With a look of triumph she reached into the waistband of her skirt and removed a small, sharp dagger.
”So. You dare to conceal weapons. When you are within these walls, under my protection, you have no need of such things.”
She gave him a chilling smile.
”It would seem that you forgot to tell Holden Mackay.”
Brice flushed. Caught off guard, he advanced toward her.
She lifted the knife in a threatening gesture.
”I think you should be warned. I learned such skills at my father's knee. Though I have no wish to harm you, I will not back away from a fight.”
At the incongruous sight of the small, delicate figure facing down a giant of a man like Brice, Jamie burst into gales of laughter.
”What will you do now, Brice? Do you risk hurting Meredith just to prove you are the stronger, or do you let a Lowland la.s.s bully you with a dirk?”
Brice studied his opponent. She was perfectly composed. There was no hint of fear in her eyes. The hand holding the dagger was steady.
About her lips there was the merest hint of a smile.
”So, my lady, do you think, like Jamie, that you have me at a disadvantage?”
Her smile blossomed.
”Aye, my lord. I do. I think it is time to persuade you to release me to my people before they reach the Highlands and engage you in battle.”
He moved so quickly she had time only to blink. With one hand he caught her wrist and swung her around. Both his arms came around her, crossing her arms beneath her bosom and pinning her to the length of him. The knife slipped from her hand and clattered to the floor.
His breath was hot against her temple as he pressed his lips to a tangle of hair and muttered,
”Now, my lady, I believe the advantage is mine. We will speak no more of releasing you to Gareth MacKenzie.”
Her breath came out in a hiss of air, and although she struggled, she was held fast.
”It is not Gareth who will claim me. It is my own people.”
His voice was low with anger.
”Who are now in league with the MacKenzies.”