Page 59 of King's Warrior

The lieutenant snapped to attention.

Niam’s voice remained deceptively calm, with a bare undertone of a growl. “Lord Rufe has my authority.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” The lieutenant glowered at Rufe.

Niam stepped forward, still clutching the knife. “Lieutenant, take Zanial, Eoghan, and your two guards, who mysteriously weren’t by my side when needed, into custody. Hold them for questioning.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The unknown man, who must be the advisor, Eoghan, spluttered, “B… but Your Majesty—”

Niam lifted a staying hand. “Lieutenant, I’d like you to work with Lord Rufe to uncover what happened tonight. Before you argue, trust that I wouldn’t assign someone unqualified in this matter.”

Despite apparent animosity toward Rufe, the lieutenant sounded contrite when she answered, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

More soldiers approached. The lieutenant motioned to two. “Bring Eoghan to the captain's office.” She motioned to four more. “Take Zanial there, as well as these two.” She nodded to the offending guards.

“Yes, Lieutenant.”

The guards departed with their captives, leaving the lieutenant, Rufe, Niam, and the three remaining guards.

Rufe met the lieutenant’s eyes. “I want to be there when you question them. First, I want to see King Niam safely to his chambers, and then I have somewhere to go. Allow me one hour to join you.”

The lieutenant glanced toward Niam, who nodded. “It shall be done.”

Rufe scooped Zanial’s knife from the flagstones and fell into step beside Niam, with the three guards falling in behind. “Do you trust the guards behind us?” he leaned in to whisper.

Niam replied, “They are some of Casseign’s best.”

“Good.” Voice still quiet, Rufe asked, “Are you all right?”

“Yes. A bit shaken and angry with myself for not paying better attention.”

Rufe remained alert, checking the shadows for places an assassin might hide. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. You should be able to trust your advisors and guards.” Zanial’s position put him close to Niam. Had he noticed Rufe and Niam’s relationship while on the road together?

He’d also been in Renvalle when someone sabotaged the saddle Niam gifted to Rufe. As advisor, Zanial likely knew of the purchase of both mule and saddle. Had he known they were gifts, or had Niam been the intended target? The very thought sent chills through Rufe, quickly replaced by boiling anger. How dare the man!

Rufe, Niam, and the guards strode into the castle through an arched doorway, down a long hall, and into Niam’s rooms. Rufe longed to look around, but now wasn’t the time. He ordered the first guard, “Check his rooms.”

The guard disappeared through the door, reappearing a few moments later. “All is clear.”

Rufe caught Niam’s gaze. “Stay here. I’ll be back later to tell you what I’ve found.”

“What about the boys and Mother?”

“I’ll check in on them.” Rufe took the dagger from Niam’s fingers. “I need this weapon as evidence. Take mine instead.” He removed his bone-handled boot knife and handed it over. “Don’t be afraid to use it if you have to.” He returned to the door, gazing deeply into Niam’s troubled green eyes. “Stay safe.” Rufe wished he could say more. The guards paying close attention meant he couldn’t.

Once Niam disappeared inside the bedchamber with one guard, with the others watching the door, Rufe traipsed off down the hall to his rooms, quickly changing from his finery to an all-black outfit he’d brought but hoped he wouldn’t need to wear and strapped on his sword, finally not feeling vulnerable.

He slipped out of the castle, winding down the darkened path to the stables. A lantern burned before the door. Rufe kept to the shadows, following the sounds of voices.

A loud slap sounded. “Where have you been, boy? Your work isn’t done.”

The boy’s work was possibly more done than anyone realized.

“I had to go out. I was only gone a few minutes. Zanial sent me on an errand.” The stable lad might as well have confessed. He sounded so young, voice just beginning the unstable cracking as it crossed from childhood to maturity. Perhaps he was younger than Rufe originally thought.

Rufe crept in through the door, following the light from another lantern where the stable master berated the boy.

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