Page 95 of The Unwilling Bride
“A true gentleman is always a gentleman, regardless of his circumstances,” Henry replied. “Of course, you’re no gentleman and likely never were, treacherous snake that you are.”
“Say what you will, I’m free and you’re going to die,” Lord Carrell sneered. “Your former friend is most determined to have you brought before the king’s justice at once. Stand up.”
Henry’s blood chilled in his veins, but he made no effort to move. “If you don’t mind, my lord, I prefer to remain seated.”
“Stand up or I’ll have the guard drag you up by your hair.”
“In that case…” Henry rose, glad his recent activity had eased his stiffness so he didn’t look weak in front of the dishonorable offal before him. “Now, then, my lord, what brings you to my abode?”
Lord Carrell shook his head. “Men like you never learn, do they?”
“I’m actually quite accomplished.”
His enemy’s brows lowered. “You can stop trying to play the merry rogue with me. It’s not working. Your friend wasn’t fooled, was he? He still thinks you’re a lying, despicable dog.”
Henry’s jaw clenched ever so slightly. “For now. He’ll discover the truth when Ranulf arrives.”
Lord Carrell’s eyes flared with surprise. So Ranulf still had not come. He hadn’t had a chance to tell Merrick about the letters, or show him the proof that he—Henry—hadn’t betrayed him. That was why he was still here.
“My own plans may have gone a little awry, but not so badly as yours, my lord,” Henry said, hoping Ranulf would get there soon. “Alas, my lord, I fear your messenger to your confederates in the north never made it past the boundary of your estate. The poor fellow was intercepted and strongly encouraged to give up his pouch. Then it was sent along to Ranulf. Your plans have been thwarted, my lord, and in a little while, you’ll be here instead of me.”
“You strutting ass!” Carrell growled. “Do you really think you can defeat me with nothing but a few letters?”
“Considering what’s in those letters, I’d start praying for mercy right now, if I were you.”
Carrell’s lip curled. “You’re so very clever, are you?” He began to twist the cloth in his hands until it was like a coiled rope. “How unfortunate for you that all your shrewdness isn’t going to prevent you from succumbing to your wounds before you’re brought before the earl of Cornwall to spread your lies.”
As he started toward Henry, the younger man lunged for the bucket. He struck Carrell on the side of the head. Carrell staggered sideways, his hand to his face as he pulled a dagger out of his belt. Henry swung the bucketagain, striking his enemy’s hand. With a curse, Carrell let go of the dagger, which fell into the fetid straw.
“Guard! Guard!” he shouted as Henry tried desperately to reach the blade.
Carrell realized what he was doing and scrambled to get the weapon first. Henry tugged on his chains, paying no heed to the pain in his wrists, but the dagger was too far away.
The door opened—and Merrick rushed into the room. He instinctively kicked the dagger away from both men.
“He tried to kill me!” Carrell cried, his cheek red and bruising as he rubbed his equally bruised hand.
“I was defending myself,” Henry said, panting, as he got to his feet. “I have evidence of his treason.”
“I know. Ranulf has come.”
As Henry slumped against the wall with relief, Carrell massaged his left arm. “This alleged proof is a lie!” he exclaimed. “Those letters are forgeries.”
“Bearing your signature? Stamped with your seal that never leaves your finger?” Henry demanded.
“Anyone may copy a seal,” Lord Carrell snarled, his complexion gray and his lips turning blue. “He’s lying, I tell you! Trying to save himself!”
“That will be for the king to decide, but I fear he will not take your side, my lord,” Merrick said. “There is too much evidence against you, including the word of Sir Henry.”
With an enraged snarl, Carrell charged Merrick, trying to push him out of the way so he could get out thedoor. He might as well have tried to move a mountain. Merrick grabbed him by the shoulders, turned him around and pinned Carrell’s arms behind him. “There will be no escape for you, my lord.”
Carrell grimaced as if in great pain. Then he collapsed in Merrick’s arms.
Merrick shouted for the guard and when the man came, wide-eyed, the lord of Tregellas laid the unconscious nobleman on the floor. “Fetch help and tell whoever comes to take good care of him. I want this man alive to stand trial. But first, give me the keys to these fetters.”
The guard fumbled to untie the huge ring of keys from his leather belt, then tossed them to Merrick before he rushed out of the cell.
“I was afraid you were going to kill me before Ranulf got here,” Henry said, still panting, as Merrick unlocked his chains.
