The Magnificent Rogue Read Free Page B

reserve in Robert’s tone that hadn’t been there before. He had blundered again. He knew Robert didn’t like to talk about that time. He wasn’t usually so stupid; it must be this damn fever. “Well, anyway, I know I don’t smell like a sea lion.”
    “I’ll accept your word on it. Are you thirsty?”
    “A little.” More than a little in truth, but he didn’t know if he had the strength to get up and fetch water from the pitcher on the table across the room, and he didn’t want to ask Robert for anything more. He had done too much already. He had cared for Gavin as if he were a helpless bairn on the long journey from Edinburgh, binding his wound, bathing his head when the fever struck.
    “Lie back down. I’ll get you some water.”
    “No, I can—”
    Robert was already moving. Gavin watched as he poured water from the pitcher into a goblet.
    “Why did you take me to sea with you this time instead of Jock?”
    “You wanted to come.”
    “I thought I did. All those stories of gold and glory …”
    “Well, there was gold aplenty.” Robert brought the goblet to Gavin. “But no glory.”
    Gavin drank thirstily. “I didn’t like the blood. I didn’t think there would be so much of it.”
    “You can’t take ships without shedding blood, and Craighdhu needs the gold.”
    Gavin knew that was true. Craighdhu was not fertile enough to feed her people, and Robert had done only what was necessary.
    He took another drink. “Are they going to hang us, Robert?”
    “I don’t think so.”
    “Then why are we here?”
    “You heard Montgrave. The queen wants to see me.”
    “I told you that you shouldn’t have raided her ship.”
    “I doubt if that’s why we’re occupying this cell. Everyone knows Montgrave handles the queen’s more confidential assignments.”
    “Then why?”
    “I have a few ideas. More water?”
    Gavin shook his head.
    “Then lie down again.” Robert gently pushed him back and covered him with the blanket.
    He had never known Robert could be gentle until he had fallen ill, Gavin thought. No, that was not true. He could dimly remember that gentleness when they were younger. But since Robert had been back from Spain, he had known only the hard, mocking man theycalled Black Robert of Craighdhu. The chief who distanced himself from everyone and let no one come too close, the leader who dealt in blood and force as easily as he executed the decisions of the clan. Not like himself, Gavin thought ruefully, remembering how he had hung his head over the rail and been sick after his first battle.
    Robert sat back down on his own cot and leaned against the wall. He didn’t seem worried, but then Robert seldom showed his feelings. Gavin had watched him sit that way a hundred times, outwardly at ease but drawing silence and strength around him like a cloak of power.
    Gavin said, “If she does intend to hang us—”
    “Then we’ll find a way to escape.”
    “You’ll have to go without me.”
    “No.”
    Gavin had known that would be his answer, but he felt honor-bound to pursue it. “I’m not strong enough to be any good to you.”
    “You’re stronger than you think.” Robert’s tone was final, and Gavin felt a tiny rush of relief. It was all very well to offer to sacrifice your life, but it was infinitely better to have that offer refused. Not that he had expected anything else. Gavin belonged to Craighdhu, and to Robert that meant he must be protected against all enemies. Besides, why should he be worried? Robert would manage to get them out of here. Robert was more clever than anyone he knew. If it became necessary, he would find a way to escape. and take Gavin with him.
    “You’re probably right.” Gavin’s tone became light as he settled himself into a more comfortable position. “I’ve always found I rise splendidly to any occasion.”
    “That doesn’t involve blood,” Robert added dryly.
    “Well, then you’ll just have to think of some way to get us out of here that