A Highland Knight's Desire (A Highland Dynasty Book) Read Online Free Page A

John asked.
    Duncan headed toward the chapel. “The same way we always do.”
    “Fight?”
    “Brother, for a religious man, you have little faith. I aim to walk.” Duncan elbowed John’s arm. “Why are you doubting me?”
    John slid his hands inside his sleeves—checking his weapons, no doubt. “I’ve never seen you in a priest’s robe or without your sword. God will strike us dead for our deception, as sure as I’m standing.”
    Duncan cared not for a naysayer, even if he was blood kin. “Remember your vow of silence, Brother Julius .” He didn’t like dressing in holy garments either, but this was war. Besides, so far his ploy had proved brilliant. How else would they gain entry to the fortress without causing a stir?
    He grasped the cold iron latch and quietly opened the heavy door—until the hinges screeched. The priest paused his Latin incantation. Duncan tugged John into the shadows of the vestibule. On his knees, a richly dressed man turned and frowned—undoubtedly Lord Percy kneeling beside his wife. Unfortunate, Duncan would have preferred to avoid the Earl of Northumberland altogether.
    They waited until compline ended. With his wife on his arm, Lord Percy sauntered toward them. “What is so urgent, you intrude on my worship?”
    Duncan bowed deeply. “Forgive me, my lord. We’ve a matter of the cloth to discuss with Father Chamberlain. I heard not the mass until I opened the door.”
    Lord Percy sniffed, a distrustful glint in his eye. “Where do you hail from?”
    “Sent from Rome,” Duncan improvised. “Meeting priests to ensure no heresy pervades Catholic walls.”
    “I assure you, there is no false doctrine practiced here.”
    Duncan smirked, thankful Father Chamberlain hadn’t followed Percy into the vestibule. “With all due respect, that is yet to be determined, my lord.”
    The earl glared down his inordinately long nose. “State your business with Father Chamberlain and begone. I’m sure the abbot can provide you with suitable accommodations at the abbey.”
    “As you wish.” Duncan bowed toward the Lady of Northumberland. “Good evening, my lady.”
    Silently, John followed suit and watched them take their leave. “Now what?” he growled under his breath.
    “Come.” Duncan led him to the sacristy behind the altar. “We shall ask Father Chamberlain a few questions.”
    “You cannot harm a priest,” John whispered loudly.
    “Did I say anything about harming him?” Duncan tapped on the door and walked inside. “Father, I bid you good eve.”
    The gaunt priest quickly stood from his writing table. “Excuse me. Do I know you?”
    Duncan’s eye twitched three times. “Are you a man of God?”
    He gestured to his vestments. “Obviously, I am.”
    “Then you follow the commandment, ‘Thou shalt not bear false witness’?”
    “You best state the reason for your visit quickly.” Chamberlain’s gaze darted between John and Duncan. “I’ve another mass to give, and I’ll not be affronted by your insolence.”
    “Apologies. I’ve a matter to discuss that’s rather surreptitious.” Duncan hesitated, his mind racing ahead. “Compline has ended, the lord and lady have left to dine and yet you have another mass to pray?”
    “Yes. For one.”
    Och aye? “And who might that be?”
    The priest hastily gestured toward the sacristy door. “You have not yet told me your name, nor have you removed your hood or bowed your head. How could I possibly take you into my confidence?”
    He keeps a secret .
    The chapel door screeched open. Fast as a bullwhip, Duncan spun the priest around and snapped a hand over his mouth while shoving a knife against his neck. “I do not want to kill you, but one word and I’ll spill your blood across this very floor.”
    Father Chamberlain nodded, his breathing shallow.
    Holding the knife firm to the priest’s neck, Duncan eyed John. “Bind his hands and legs.”
    “Brother Julius” worked quickly, then shoved a wad of cloth in the