A Knight of Honor Read Online Free Page B

armor and easy confidence, and he knew that this man must be Jared.   He was much older than Slane had anticipated, but his age was probably a testament to his skill.   He was still alive, after all.   “Jared Mantle?” Slane asked.
    The man raised his eyes, eyes that were suspicious and alert, to meet Slane’s.   “Who’s asking?”
    Slane swiveled his gaze to the merchant and then back to Jared.   “Slane Donovan.”
    Jared’s eyes narrowed slightly.   “I’m Mantle.   Do we have business?”
    “I’d like to hire you.”
    “I’m in the process of doing the exact same thing,” the merchant protested.
    “I can offer you double what this man is offering,” Slane said.   “I need your services immediately.”
    Jared’s eyes shifted to the merchant.   “Can you better that?”
    The merchant shook his head and rose from the table.   “Perhaps next time,” he murmured, casting Slane an irritated glance before moving away.
    When Slane took the vacated seat, Jared asked, “What services do you require?”
    Slane couldn’t help but notice the skepticism in his voice.   Had Jared had dealings with his brother, Richard?   No matter.   “I need you to find a ring.”
    “A ring?” Jared echoed.   “What importance does a ring hold to you?”
    “That is my concern.   Can you track such a thing?”
    “What does it look like?”
    Slane opened his mouth to respond when a woman slipped into the empty chair beside Jared.   Annoyed at her presumption, Slane scowled...   until he saw her face.   It was covered in bruises and healing scabs.   “God’s blood!” he exclaimed.   “Where did you get those injuries?”
    The woman glanced over at Slane.   The one eye that wasn’t puffed closed narrowed instantly, and her swollen lip curled into a humorless grin.   “A friend.”
    He stiffened at her cold tone.   “If you’ll kindly excuse us, we are in the middle of a business transaction.   I’m not in need of your services.”
    The woman didn’t budge.   “If it’s business, then you can talk to me as well.   Jared and I are partners.”
    Slane darted a glance at Jared, who nodded, an amused look crinkling his eyes.   “I’m only hiring you,” he said to Jared.
    “We come together or not at all,” Jared replied.
    Slane turned his thoughtful gaze to her.   She responded with a chilly glare.   He turned back to Jared.   “Fine.   But I don’t intend to pay any more than I did before.”
    “For the work of two?” the woman objected.
    Slane crossed his arms.   “Take it or leave it.”
    He watched her shoulders sink as she sighed and glanced at Jared, who nodded once.   “What’s the job?” she asked.
    Slane leaned across the table.   “I’m looking for a ring.   Two swords crossed under an S.”
    Jared and the girl sat motionless for a long moment, then looked at each other.   Suddenly, the woman began to laugh.
    “What is so funny?” Slane snapped.
    She met his solemn look with amusement.   “This is going to be the easiest coin we’ve ever worked for,” she replied.
    Slane frowned quizzically.   “You know where it is?”
    She nodded and began to rise, but Slane grabbed her arm, halting her movement.   “Look, woman.   If you know where it is, tell me.   We can begin and end your employment right here.”
    She hesitated for a moment casting an unreadable look at Jared.   “Sully,” she finally said, her lips curving up in a grin.   With her swollen lip, the smile was more grotesque than appealing.   “My name is Sully, not woman.”
     
     
    ***
     
     
    Taylor leaned against a wall and crossed her arms over her chest as she regarded Slane out of curious eyes.   What could he possibly want with her mother’s ring?   They had been traveling together for half a day now and he hadn’t spoken one more word about it
    He glanced at her and she smiled brilliantly through her cut and fattened lips.   He scowled and turned away.
    At least he’s