The Knights of Christmas Read Online Free

man’s eyes, for looking at the scars was both impolite and unsettling. “She’s tied me up and forced noxious potions down my throat.”
    â€œMmm. Cured you, though, didn’t she?”
    Duncan grunted.
    â€œSometimes it’s handy having a witch about the place,” the girl said airily.
    Damn, was she truly a witch? “I’ve already thanked her for nursing me through the fever. But I really have to leave.”
    â€œHe’s an orphan, Fergie, with no place to go.”
    Duncan noted she called her formidable uncle by his first name, an honor Cousin Niall had denied his unwanted burden. “My cousin is expecting me.” Another lie he’d have to confess. For a man who seldom sinned, he was amassing a large debt.
    â€œHis cousin resents him,” Kara said.
    Duncan started. “How do you know that?”
    â€œI just do.”
    â€œWell.” Fergie rubbed a gnarled hand over the scar on his forehead. “I’ll admit another fighting man would be welcome.”
    â€œI won’t fight for you,” Duncan insisted.
    â€œHe will.” Kara touched her uncle’s hand. “He’s the one,” she murmured. “The one I saw in the Beltane fires.”
    â€œReally?” Fergie’s eyes widened, raking Duncan from head to bare feet and back. “Are you sure, lass?”
    Kara nodded. “He was wearing the metal shirt and carrying the long dirk.” She pointed to the sword in the corner.
    â€œSee here,” Duncan shouted. “I don’t know who you think I am, but—”
    â€œYou’re the one the gods have sent to save us,” Kara said.
    Blasphemy. “The hell I am.” Duncan jerked on the ropes. “You people are all mad.” He tugged again, barely feeling the hemp cut into his flesh. “Mad. Let me go or I’ll—”
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    â€œAre you sure about this, lass?” Fergie asked again.
    â€œHave my visions ever been wrong?”
    Visions. Holy Mother, have mercy. Duncan’s heart was pounding so loudly he could scarcely hear. “Filthy pagans.”
    â€œHe doesn’t seem to like us much,” Fergie mused. “Hard to imagine him helping us.”
    â€œHe will.”
    â€œI won’t.” Duncan seethed with rage and frustration.
    â€œLeave it to me, Fergie.” Rising on tiptoe, she kissed his scarred cheek. “Was the hunting successful?”
    â€œAye. We took two roebuck. Dod and the others are skinning them in the courtyard. t should see they don’t make a hash of it, but if you need me to stay...”
    â€œNay. I’ll fetch his supper, then we’ll discuss things.” She gave her uncle a dazzling smile. “Men are always more reasonable on a full stomach.”
    â€œWell...” Fergie scowled thoughtfully at Duncan, then shrugged. “You’ve never failed us yet.” He chucked her under the chin, then sauntered out.
    Kara turned that brilliant smile on Duncan. “There’s fresh rabbit stew and boiled onions for supper. I’ll fetch you some.”
    â€œI won’t stay...even if you ply me with roasted peacocks and almond paste.”
    â€œI do not know what those things are, but you will stay.”
    â€œYou cannot make me stay,” Duncan snarled.
    â€œI’ll wager I can,” said the little witch with a toss of her fiery curls. She walked from the room proud as a queen, her skirts swishing in time to the sway of her hips.
    Despite his rage, the sight made an impression on the least discerning organ in Duncan’s body. Cursing it, and females in general, he went to work on the ropes. Imprisonment had been Cousin Niall’s favorite form of punishment, and Duncan had learned to rework knots at an early age.
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    He was determined he’d not be here when the witch returned.
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    Had she made a mistake? Was he not really the one?
    Kara tapped a finger against her mouth.
    He had not