Chapter Twenty-Six 

James wiped his mouth on his sleeve.

"What do you know of my family's massacre?"

John Thornton, outlaw of the wood, stretched his legs out in front of him.

"Your father's steward lied. Clement Grey promised the man a great deal of gold for lying. Clement was William's half-brother, though William never knew until the end. Clement wanted William dead for many years. Jealousy will twist a man into a deformed creature. Now he is dead by William's own hand."

"The Greys were a loathsome family."

"Aye. My words are true: William did kill your brother in battle. But not in a cowardly manner. 'Twas a fair fight."

John gazed into the fire as he told the tale. James gripped the arms of the chair so hard the tendons in his hands stood out. He forced himself to ease his grip. To show no weakness.

"I was there. A page to a most ferocious night. I was eleven years old."

James forced himself to remain calm.

"And my brother, Henry?"

"He was at the battle but did not see the fight between William and your eldest brother."

"What of the massacre? William and his men were there. Killed them all. The servants talk of the story to this day."

John rested his elbows on his knees.

"William was lured there by a messenger. He thought a woman was in danger, held against her will. 'Twas a lie. Clement always coveted what William had. He tried to kill the woman William later married. In truth, Clement and Georgina hired mercenaries to kill your family. The two of them plotted, thinking your family would retaliate, killing William for them."

James kept his gaze focused on John's face, looking for any sign the man was lying. He could find none.

"Finish the tale."

"William never knew Georgina and Clement plotted against him. He would not listen to the truth. Then 'twas too late. Georgina died. Rumor was he killed her. But William did not kill Georgina. The rumors persisted, even through the first years of his marriage to Lady Blackford. As to your family, the servants didn't see William until the end. He came upon the mercenaries killing your family and killed as many as he could. Bloodied from battle, the servants found him leaning over your mother's body. He was trying to save her, not kill her. He tracked down the few mercenaries who escaped, and killed them."

James found the story difficult to believe. His entire life, he'd grown up hearing the story his father's steward told. Hearing the truth was difficult, even as John's words carried the ring of truth.

"What is Lady Blackford's given name?"

John raised a brow, a speculative look in his eye.

"She is a strange one. The servants are loyal to her; none will speak against her. I believe her name is Lucy Merriweather. Do you know the lady?"

Melinda was right. The lady and her sister were the same person.

"Will you write down what you have told me? Swear to it?"

John shook his head.

"I cannot. Such a letter would expose me."

James had been wrong his entire life. Hated a man he had no cause to hate.

"Why did William never tell me the truth?"

"You were told this story by your father's trusted steward. Told the same story since you were a babe by all the servants. Would you have believed him? Your family's mortal enemy?"

"No." James shook his head slowly. He would not have believed the man. Would have cut him down where he stood.

"I didn't think so. Now we are even. Though I still plan to ransom you."

John poured another mug of ale for both of them.

"Or mayhap I should kill you. Ensure my secret stays safe."

A woman entered the room. "The herbs you asked for."

John nodded. The woman sprinkled the foul-smelling herbs into a mug and poured hot water over them. She handed the mug to James.

"She is a powerful healer. Drink the brew. Your injuries will heal." Then John grinned at him. "But you will have to live with that face. She cannot remove scars."

The woman handed him the mug. James sniffed. It smelled terrible. He took a breath and choked down the drink.

"Bloody hell, it tastes terrible."

She touched the scars on his face.

"Without these scars you would not have met the woman who is fated for you. Another would've taken her place were your visage unblemished."

"Who is this woman?"

Could she mean Melinda?

"She's the woman who will save you, Red Knight. See you for the man you were meant to be."

The healer patted his shoulder. "Sprinkle the herbs into your drink morning and night for a fortnight."