Page 156 of Forbidden

“Then hear my words. The Glendruid witch is your childhood friend.”

“I know. Meggie.”

“The fair-haired, black-eyed knight who hates me so—do you know him?”

Duncan glanced at Simon.

“Aye. He is Simon, called…the Loyal!” Duncan finished, triumph clear in his voice. “Aye! I know him!”

“And to whom is he loyal?” Amber asked softly.

“His brother.”

“Who is the brother of Simon the Loyal?”

Abruptly Duncan came to his feet and faced the tall, powerful knight who was watching him with sword half drawn and eyes the color of winter rain.

“Dominic le Sabre,” Duncan said.

The knight nodded.

“And who are you, dark warrior?” Amber whispered raggedly. “What is your true name?”

Duncan closed his eyes and tried to speak. Shadows writhed as they fought against the bright memories flowing together, weaving a tapestry of knowledge fragment by shimmering fragment, until even a thousand shades of darkness could no longer conceal the burning pattern of the truth.

When Duncan’s eyes opened once more, Amber was grateful not to be touching him.

“I am Duncan of Maxwell, the Scots Hammer,” he said savagely.

Again Dominic nodded.

“I am Duncan of Maxwell, steward to Erik the Sorcerer in the very keep that you, my rightful lord, gave me to hold in fief for you.”

Dominic would have spoken, but there was no chance. Duncan’s words were still falling like bitter rain. The pride, humiliation, and rage in him were strong enough to taste.

“I am Duncan of Maxwell, a man brought to ruin by a witch with golden eyes and a lying tongue.

“I am Duncan of Maxwell, the Forsworn.”

18

WITHDRAWN, silent, Amber watched while the last of the rude camp was loaded onto horses.

“Can you mount unaided?” Meg asked.

“Yes.”

“Good. We wouldn’t want to hurt you again.”

“And Duncan can no longer bear to touch me,” Amber said with outward calm.

Reluctantly, Meg nodded. Her intent glance missed neither the pallor of Amber’s face nor the dark brackets of pain on either side of her mouth.

“I have lived without touch before,” Amber said. “I will do so again.”

“Before, you didn’t know…” Meg’s voice died.

“Aye. Knowledge is my punishment.”