Chapter 7.3
Tension filled the air as no one moved. It was too much information too soon. Massoud and Roy were uncertain how the other would act in light of what had been divulged. Duilach looked at Roy and Massoud and spoke, “You two have proved hard to kill in that I have failed to dispatch you both once, but make no mistake about this. I will strike you both dead hear and now if you do not get up off your sorry arses and mount up.”
Roy studied the man as he talked. So this was the one who put the arrow in him. Interesting. Rather than feel animosity towards him he took stock of who he was looking at. If they were to work together, and it appeared they would at least for a bit, Roy wanted to have a very good understanding of the man. The confidence with which he talked, the way he carried himself, the skill with which he dispatched Angus marked him as one of elite skill. That narrowed things down a bit. Let’s see if we can’t get closer though Roy thought to himself. “Do you have a name?” Roy asked as he began to rise, “Or should I just make one up for you?” It was an insolent thing to say and could result in some excessive retribution, but then Roy was a rogue and therefore naturally insolent. Besides, the man had said he needed them both alive. It was a risk he was comfortable taking.
Duilach looked at him with measured disdain. “I know who you are Roy Alasdair. A rogue of no small skill, with ambitions that are perhaps beyond himself and a mouth that sometimes talks faster than the rest of him can keep up with. Do not cross me or I will finish what that arrow started. I am known as The Thorn.”
Roy whistled in spite of himself. Yes, he knew this one. His skill was legendary, clearly beyond himself, even at his best, and better than Massoud even. He nodded his head with heartfelt respect. “It is an honor. Lead the way.” When Duilach did not move Roy smiled, “No? Then allow me,” and started to walk out the door. He glanced over at Massoud as he did and smiled, “Come along Massoud. Where ever we’re going it’s sure to be an adventure.” The friendliness of his words did nothing to expose any emotion he held within regarding Massoud.
Massoud watched all this transpire, his mind racing. Duilach could easily deal with them both in their injured state, but it would require all his attention, and even the best had to sleep at some point. He discounted this as any type of an option though, except perhaps as a last resort. No, rather than to be feared Massoud sensed that opportunity was presenting itself to him here. Duilach did not kill them both on the spot. That meant that they could work together if he could find common ground. Massoud began to smile. This could even turn to his advantage.
Roy spoke to him as he began to walk out the door, doing nothing to betray any inner emotions. Damn those meddling MacDonalds for blurting out that which if he had been allowed to relate at the appropriate time and in the appropriate fashion would have been no more than a bump in the road. No matter, he thought to himself. Roy will come around and if he does not? Well there are ways to deal with him too.
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