Gerald was pleased with Duncan 's plan. 'We've trapped them inside their own trap,' he said proudly.
'And now we close our circle, Gerald. Give the call.'
It was an honor he bestowed on his friend. Gerald lifted himself in his saddle, raised his sword into the air, and shouted the battle cry.
The sound echoed throughout the valley. The soldiers who had circled the enemy now began their downward descent.
The net closed. The battle belonged to the fittest; might ruled this day, conquered.
Those cunning men who hid like women behind trees and rocks, waiting to pounce upon their unknowing victims, soon found themselves trapped.
Duncan 's men showed their superiority now. They took command from the outset, fought with valor, and quickly claimed victory.
They took no prisoners.
It wasn't until the battle was nearly finished that Gerald spotted Morcar. Their gazes locked in challenge across the valley. Morcar sneered and then turned to mount his steed. He thought he had adequate time to make his escape.
Gerald's mind snapped. He began to fight like a man possessed, desperate to get to Morcar before he got away. Duncan protected Gerald's back more than once, shouted to his friend to regain control.
Duncan was furious. He was a man who demanded discipline from himself and his soldiers. Yet his equal, Baron Gerald, had cast off all the rules of training. His friend was out of control.
Gerald was beyond hearing any warnings. His eyes were glazed over with fury. Rage, so raw and wild, ruled his mind and body now.
Morcar sat on his mount and watched Gerald struggle to get to him. He wasted precious seconds, but he felt safe enough. Baron Gerald was on foot.
His smirk turned into a bellow of laughter when Gerald stumbled and fell to his knees. Morcar seized the opportunity. He charged his horse down the slope. Leaning to the side of his saddle, he waved his curved sword at Gerald.
Gerald feigned weakness. His head was bowed and he knelt on one knee, waiting for his enemy to come close enough.
Morcar lashed out with his sword just as Gerald jumped to the side.
Gerald used the flat of his own weapon to knock Morcar to the ground.
Morcar fell on his side, rolled onto his back, thinking to regain his weapon and leap to his feet.
He was never given the chance. Gerald's foot trapped his hand. When Morcar looked up, he saw the baron standing over him with the tip of his sword pointed at his neck. When the blade pricked his skin, Morcar squeezed his eyes shut, whimpering in terror.
'Will there be women in hell for you to rape, Morcar?' Gerald asked.
Morcar's eyes flew open. And in those last seconds before he died, he knew Gerald had learned the truth from Adela.
Duncan hadn't witnessed the fight. When the battle was finished, he walked among his own men, gaining numbers of those who had been killed. He saw to his injured as well.
Several hours later, when the sun was fading from the sky, he went looking for Gerald. He found his friend sitting on a boulder. Duncan spoke to Gerald, but didn't receive an answer.
Duncan shook his head. 'What the hell's the matter with you?' he demanded. 'Where's your sword, Gerald?' he asked, almost as an afterthought.
Gerald finally looked up at Duncan. His eyes were red and swollen. Though Duncan wouldn't ever comment on it, he could tell his friend had been weeping. 'Where it belongs,' Gerald said. His voice was devoid of emotion and as flat as the expression on his face.
Duncan didn't understand what Gerald was talking about until he found Morcar's body. Gerald's sword was embedded in Morcar's groin.
They made camp up on the ridge above the battleground. Gerald and Duncan ate a meager offering and didn't speak to each other until darkness was upon them.
Gerald used the time to rid himself of his rage.
Duncan used the time to fuel his anger.
When Gerald began to speak, he poured out his anguish. 'I've lived a pretense all this time with Adela,' Gerald said. 'I thought I'd come to terms with all that happened to her. When I vowed to kill Morcar, it was a logical decision. Until I saw him, Duncan. Something broke inside me. The bastard laughed.'
'Why do you give me these excuses?' Duncan asked. His voice was soft.
Gerald shook his head. He smiled faintly. 'Because I've the feeling you're wanting to run your sword through me,' he said.
'You fought like a fool, Gerald. If I hadn't been there, you never would have made it up that hill. You'd be dead now. Your lust for revenge almost destroyed you.'
Duncan paused a moment to give Gerald time to think about what he'd just said. His anger over his friend's undisciplined conduct was blown out of proportion. Duncan realized that now. He was infuriated with Gerald because he saw the flaw in his friend's character and now admitted he carried the same mark.
'I have acted the fool. I'll give you no more excuses,' Gerald said.
Duncan knew the admission was difficult for his friend to make. 'I don't demand excuses. Learn from this, Gerald. I'm no better than you are. I, too, have been ruled by my thirst for revenge. Madelyne was injured in battle because I took her captive. She could have been killed. We have both taken a turn acting the part of a fool.'
'Aye, we have,' Gerald returned. 'Though I'm not about to acknowledge it in front of anyone else but you, Duncan. You tell me you almost lost Madelyne. You would have been denied her magic and never known your loss.'
'Her magic?' Duncan smiled over the flowery comment. It wasn't usual for Gerald to speak in such a manner.
'I cannot explain it,' Gerald said. He blushed, obviously embarrassed by what he'd said. 'She's so untarnished. And though you regret taking her captive now, I'm grateful. She was the only one who could give Adela back to me.'
'I've never regretted taking Madelyne. I'm only sorry she was involved in my battle with Louddon.'
'Ah, my sweet Adela,' Gerald said. 'I could have been killed today. Adela would have forever been denied the bliss only I can give her.'
Duncan smiled. 'It's still undecided in my mind, Gerald, if Adela would have mourned your passing or celebrated your death.'
Gerald laughed. 'I will tell you something, and if you repeat it, I'll cut your throat. I had to make Adela a promise before she would agree to marry me.'
Duncan was highly curious. Gerald was looking embarrassed again.
'I had to vow I wouldn't bed her.'
Duncan shook his head. 'You feast on punishment, Gerald. Tell me, do you plan to honor your vow?' he asked, trying not to laugh.
'I will,' he announced, surprising Duncan.
'You plan to live as a monk in your own home?' Duncan sounded appalled.
'No, but I've learned from you, Duncan.'
'What are you talking about?' Duncan asked.
'You told Adela she could live with you for the rest of her days, remember? And then you suggested I move to Wexton fortress and change her mind. It was a clever ploy and I am parroting it.'
'I see,' Duncan said with a nod.
Gerald laughed. 'No, you don't,' he said. 'I've promised Adela I wouldn't bed her. She, however, can bed me anytime she wishes.'
Duncan smiled, understanding at last.
'It will take time,' Gerald admitted. 'She loves me, but she still doesn't trust me yet. I accept the conditions, for I know she won't be able to resist my charms forever.'
Duncan laughed.
