The Beloved Scoundrel

“Try?” She smiled bitterly. “I thought you told me you always won your battles with Jordan.”

“That was a long time ago. With every loss Jordan learned. It would be difficult to take away something he wanted now.”

And he would not even make the attempt as long as there was a possibility that Jordan could wrest the Jedalar from her. She was alone.

Well, she had been alone before. She did not need his help. She turned and opened the door. “I need a cup of hot chocolate myself. It’s growing chilly out here.”

Alex and Gregor stayed until late afternoon, and the tears stung Marianna’s eyes as she watched them ride away.

“They’ll be back in a few days,” Jordan said quietly.

“Alex needs me,” she said fiercely.

“I need you.”

He turned and went back into the lodge.

She followed him. “You didn’t tell me Alex was at Cambaron. I thought you’d sent him away.”

“We brought him back. He’s happiest at Cambaron. There was no use upsetting him unduly.” He turned to look at her. “And I didn’t tell you he was at Cambaron because I knew that you’d immediately decide to make the attempt to go to him. We’re too close to Cambaron here at Dalwynd.” He smiled faintly. “For the woman who walked seventy miles to Talenka, the distance would be nothing.”

“But you knew he’d tell me.”

“I promised you could see him. I don’t break my word. It only means I have to be more vigilant.”

“This can’t go on.” She turned and walked to the window and stared blindly out at the frozen lake. She asked suddenly, “What would you do if I gave you the Jedalar?”

She could sense his sudden tension across the room.

“What?”

“That’s what you want. What if I gave it to you? Would you let me and Alex go?”

“Yes,” he said slowly, “I would let you go. I’d let you ride out of Cambaron with enough money to make you and Alex comfortable for the rest of your lives. I’d stay at Cambaron and promise not to look for you for a full month. I’d give you your chance to be rid of me.” She heard him move, and then he was behind her, not touching her. “And then I’d come after you and find you and bring you back.” His arms slid around her waist. “But we both know you’re not going to give up that easily. You might try to trick me by dangling the Jedalar in front of me, but I’m not in any danger of having to bargain with you yet.” His lips gently feathered her ear. “Poor Marianna, you’re sad and tired, and life isn’t fair, is it? Come sit by the fire. I’ll fix your supper.”

A thundering crash at the front door!

Marianna woke to hear Jordan’s low curse as he leaped from the bed.

Another crash!

“What is-” She was talking to air; Jordan was no longer in the room. She jumped from the bed, slipped on her robe, and ran out of the room and down the stairs.

Jordan was crouched on the doorstep, bending over a giant bearlike form.

“What is it? What’s happened?” Her fingers were trembling so badly, she barely managed to light the candle on the table by the door. “Who…?”

“Gregor.” Jordan’s voice was hoarse. “Gregor, goddammit.”

Fear tore through her. She took a step closer, holding the candle higher.

Blood on the snow. Blood on Gregor’s quilted tunic. She fell to her knees beside him. Was he dead? Dear God, so much blood… and his face was chalk pale. “Is he…?”

“He’s not dead. He won’t die.” Jordan’s voice was fierce. “Get linens for bandages.” He straightened and with an effort lifted Gregor’s enormous bulk in his arms. “I won’t be able to manage the stairs. I’ll lay him before the fire.”

She ran to do his bidding. Gregor was hurt. Gregor could die. Sweet, wise Gregor…

Alex!

Gregor had been with Alex. Whatever fate had befallen Gregor must also have struck down Alex.

Alex might be lying somewhere on the snow, hurt, unable to defend himself.

With shaking hands she took out an armful of linens and flew back to the parlor. Gregor was lying on the rug in front of the hearth. Jordan had already unbuttoned his tunic and grabbed one of the linens from her.

“Jordan.” She tried to steady her voice. “Alex.”

“I know.” He was trying to staunch the bleeding in Gregor’s upper chest.

“Alex is alone out there. We have to go after him.”

“We will.” He sat back on his heels. “The wound’s not too deep, but he’s lost a good deal of blood.”

“Will he live?”

“I’ve seen him survive much worse.”

“Was it a wild animal?” She was shaking so badly, she could barely stand. “What did this to him? A wolf?”

He shook his head. “Knife wound.”

“Knife? He was attacked? Robbers?”

“We’ll have to ask him.”

“But he’s in a faint. You stay here with him, and I’ll go after Alex.”

“No,” Jordan said sharply. “We don’t know where he was attacked. Gregor will have to tell us.”

“I can’t wait. What if-”

“I’m… sorry.” Gregor’s eyes were open, looking up at Jordan. “I was… stupid. I’ve grown too soft with the life here. Should go home…”

Marianna felt a rush of relief. If he could speak, he couldn’t be too badly hurt.

“Well, your stupidity is not going to prove fatal. It’s a good thing you’re as big as you are. Anyone with less blood would be a corpse now.” Jordan’s voice was light, but his hand was infinitely gentle as he brushed the wild mane of hair back from Gregor’s face. “Where did it happen?”

“They were waiting for us…” Gregor trailed off and then roused himself. “Seven men. They knew we were coming.”

“Do you know who they were?”

“I recognized only one-Costain.”

Jordan cursed beneath his breath. “Where?”

“Down the road… other side of bridge… about… six miles…”

“Gregor,” Marianna whispered. “Alex?”

“They took him.” His eyes closed. “That’s why… they wanted him. Southwick. They took the road toward Southwick…”

He was in a faint again.

“Why would they take Alex?” she whispered.

“I’ll have to leave at once.” Jordan stood up and moved toward the staircase. “Stay here and take care of Gregor. I’ll get dressed and ride to Southwick.”

She felt a chill as she looked down at Gregor’s still body. Seven men, he had said. If Gregor’s tremendous strength had not prevailed, the danger to Jordan would be as great. “Alone?”

“There’s no time to go to Cambaron to get help.”

“You could take the two men you have on guard here.”

“No, I want them here to take care of you.”

“Sweet Mary, why? Do you think I’m going to run away when Alex is in danger?”

“No.” He looked down at her from the landing. “But you’ll stay here and not leave the house, and the guards will stay also. Do you understand?”

“The only thing I understand is that I want Alex back.” She recalled something else Gregor had said. “Who is this Costain?”

“We’ll talk later.” He threw open the door and strode into his room. “I have to get to Southwick at once.”

Gregor woke again four hours later. “Jordan?” he whispered.

“He went to Southwick.” She pressed the cool cloth to his temple. “He’s been gone some time now.”

“Alex.” He shook his head. “He won’t find him. It was too far… it took me too long. I… failed.” He closed his