Chapter Fifty-Eight - Rescue

“Something’s wrong,” Jocasta said to Iain as they sat by the fire, toasting themselves.

“It isn’t Xander, is it? Don’t tell me he’s come a cropper in his native Frankia.”

“I don’t give a fig for him, you know that. It’s Eithne. Those Germanians you told me about.”

“Well, there’s not likely to be a coup with them under lock and key in the tower.”

“Don’t you know anything? Some of those cells have open doorways.”

“Crikey. Me own sister knows more about the castle than I do.”

“I have my spies.” She grimaced. “Or did.”

“Want me to wander across and take a look?”

“No, you idiot. Are you trying to get yourself killed?” She smiled at him; they both knew she didn’t always mean it when she lashed out verbally. It was just her way. He relieved his tension with a sword, his sister sounded off. “Iain, I suggest you ride after your fellow gladiators. Round them up with all speed. Or I fear the worst.”

“I’ll go in the morning, first thing,” he said.

The haunted look on her face persuaded him otherw