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HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND

CASTLE BRODIE—1308

ADAM BLACK MATERIALIZED IN THE GREATHALL

Silently, he observed the towering warrior who paced before the fire

Circenn Brodie, laird and thane of Brodie, exuded the netism of a man born not merely to exist in his world, but to conquer it Power has never been so seductive, Adaht, except, perhaps, in me

The object of his study turned from the fire, unruffled by Adam’s silent presence

“What do you want?” Circenn said

Adao not to expect civility frohland laird Adam Black, the deadly jester in the Fairy Queen’s court, was an irritant Circenn suffered unwillingly Kicking a chair close to the fire, Ada his arreet me after months of absence?”

“You know I despise it when you appear without warning And as to your absence, I had been savoring ood fortune” Circenn turned back toward the fire

“You wouldhis profile Sinful that he looks such a powerful beast, yet coht If Circenn Brodie was going to look like a savage Pict warrior, then by Dagda he should act like one

“The sa in my bed, or a fire in my stables,” Circenn said “Turn around in your chair and sit like a proper person”

“Ah, but I am neither proper nor a person, so you needn’t expect me to conform to your requirements I shudder to think what you would do without all your rules for a ‘norrinned and extended a graceful hand to ain the shadows at the peri silky dark hair over his shoulder “Come”

Thebetween Circenn and Adareater threat Or which the greater lure

“May I serve milords?” she said breathlessly

“Nay, Gillendria,” Circenn disoblin’s hour”—he shot a dark look at Adauest has no needs I care to see filled”

“Aye, Gillendria,” Adaht I will take pleasure in teaching you all of them Off to your quarters while we men talk I will join you there”

The young maid’s eyes widened as she hastened to obey him

“Leave my wenches alone” Circenn ordered