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"I have traveled the length of Italy neur pointed out, "but I have never heard your name, nor one mention of your household"

"Brethren threats forced ham said smoothly "My men and I dwelled in the hills of Florence, far fro interest in Rome We prospered there for hundreds of years before ere betrayed, and the Order sent its assassins They discovered htered uards are the only reason I survived"

The sincerity in his voice could not be ham spoke was truth It still did not convince her that he ho he claiarhaht be Italian, but Skald wasn’t, and neither were the guards

"If you were so successful in hiding yourself all these years," Cyprien asked, "how did the Brethren find you?"

"This new Lightkeeper is not content simply to be the leader of the order, as have the others in his position before hi every means he can find to eradicate the Darkyn in Europe, especially Italy and France He is also a ers and suppliers we had used" Nottingham’s upper lip curled "They were also the traitors who led the Brethren to us Humans of this era will sell their mothers for a few lira"

Cyprien offered no sympathy "Is that why you employ Saracens, and bear the colors of traitors?"

"I eloved hands turned to display eod, Allah, and were cursed just as ere for it" He glanced at the banner "As forto my fahts to display them within these walls"

Jayr heard Locksley make a low, animal sound in his throat

Skald appeared by her side "That one does not seem to like my master’s colors"

"No," Jayr said thoughtfully "He does not" She glanced down at hiht have been avoided if you had co your master’s colors about the Realm"

He looked surprised "I was not aware that I should consult with you"

Jayr was beginning to suspect that Skald had little or no proper training as a seneschal "It is a courtesy when you are in another lord’s territory"

"Ah" He bobbed his head "I will remember that"

"Your unfortunate colors can be debated later, Lord Nottingham" Cyprien studied the impassive faces behind the dark lord "Theseour huht thehtered our coion or country than we do, seigneur They have ham assured him "They are the reason I do not now rot in a Brethren prison I will happily vouch for them"

"Very well You will be responsible for their behavior while you are here" Michael stood and looked at the other assembled Kyn, many of who been over Here in America, all ear their loyalty to hah to regret it"

"Michael" The tip of Locksley’s sword struck the floor as the blade went liive him leave to stay"

Cyprien didn’t blink "I rule this country, Lord Locksley You would do well to reht her breath as she saw Locksley’s stance change and his sword rise She knew Robin had good cause to despise any reminder of Sherwood, but his reaction went far beyond displeasure Killing hatred filled his gentle eyes

"Robbie," Byrne said gently "’Tis not worth it"

Locksley stared at Nottingha moment, his body so still that Jayr did not see hihed, and that seemed to break the spell The furious suzerain sheathed his sword and silently left the same way he had entered