Highland Honor Read Online Free

held out her dagger and knew that the huge knight had every right to grin so arrogantly. She and her tiny weapon were no threat to him.
    â€œDrop the dagger, you murderous whore,” he said, his deep voice little more than a rough growl.
    â€œAnd make this injustice easier for you to commit? Non , I think not,” she replied.
    â€œInjustice? Non , this is justice. You killed your husband, cut off his manhood, and rammed it down his throat. You deserve all the DeVeaux wish to inflict upon you.”
    It suddenly occurred to Gisele that the manner of her husband’s mutilation promised that she would never find an ally amongst the men hunting her. The way the knight had spoken of it told her he found it of far more consequence than the murder itself. She found herself wondering if Sir Nigel would be equally appalled and withdraw his support, perhaps even join the DeVeaux, then forced herself to pay heed to something of far greater importance—staying alive.
    â€œI will not go back to the DeVeau lair,” she said, careful to keep just out of reach of the knight as she tried to get around him, to find a clear route of escape.
    â€œOh, oui , you will. Alive or dead.”
    â€œDead? I believe the DeVeau pack of dogs wish me alive so that they might show me more of their brutality.”
    â€œThis chase has lasted for so long that I think they no longer care.”
    â€œAh, but I care. I would prefer the wee lass alive,” drawled a thickly accented voice in English.
    Gisele’s eyes widened when she saw Sir Nigel standing behind the knight who confronted her, but she did not think she looked as surprised as the knight himself. She certainly did not share the DeVeau man’s obvious fear. She quickly stepped back as the knight whirled around to face Sir Nigel. He was much too slow to save himself. Although his death was far more merciful than the one he had planned to deliver her to, she still felt sickened as Nigel cut him down. Silently, she pointed to Guy, who was hard pressed to simply hold back the two men trying to kill him.
    Even though she was afraid to look and did not want to see any more death, especially not Guy’s or Nigel’s, she turned to watch the battle. Its outcome would decide her next step, and that could be a decision she had to make immediately. She also prayed, vehemently, that Sir Nigel and Guy would not pay too dearly for protecting her.
    When Nigel cut down his opponent Gisele felt relieved, almost cheered, for one brief moment. Then Guy’s opponent made a skilled thrust that Guy was too slow to deflect. She cried out along with Guy when the sword cut into his left shoulder. Only his quick shift to the right kept the blade from piercing his heart. Even as she moved to help her cousin, Nigel stopped the DeVeau man from delivering the death stroke, swiftly turning the man’s attention from taking a life to desperately trying to save his own. It was a short battle, and Sir Nigel quickly ended the man’s life. Gisele was just kneeling beside Guy when Sir Nigel wiped his sword on the dead man’s jupon , sheathed his weapon, and moved to help her.
    â€œSorry, cousin,” muttered Guy, clenching his teeth in pain as Gisele struggled to open his bloodsoaked jupon .
    â€œFor what?” she asked, fighting to ignore the blood and the pain she had to cause him.
    â€œMy first attempt to protect you was a miserable one.”
    â€œ Non , fool, it was most gallant.”
    â€œCharles is dead?”
    â€œI fear so.”
    â€œCurse the DeVeaux and all their progeny. Charles was a good man, the best of companions.”
    â€œI will see that his body is tended with care and honor,” Nigel said.
    â€œThank you most kindly.” Guy looked at Nigel and smiled faintly. “Where did you come from?”
    â€œWhen I listened to ye speaking by the river I heard the name DeVeau. I took it upon myself to find out what I might about the