Oathbreaker, Book 1: The Knight's Tale - Colin McComb

investigate, I'd be found for sure. Likewise, if the knight came back to finish me off after he’d
killed my friend, I'd want to have something ready for him. When I returned, I splinted my ankle
(again!), finished my preparations, and then sat facing the door, my staff laid across my lap, and
waited.
I heard the complaints of bleating of the sheep, and I straightened myself in my chair,
ready to trigger my surprises. But the tone of the voices that intermingled with the bleating was
wrong. I recognized the slight lilt of Toren's northern accent and the flat affect of the knight, and
Toren sounded… glad?
I stood quickly and disarmed the traps and opened the door to Toren's smiling face, and
the face of the kingslayer.
Toren smiled slightly and said, “Ysabel, it is my great pleasure to present you to Her
Royal Highness, Princess Caitrona, and her guardian, Sir Pelagir Amons of the Knights Elite.”
I sat right back down, my mouth hanging open, and the killer stepped into my house,
cradling the baby as if it were his own.
Toren said, “The sheep are in the barn. Crosh is watching them for these few moments.
Let me put some food together, and I’ll explain what I can.”
When they'd found a seat, Toren sat in front of me and examined my outstretched leg.
“When you said that this was a logical place for outcasts and rebels, my friend, I did not think the
implications through. The fact that Pelagir could find me within months of my arrival has shown
me that I am most certainly not safe remaining here.”
“Did you see my warning signal?” I asked.
“I did, and if you'll forgive me, that's another reason I must leave. You have been here for
years, and may be able to explain that. But I am new, and Pelagir and the princess are newer still,
and so we must leave. Now. Our presence here endangers you as well.”
I rose and hobbled to the kitchen. “In that case, let me speed you on your way. You'll
need food and drink, fresh clothing, and money. I do not have much, but—”
have more.”
Pelagir handed me five gold coins, more than I’d seen in one place in years. “Take this. I
“Sir Pelagir tells me,” Toren continued, “that he took no part in the king’s death.”
“I thought the king merely wounded,” I said.
“No,” said Pelagir. “He was to have been killed that night, and some few exceptions
aside,” he glanced at the old general, “the conspirators did not generally fail in their tasks.”
“Toren, do you believe him?” I asked, looking at that dark, impassive face.
Colin McComb Oathbreaker, Book 1: The Knight's Tale
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