He once again purposely took his time sipping the wine before speaking.
Her hands no longer trembled. It was imperative she remain aware and alert so she did not accidentally give Decimus information that would lead him to capturing Michael.
“I will capture the Dark One. Like your capture, his is only a matter of time.”
Her capture. This was what she wanted to hear about. She remained silent, hoping it would encourage him to talk.
“Magnus is a worthy opponent, but I knew I would find you if I were patient. He could not hide you forever. And there is always someone who will, for a coin, or if forced to, divulge information I seek.”
Someone betrayed her?
“I will be patient and wait. Someone will give me the Dark One.”
He had to be a fool to think she would betray the man she loved, but then he did not know she loved the Dark One, and he must never learn of it. He would use her to force Michael to surrender. She had to be careful, very careful, or she would be the demise of the Dark One, not Decimus.
“What do you think of the Dark One?”
She shrugged. “I know nothing of him.”
“I am not a fool, Mary. The Dark One freed you from my prison cell, and I believe he killed one of my men, since he never returned after tracking you. And his body has never been found.”
“Perhaps the man chose his own freedom.”
“Watch your tongue with me, woman,” he warned sternly. “I will not tolerate caustic remarks from you.”
She bowed her head as though demonstrating obedience when she actually bowed so he would not see her squeeze her lips shut to keep from lashing out at him.
“I only ask a question once, and yet I find I have asked a question twice of you. If an answer is not forthcoming immediately, you will feel a heavy hand.”
It would be foolish to continue to deny any knowledge of the Dark One. It was what knowledge she divulged that was important. “I never saw him.”
“That was not what I asked. I asked what you thought of him.”
He is brave, unselfish, and I love him. The words remained silent on her tongue, instead she said, “He is a man intent on his mission.”
“Rescuing people God has judged to be sinners? Does this seem like a noble cause to you?” he asked annoyed.
“I believe the Dark One a noble man. He fights for his beliefs.”
“You sound as if you admire him.”
“It takes courage to be different,” she said softly.
“And the Dark One certainly is different, hiding in darkness like a demon fearful of the light. He serves an evil lord and you should go down on your knees and give thanks I rescued you.”
“I am thankful,” she said. For Michael’s love, for no longer having to hide, for a chance to one day truly be free.
“Good, now you are on the path of righteousness,” he said with satisfaction. “Now, what of this man Roarke who brought you here?”
She had not thought of Roarke, and how it would appear with him escorting her here. But he did not know that, or did he? And where was Roarke? She had been so caught up in seeing Magnus again she had not given Roarke any thought, not that he could not take care of himself, but she wished to know he was safe.
“I know nothing of the man Roarke. I met him along the way.”
“You lie.”
“Nay, I do not,” she insisted.
“You expect me to believe this man Roarke just happen to be going your way?”
“Farther than my destination, but I told him that Magnus was generous to travelers and would feed him a decent meal.”
“And he will attest to this, if asked?”
Could she get to Roarke before Decimus? She had not thought of the consequences of Roarke helping her. And why had she not considered his safety? She continued her bluff followed by a silent prayer.
“It is the truth,” she said.
He stood and went to the door.
Mary was surprised to see one of his men standing outside the door.
“Bring me the man Roarke,” he ordered and shut the door.
What had she done? She had placed Roarke in jeopardy. Now what?
Decimus returned to his seat. “You never once saw the Dark One’s face?”
She shook her head and clasped her hands together to keep them from trembling. She should have given more consideration to her response. She had warned herself to be careful, and she had not been careful. If he discovered that Roarke was a friend to the Dark One, he could use him against Michael.
“I have not found a soul who knows the Dark One’s identity, though perhaps Roarke will know something.”
She had never considered that Roarke actually might know the Dark One’s true identity. Was it possible? Could Michael have confided in Roarke? Was he more a friend to him than she knew?