Five more arrows lanced into the straw target before Bowman raised a hand to signal the other archers forward. Then he called Caessa to him and walked from the battlements.
‘You took your time getting here, lady,’ he said, smiling.
She linked her arm in his and blew him a kiss. As always he felt arousal stirring. As always he suppressed it.
‘Did you miss me?’ Her voice was deep and throaty, a sound as full of sexual promise as her body was a vision.
‘I always miss you,’ he said. ‘You raise my spirits.’
‘Only your spirits?’
‘Only my spirits.’
‘You lie. I can see it in your eyes,’ she said.
‘You see nothing that I do not want you to see – or anyone else. You are safe with me, Caessa. Have I not told you? But allow me to say that for a woman who does not seek the company of men, you make a very spectacular entrance. Where are your trousers?’
‘It was hot. The tunic is decorous enough,’ she said, absently tugging at the hem,
‘I wonder if you really know what you want,’ he said.
‘I want to be left alone.’
‘Then why do you seek my friendship?’
‘You know what I mean.’
‘Yes, I do,’ he told her, ‘but I’m not sure that you do.’
‘You are very serious today, O Lord of the Forest. I can’t think why. We are all being paid. We have our pardons and the quarters are a sight better than Skultik.’
‘Where have they placed you?’ he asked.
‘The young officer . . . Pinar? . . . insisted that I have a room in the main barracks. He wouldn’t hear of me sharing with the rest of the men. It was quite touching really. He even kissed my hand!’
‘He’s all right,’ said Bowman. ‘Let’s have a drink.’ He led her into the Eldibar mess hall and on through the officers’ section at the rear, ordering a bottle of white wine. Seated by the window, he drank in silence for a while, watching the men train.
‘Why did you agree to this?’ she asked him, suddenly. ‘And don’t give me any of that rubbish about pardons. You don’t give a damn about that, or about the money.’
‘Still trying to read me? It can’t be done,’ he said, sipping his wine. Then he turned and called out for bread and cheese. She waited until the serving soldier had left.
‘Come on, tell me!’
‘Sometimes, my dear, as you will no doubt find when you are a little older, there are no simple reasons for a man’s actions. Impulse. An act spurred by the moment. Who knows why I agreed to come here? I certainly do not!’
‘You’re lying again. You just won’t say. Is it that old man, Druss?’
‘Why are you so interested? In fact, why are you here?’
‘Why not? It should be exciting and not terribly dangerous. We are leaving, aren’t we, when the third wall goes?’
‘Of course. That was the agreement,’ he said.
‘You don’t trust me, do you?’ she said, smiling.
‘I don’t trust anybody. You know, sometimes you do act just like every other woman I have known.’
‘Is that a compliment, O Master of the Green Wood?’
‘I think not.’
‘Then what does it mean? After all, I am a woman. How do you expect me to act?’
‘There you go again. Let’s get back to trust. What made you ask?’
‘You won’t say why you came, and then you lie about leaving. Do you think I’m a complete fool? You have no intention of quitting this doomed pile of rock. You will stay to the end.’
‘And where do you come by this remarkable intelligence?’ he asked.
‘It’s written all over your face. But don’t worry, I won’t let on to Jorak or any of the others. But don’t count on me to stay. I have no intention of dying here.’
‘Caessa, my little dove, you only prove how little you know me. Anyway, for what it’s worth . . .’
Bowman ceased his explanation as the tall figure of Hogun entered the doorway and the Gan threaded his way through the tables towards them. It was Caessa’s first sight of the Legion general and she was impressed. He moved with grace, one hand resting on his sword hilt. His eyes were clear, his jaw strong and his features fair – handsome almost. She disliked him instantly. Her view was strengthened when he pulled up a chair, reversed it and sat facing Bowman, ignoring her totally.