Honor's Price by Alexis Morgan Page A

the corner and signaled for a servant to bring food for both him and Markus. “The men are entitled to drink in their off hours. I do so myself. However, passing out on the floor where anyone can trip over them is unacceptable. It reflects badly on the duke and on our ability to maintain discipline among the men.”
    He broke off speaking until the servant set down their porridge and tea. “If Gart had staggered back to his bunk or passed out in the barracks, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”
    Markus flexed his fingers around his mug several times before speaking. “But, sir—”
    Kane cut him off. “If you are not willing to enforce my orders, Sergeant, I will find someone who is.”
    The other man’s chin came up, his hold on his temper slipping. “I will enforce the order, Captain, but the men won’t like it.”
    Arching an eyebrow in mock surprise, Kane asked, “Do you always ask for approval from underlings before establishing rules and expectations? I hadn’t realized that’s how things were done around here.”
    When Markus didn’t respond, Kane leaned forward, elbows on the table. “Make it clear that I am in no way restricting the men’s access to the taverns in town, but I will not tolerate a bunch of stumbling drunks under my command. If they can’t handle their drink, they are gone.”
    Having made his point, he backed away. “I will be participating in arms practice this afternoon. Have Gart there. I think he will make an excellent first opponent for me.”
    Markus shoved his bowl back untouched and rose to his feet. “If you’ll excuse me, sir, I will post your orders.”
    â€œYou’re excused, Sergeant.”
    Markus started to walk away, but then turned back. “There was one odd thing about Gart, though.”
    There was note in Markus’s voice that had Kane giving him his full attention. “And that would be?”
    â€œThe men said you found him lying facedown on the floor.”
    Where was he going with this? “That is true.”
    â€œThen why would he have what looks like a blow to the back of his head?”
    â€œPeculiar, but you’ll have to ask him about that.” Kane turned his attention back to his meal, dismissing the sergeant and any more questions he might have.
    *   *   *
    Ordinarily, Theda had little interest in her brother-in-law’s personal guard and even less in wasting her time observing the brutes bang swords and sweat. Today, however, she found herself standing alone on the balcony of her solar and watching the activity below.
    She’d never admit to her friends that she was hoping to catch a glimpse of Captain Kane in action again, but she wouldn’t lie to herself about it. He was definitely a man of contradictions, ones she didn’t understand. So far, he hadn’t yet joined the others on the field. Perhaps his administrative duties took priority.
    As she started to go back inside, she spotted a bunch of small boys using sticks as swords to mimic the men-at-arms. Their laughter and shouts carried on the breeze, making her smile. When one troop succeeded in routing their enemy, they all took off running, only to have one of the smaller boys crash right into Kane as he walked out of the stables. He was wearing the same black leathers he’d had on during the night, emphasizing his fearsome appearance.
    Their play faltered as they remained frozen in place, staring up at him in horror. But rather than snarl at the child, Kane steadied him on his feet. Then he dropped to a knee and said something that had the boy holding outhis stick for Kane’s inspection. From where Theda stood, it was impossible to hear the exchange, but it appeared the captain was admiring the makeshift weapon as if it were worthy of a great knight.
    When he stood, the other children crept closer. Within seconds, Kane had them lined up