The earl had other plans, and charged Cullen before he could speak.
Cullen deflected his sword, though stunned by the strength of the earl’s thrust.
The earl proved a worthy opponent, and it wasn’t long before they were locked in a raging battle that left them both with minor wounds, sweating profusely.
The battle stimulated Balford, and Cullen realized the danger in that. The earl’s strength grew with every thrust and slice and smashed piece of furniture, as the two of them wreaked carnage. He was in his glory, believing himself more powerful, therefore believing he could deliver the final blow and defeat Cullen.
Cullen, however, had a different plan, and began to position himself for the final blow.
“Did I tell you of a man I met who was rescued along with me from Weighton?” Cullen asked as he and Balford unlocked swords and pushed off each other.
“It is of no importance to me,” Balford said with a lunge.
Cullen sidestepped his thrust. “It should be.”
“Why is that?” Balford said, annoyed as he attacked with a strong blow.
They engaged swords until once again they pushed away from each other.
“He told me a story of a woman he fell in love with. A woman whose husband was harsh and vile and demanded she bear him children.”
“A woman’s duty,” Balford snapped, and lunged again.
Their bodies slammed into each other, hitting the ground, rolling off, and then, on their feet again, they stood a distance from each other.
“Yes, but this husband was cruel and could not impregnate his wife.”
“It isn’t a man’s fault; it’s the woman’s, and she should be punished for it,” Balford spat.
“Like you punished Alaina’s mother, beating her every night until she got pregnant?” Cullen asked, and lunged with fury at Balford. The sound of clashing steel echoed in the high-ceilinged room.
Balford suddenly withdrew and stood, his face bathed in sweat. “The punishment worked, she gave me a child.”
Cullen laughed. “Not really. Her lover gave her a child.”
Balford’s face turned a fiery red. “What lies do you tell?”
“Alaina wasn’t your daughter. Your wife had a lover.”
“Lies!” Balford bellowed.
“They had plans to leave with their child, but you put Alaina’s mother in an institution before they could make their escape.”
“The woman was crazy.”
“You wanted rid of her, and when a stranger began to question and delve into your wife’s whereabouts, you had him imprisoned.”
Balford stood still, his face flaming red, sweat pouring off him soaking his disheveled clothes.
“You remember the man,” Cullen said. “Remember him well for he is Alaina’s father and he waits on a ship to set sail for America, where he will watch his grandson grow, and when the time is right, he will help him claim your land and all your holdings.”
“No bastard shall claim my land,” Balford shouted, and charged at Cullen, enraged.
Cullen smiled, for at that moment, he knew he’d be victorious and have his revenge for Alaina and her mother and his son.
Cullen welcomed him head on, and with two swift clashes of swords, it was done. The earl kneeled on the floor grasping the handle of the sword Cullen had run through his stomach.
“This can’t be,” Balford said, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.
“You’ve been defeated,” Cullen said, ripping his sword out of the man. “Alaina is the victor here.”
The Earl of Balford fell over, eyes wide in shock, his mouth hanging open, his life slipping away, with the knowledge that in the end his power and influence failed to serve him.
Cullen waited, wanting to be certain there wasn’t a breath left in the evil man, and before leaving the room he gave one last look behind him. “It is done, Alaina. Our son is free.”
“You’re not getting out of this bed,” Cullen ordered, shaking his finger at his wife in frustration.
“If it was because you intended to make love to me all night, I wouldn’t argue with you, but everyone is on deck watching the shores of our homeland fade away. I wish to do the same.”
“You are bruised and battered, exhausted and—”
“Aching to see Scotland one last time,” she insisted, throwing the blanket off her.
Cullen tucked the blanket back. “You need to rest.”
“I have the whole sea voyage to rest,” she said, exasperated.
Cullen sat on the bed, nudging her legs over to make room. “You’ve been beaten and dragged, kicked and punched—”
Sara placed a finger to his lips. “It’s over. I’m safe.”