“How long has he been tied up like that?” asked Thomas, staring in horror at John’s straining shoulders. The man’s entire weight was suspended by them, and from the angle they were bending, the pain had to be incredible.
“That is not your concern.”
“Actually, it is,” said Thomas. “George, get Lord John down. Baron Goshawk, Eileen, help him.”
“What are you doing?” demanded William. “Lord John is a traitor!”
“No,” said Thomas. “Richard is. Cut him down, Baron.”
“A traitor?” said the inquisitor. “What are you talking about? Lord John is the traitor. And don’t touch that rope!”
Thomas’s blade shifted up, ending with the point just inches away from the inquisitor’s eye. “Do not move,” Thomas said, “or make a sound, or I will kill you right here.”
The inquisitor fell silent. Thomas waited
