Highland Hellion (Blades of Honor #1) by B.J. Scott Read Free Book Online Page A

it.”
    “You willna be in such an all-fired rush once you’ve seen what the Campbell has in store for you,” a second guard said as he joined them. He carried a torch, providing enough light to see down a long, dank corridor. “Move,” he said then placed his hand on her shoulder and pushed.
    Arya battled the urge to fight back, to turn on these two blackguards and do anything she could to escape. But she had no weapon and given their brawn, any attempt would be futile. All she could do was comply for now and pray that Garrett came for her before it was too late. If he was still alive to do so. She’d seen a group of male prisoners on their way to the pit. She counted six, but Garrett was not among them.
    Arya reached the end of the hallway and the second guard unlocked the door to a cell, then ushered her inside. The first guard joined them.
    It took a few minutes for her eyes to adjust to a room lit by a single barred window located at the very top of the wall, the narrow opening was the only source of light and fresh air.
    In one corner of the cell stood a rack, used to stretch a man until he confessed his sins or died a horrible death. In the other was a Judas Chair, known as the chair of torture due to the 500-plus metal spikes on which the prisoner was forced to sit. An Iron Maiden hung from the ceiling and shackles lined the walls.
    “Move along, lassie. Your new home awaits. Hope you dinna mind sharing it with the rats.” The first guard kicked at one of the rodents as it scurried across his boot.
    He grabbed her arm and dragged her past a large wooden table, on which lay an assortment of metal hooks, whips, thumbscrews, a lead sprinkler, and other macabre items.
    The guard paused and picked up an ominous-looking implement of torture. He grinned, then waved the oval-shaped object in front of Arya’s face. “Do you know what this is?” He didn’t wait for her to answer. “The Pear of Anguish. My personal favorite when dealing with a wench who willna yield.” He turned the crank, the sharp metal leaves opening like a deadly flower, then he tossed back his head and laughed. “Care to try it out?”
    Show no fear.
    Arya swallowed hard against the lump rising in her throat. She’d not give this sadistic bastard the satisfaction of knowing just how terrified she was. “I’ll pass,” she managed to reply, then stepped away from the table.
    “Get on with it, Niall, we are about to be relieved by the next round of guards, and I for one am anxious to leave this rat-infested pisshole, get myself a tankard of ale, and something to eat,” the second guard called out. “Shackle her to the wall and let’s be away.”
    “Go on ahead, I will join you shortly,” Niall replied, grinning.
    The second guard lit another torch and placed it in a sconce on the wall. “I will meet you for a drink in the alehouse after you finish here,” he said, then trotted off.
    Arya eyed a dirk hanging at Niall’s side, the thought of grabbing it and using it against her captor crossing her mind. With her hands still free, and Niall’s attention focused on his friend’s departure, it might be her only chance. But he grasped her wrists before she had time to act upon her impulse and snapped a band of iron around each one.
    Arya tested the strength of her bonds. But there was no way she could break free. The chains were long enough to allow her to sit on the floor, but only if she tucked her legs beneath her.
    Niall closed the gap between them. His chest pressed against hers, forcing her back to the cold stone wall. “You are lovely,” he growled in her ear, then nipped at her throat. He tugged at the drawstring on her trews. “I have no idea why a woman would dress like a man and accompany her kinsmen on a raid, but it matters not. Are you as fierce when rutting as you are on the battlefield?” He cupped her breasts and squeezed, before reaching for the laces at the neck of her tunic.
    Arya spat in his face. “You will