Read Raised By Wolves 3 - Treasure for Free Online

sighed.
    I glanced about, and found that Theodore had returned and was eyeing us sheepishly. He was not the only one watching our exchange.
    Gaston stood tensely in the doorway, and Pete was sprawled in a chair gazing upon Striker with pride.
    “Was this the topic of much discussion last night?” I asked.
    Pete smirked.
    Theodore sighed. “Aye, much drunken discussion.”
    I supposed there was little help for it. We discussed ourselves endlessly, why should others not? But, of course, we were centaurs, and philosophy was our way. I did not see where it was the way of wolves, or in Pete’s case, lions, or in Theodore’s case – and there I thought I should discuss with Gaston how to categorize Theodore in a world of wolves and sheep: as our good friend and barrister was surely neither, yet he did not strike me as a mythical creature, either. I smiled a smile only my matelot would understand once I explained it to him.
    “Thank you for coming,” Gaston said hesitantly. “For bearing the news.”
    “Will you be returning with us?” Theodore asked.
    Gaston nodded.
    “May I ask…?” Theodore began slowly. He sighed and rubbed his temples before gazing at Gaston again, this time with a more barrister-like mien. “May I ask what the letter contained?”
    “He wishes to lay matters to rest between us,” Gaston said.
    Theodore nodded. “His men said he received a letter from you a year ago. It listed me as a person who might know your whereabouts or how to contact you. It apparently made mention of Will by his given name and title as well.”
    Gaston nodded tightly. “I wrote him. After the incident with Doucette.”
    “But not after you were granted English citizenship?” Theodore asked.
    Gaston and I shook our heads.
    Theodore nodded sagely and frowned. “I did not discuss that with them. As you can imagine, I was quite surprised when this man Vittese appeared in my office.”
    “Vittese?” Gaston snapped, his eyes hard.
    “Who is he?” I asked.
    “My father’s trusted man,” Gaston growled. “He was the one always sent to fetch me from the schools, and he was the one charged with bringing me to exile. He gave me over to Doucette.”
    “I got the distinct impression he is not fond of you, either,” Theodore said. “In fact, I would hazard a guess he feels his Lord’s business here is folly.”
    “You got the impression…?” I asked.
    “There was little he said concerning your matelot that you would not take offense at,” Theodore said with a sheepish shrug.
    “I look forward to making his acquaintance,” I said.
    “Oh Lord,” Theodore groaned. “I thought as much.” Then he gave a frown and his gaze flicked from one of us to the other. “I feel it would be wise if Gaston remained on English soil, in the company of the Brethren at all times, until this matter is resolved.”
    “You feel they might abduct him?” I asked with alarm.
    “I feel…” Theodore said carefully, “That they perceive him as being of limited mental capacity, and definitely not sane. They spoke of him as if he were a child.”
    Gaston shook his head, and I could see the tears he fought. “Did you speak with my father?” he asked Theodore.
    “Nay,” Theodore said kindly.
    “I was a child when last they saw me,” Gaston said sadly, and left us.
    I asked Theodore, “If I must slaughter a large number of Frenchmen, will there be trouble with the governor or any other?”
    Theodore fought a smile. “I put great thought into that matter as we sailed here; as I think, judging by their demeanor toward your matelot, and your demeanor toward any who disparage your matelot, the deaths of several of these Frenchmen will likely result from this matter. Our beloved Governor Modyford hates the French. I feel there would be no lasting repercussions as long as it occurs on English soil and it can be construed that they prompted the matter. And… as long as the Marquis is not harmed.” His gaze met mine and he sobered