Highland Romances, Artemis Nightshade [free books to read TXT] 📗

“Alright, pick your swords men.” Kirk, Dalziel’s butler says as the two men, Lord Dalziel of Scotland and Viscount William both grabs their choice of various swords and they face each other swords at the ready.

“Ready my dear friend?” Dalziel asks raising an eyebrow as a gesture.

“Ready when you are milord.” Viscount William replies with a head bow. Nodding his head towards his butler, Dalziel gives the signal to Kirk to start the fencing duel.

“Fence!” Kirk shouts out getting out of the way while the two fences.

The Viscount’s sword touched Dalziel’s shoulder.

“Point, Viscount William!” Kirk shouts out as the two shake hands and smile.

“Fence!” Kirk shouts again, this time, it was Dalziel’s turn to get a point.

“Point, Lord Dalziel!” Kirk shouts out as the two did exactly what they did before.

“Fence!” Kirk shouts out yet again and the two fence again.

“Having fun milord?” Viscount asks fencing his opponent.

“Quite my good man. You are indeed an excellent fencer and opponent. I wouldn’t pick any man to fence with.” Lord Dalziel compliments as he dodges the Viscount’s attack.

“Almost caught you.” William explains chuckling. “Indeed you did sir.” Dalziel replies with a huge grin.


Sweating, and panting hard, the two decide to take a break to eat and drink some water. “Milord, when you said that you wouldn’t pick anyone to fence with, do you mean that?” William asks panting hard.

“Yes indeed Viscount. Why do you ask such question?” Dalziel asks taking a bite off of a cut lamb. “Well milord, you should face my best friend.” William explains with a small smile and a chuckle. “Who might he be?” Dalziel asks anxious to know his name.

Laughing, Viscount William turns to face Dalziel square in the eye. “Well my highland lord. The “he” I’m thinking you should face is actually a she.” William explains as Dalziel’s eyes widen in disbelief.

“A woman? You want me to fence a woman?” Dalziel asks his impression, as if he just saw a ghost.

“Yep, she’s good. I tell you even though she is pretty and all. I would shut off my desire for women and fence her like a man, only lighter. Boy, she would really disarm me and she didn’t even have to use her women abilities to do that. She’s fast; as little lass, she loved to run.” William explains smiling at the memory of him and Alexina as young children.

“Shall we continue sir?” William asks as the two get up and fence once more.

“Fence!” Kirk shouts out one more time. The two fence but forgotten to check the tip of the fencing swords.

Dalziel dodges William’s attack but William did not and blood starts dropping in an almost supernatural speed.

“No! Oh gosh I’m so sorry William! Kirk help me now!” Dalziel cries out as tries his best to clean the wound but the blood just kept flowing out of William’s right side.

“Keep this a s-secret b-between us… D-don’t t-tell… A-Alex…” William explains between heavy breathes. “Hurry Kirk!” Dalziel shouts out as Kirk comes with the medical supplies.

Both Kirk and Dalziel try their best to keep the blood from not flowing out William but there is just too much. With that much blood out, William breathe is last breath and died.

“Oh, Kirk. What have I done?” Dalziel asks holding Viscount William’s dead body while weeping for his fallen friend and opponent.

Publication Date: 01-22-2012

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