A Lord's Mercy

To Arran's surprise, neither he nor the captain suffered any serious abuse from the two Rangers as they traveled. While the Rangers occasionally insulted them, that was the extent of it.

Arran was glad not to suffer any beatings — in no small part because he feared he might kill the Rangers in anger — but he had little doubt about the reason for their restraint.

The Rangers looked at them with dismissive contempt, as if they'd already been defeated and the only thing that remained was for them to realize it. Whatever they expected to happen once they reached their destination, they clearly believed that Arran and the captain were already as good as dead.

The overseer didn't seem to think much of their chances, either. While the tall man showed no hostility, the pity in his eyes was every bit as worrying as the Rangers' contempt. From his somber expression, Arran could almost think the man already believed them dead.