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Quint, let it be. It wasn’t up to him to tell Dru what to do, the choice was hers to make, though he did caution her when necessary.

“Will you winter again at Clan MacLeish?” he asked.

“Aye. Chieftain Ryland lets me winter there. I’m headed there soon since winter is showing its impatience with the nights far too chilly than they should be and I worry the cold may arrive early.”

“You might want to search for another place to shelter for the winter. News spreads that Lord Torrance of Clan Glencairn intends to go to battle with Clan MacLeish.”

“I’ve heard and I’m staying abreast of the situation.”

“Lord Torrance has a good number of warriors, not to mention the mercenaries he’s gathered, and if he wins, he’ll claim Clan MacLeish. He is not a kind man nor is he as generous as Chieftain Ryland. Better yet find a man who will look after you and stay put,” Quint said, hoping she would at least consider his wise advice.

“There is not a man alive I trust,” Dru said defiantly.

Quint scowled. “Not even me?”

Dru chuckled. “Specifically, you.”

“Seriously, Dru, you need to find a place to settle. You’re not safe on the road alone,” he insisted.

“Hopefully, someday,” Dru said with a shrug. “Right now, I have no choice. Enough chatting, I have news for you.”

He had met Dru by happenstance and realized right away that she could be trusted and that she had a way of finding out information of all sorts. He paid her well for any such information that helped him in his quest.

“What news?” he asked.

“The fellow you killed, Rand, his brothers Cyril and Brant are looking to kill you. They plan to meet up in this area.”

“One of them has already tried, and he is now with his brother Rand,” Quint informed her.

Dru scrunched her nose. “That can’t be. It will be several days before Cyril arrives in these parts to meet up with his brother.”

“Brant must have gotten impatient,” Quint said.

“Best be careful, Quint. You’re thirsty for revenge, so you know how Cyril will feel when he discovers he not only lost one brother but two and he is now the only one left.”

“Don’t worry. He won’t be lonely for long. I’ll make certain he joins his brothers. Any other news, Dru?”

She shook her head, looking annoyed. “I thought I had something, but it proved to be nothing, at least it seems that way, but I’ll keep at it.”

“Any news about The Monk?”

“I heard he’s gotten into a couple of brawls, though they didn’t last long. He knocked the men out and knifed another. People continue to avoid him, though if he seeks information from anyone, they surrender it easily enough.”

“Tell me that you’re being careful out there, Dru.”

“It’s not about being careful, Quint. It’s about being wise, and I am a wise one,” Dru said, grinning widely.

“Too wise for your own good,” Quint said.

They talked a bit more, making plans, and when it came time to part, Dru said, “I just might go see that healer, so I’ll see you there.”

“What makes you think I am going back there?”

“It’s your only choice. The last surviving brother is hunting you and his search is going to take him straight to the healer, and you’ll be there waiting for him.”

Shade keptherself busy in her garden, refusing to allow herself to dwell on Quint’s departure. She had been dwelling far too much on her feelings of loneliness of late and what might have been and that had caused her improper thoughts and behavior. She would never let it happen again. However she had to admit that she was glad she got to experience a kiss even if it hadn’t been meant for her. She could now put her curiosity to rest about it. The kiss had her thinking about what it would be like to havea man who wished to kiss her, care for her, love her. Was it too late for her?

“If it is meant to be, it will be,” she told herself and continued to work on the twig wreath for her front door.