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Disappointment poured through Gavin. Not at the lad’s deception, for he expected him to be loyal to his mother, but at the lack of any additional information that might aid them in finding Fiona.

“Ye need never apologize for being faithful and true, but ye must remember a knight’s vow to protect his lady, even if the lady doesn’t always wish it.”

Looking thoroughly miserable, Spencer gave a slight nod of agreement. Having no time to offer any additional comfort, Gavin drew his horse forward. But he had barely cleared the stable yard when a blur of brown fur darted in front of his horse, nearly unseating him.

Pulling up hard on the reins, he managed to stop his stallion before it collided with the creature. A chorus of curses was heard from the others who had witnessed the encounter, a sentiment Gavin fully echoed. Yet with his efforts so focused on controlling his mount, he was unable to get a close look at what had run across the bailey.

Gavin’s initial reaction of annoyance quickly melted, replaced by a renewed arousal of hope when he realized it was Fiona’s mangy cur. Almost as if knowing he had barely avoided causing a disaster, the dog sat obediently still, except for his tail, which swished rapidly in the dirt.

“Search Lady Fiona’s room and fetch me something, anything she left behind that would have her scent on it,” he commanded.

“I’ll do it,” Spencer cried.

“Hurry, lad,” Gavin shouted at the boy’s retreating back.

Spencer’s awkward gait grew more noticeable as the lad struggled to increase his speed. Yet he returned a few minutes later, carrying a blue silk gown that Gavin immediately recognized.

Burying the pang of dismay at discovering Fiona had deliberately left behind his gift, Gavin knew he could use it to their advantage. “Give it here,” he said, motioning impatiently with his fingers. “We’ll ride to the place where the grain cart was ambushed, then hope the beast will catch Lady Fiona’s scent and lead us to her.”

Aidan raised a skeptical brow. “It could work. The dogs are usually successful in tracking deer and rabbits.”

“’Tis worth a try,” Gavin said, as he hastily rolled the garment into a ball and stuffed it in the leather bag that hung on his saddle.

Spencer took hold of Gavin’s reins. “Please, my lord, may I come with ye?”

It was out of the question. They would be riding fast and hard and the lad’s presence would slow them down. Yet it was cruel to crush the hope in the child’s eyes so brutally.

“I need ye to stay here, in case the women return on their own,” Gavin said. “Will ye do that for me?”

Though clearly disappointed, Spencer nodded. Gavin leaned down and patted the lad on the shoulder. “Take heart, Spencer. I willnae rest until she is found.”

Fiona and Aileen sat on the edge of the camp, watching the exchange between Gilroy and his men with growing unease.

“If they begin fighting among themselves, we must capitalize on the distraction and seize the chance to escape,” Aileen muttered.

Fiona grimaced. “We won’t have a chance of getting away unless we can reach our horses and they’re on the other side of the camp.”

Both women sighed with frustration at the sight of the two rows of tethered horses, knowing it would be impossible to get near them unseen.

“Maybe we can melt into the forest once they draw their swords?” Aileen suggested, a rising note of desperation in her voice. “They’ll be so distracted, they might not notice we are gone fer a few minutes, giving us an advantage.”

Fiona glanced at the circle of grumbling men. Though they were intent on airing their grievances, she noted several kept darting speculative looks their way. “There are too many keen eyes trained on us. Let’s hope that Gilroy can keep his men under control.”

Minutes later, the shrieking sound of swords being unsheathed dashed any hope of that happening. Two of the men stepped forward. Sword drawn, Gilroy stood between them.

“Two against one? Are none of the others going to fight beside him?” Aileen cried in outrage.

“Apparently not,” Fiona replied, as a terrible sense of foreboding flooded through her. She set her elbows on her knees and put her head in her hands.Think!There had to be a way to use this situation to their advantage.

“Mother Mary!” Aileen hastily crossed herself and moved closer to Fiona.

Fiona looked up. Aileen’s face went pale. Fiona shut her eyes at the screeching metal ring of the first strike of sword upon sword, but they flew open when Aileen hissed out a startled breath.

Fiona strained to see between the men assembled around the fight. They fought without shields, making the attacks even more deadly. Gilroy feigned left, struck right, then did the reverse, alternating his strikes with precise efficiency, beating back his opponent. The man stumbled backward into the onlookers, but one of them caught him and shoved him forward again.

But he was forced to wait his turn, as Gilroy was already engaged in combat with the second man. Pushing himself, Gilroy began to roar with each swing of his sword, the battle cry almost as powerful as the weapon. He deflected each blow and beat back his second foe, then tossed his sweat-soaked hair off his brow and waited for the next move as the pair stood side by side.

Gilroy’s opponents exchanged a pointed look.