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It took all of Domhnall’s self-control not to bring his sword down. So angry was he, that he wanted to smite every last one of them. Somehow, he stopped himself. How could he question them and discover why they were there if he killed them?

Kill them. Kill them all!

But as Domhnall lifted his sword higher, a movement at the corner of his eye caught his attention, and turning, he saw Katherine, her mouth agape, gazing at him in terror.

“Stay there,” he bellowed.

Katherine did not move at all, but not because of his instruction. It was clear she was in complete shock, and the laird had to wonder how much she had actually seen.

“Get back behind the boulder now,” Domhnall barked, his anger still seething and pumping through his veins.

It took her a second to comprehend the demand, but a moment later, Katherine turned and went back to her hidingplace. He watched her go, but not without acknowledging how aggressively he had spoken to her. This wasn’t her fault. She didn’t deserve that, and yet, his emotions had, once more, gotten the better of him.

“Damn it!”

Standing there feeling guilty was not going to help anyone, however, and thus, with lightning speed, Domhnall hurried to his horse. Faster than any man ought to be able, he returned to the men and, one by one, tied each of them to a tree. When he and Katherine arrived back at the castle, he would send his men out to fetch them. For now, he needed to get Katherine back to safety.

With the men alive and secure, if not a little beaten up, he made his way to the boulder, where Katherine remained. At his approach, she stood and looked at him.

“Are ye all right?” she gasped. “Did they hurt ye?” Her eyes scanned his body as she spoke.

Domhnall could not help but feel surprised. He expected her to be fearful for her own life. That, or angry at him for the way he had spoken to her. Strangely, however, she seemed more concerned about his welfare.

“I’m fine, Katherine. We need tae go.”

Between the forest and the castle, their journey was silent. Partly because Katherine was clearly in shock, and he was still raging with anger, and partly because they were travelling at too great a speed to speak.

Once through the gates, Domhnall jumped from his horse and began barking orders at his men. In little time, a group of soldiers were on horseback and were leaving the castle gates, heading in the direction of the forest.

Swiftly turning to Katherine, who still remained on her horse, he said, “Ye need tae go inside now, Katherine.”

“No,” she said determinedly.

“What?” Domhnall frowned.

“I’m not leaving you until I know you’re all right.”

“I’m fine,” Domhnall shrugged, reaching up and gently lifting her from her mare.

But once he placed her on the cobblestone beside him, she still didn’t move. At that same moment, Magnus hurried to his side.

“What happened?” his brother demanded.

Domhnall gave him a knowing look. Clearly, his brother had sensed something had happened, even from this distance.

“Katherine and I were attacked,” he said, knowing that Magnus already had that information.

“How many?” Magnus pressed.

Again, his question was for the benefit of Katherine’s presence, but before Domhnall had the chance to answer, Katherine did it for him.

“There were at least five of them, Magnus. They came out of nowhere and were suddenly upon us. Your brother,” she nodded at Domhnall, “took all of them down by himself. He will not tell me if he is injured. Nor will he let me help him.” Her eyes were angry. “Maybe his pride will not be as thick with you.”

Magnus played along and gave her a sympathetic look. “Dinnae worry, Katherine. I will mak’ sure he is checked over. And what o’ ye? Are ye injured?”

Katherine shook her head quickly. “Not at all. Domhnall hid me before they had a chance.”

“Then perhaps ye should go and see Enya at any rate,” Magnus said kindly. “Ye’ve had quite a shock. She’s bound tae have a tonic that might settle ye.”