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“That sounds like a plan,” Enya agreed. “I too, need tae go and help Brianna with some potions she’s experimenting with.”

“That woman will experiment us all intae the grave,” Thora quipped with a grin.

“I admit,” Katherine added, “whatever she put into the potion really knocked me out. I don’t think I’ve slept so long in my entire life. But yes, I would love to spend the afternoon with the two of you.”

“Good,” Enya said. “I’ll come and find ye when we’re finished.”

The men had already left, and feeling once more, a little at a loss for something to do, Katherine headed back to the library. She had finished that small book Domhnall had given her. It was certainly forbidden reading, so now she could cross yet another item off her list.

As she scoured the bookshelves of the library a half hour later, the same messenger boy as the last time stepped into the room.

“Me lady, I have another missive fer ye.”

“Oh, thank you,” Katherine replied, taking the folded paper from his hands.

The boy left as quickly as he had arrived, and though Katherine had left the door ajar while she was browsing, she now closed it to give herself some privacy.

Dear Katherine,

I am writing to you to try and discover what news you have found out to help our cause. While I appreciate that things are not easy for you there, I must impress the urgency of our situation.

Know that there are already scouts searching the island, and the sooner we can find a way to take down Laird MacLeod and his clan, the better. We are well hidden, but I do not know for how long we will remain so.

I have concluded that you cannot get word out to me, and thus, I deduce that a meeting might be more suitable. There is a well just off the road on the other side of the village. Meet me there tomorrow at dusk.

Make certain you are not followed.

R.

Katherine held the letter to her bosom and heaved a sigh. The attack the day before had been terrifying, and at the time, she had been too frightened to think. Since then, however, it had occurred to her that those men might have been sent by her brother. To what end, she was not certain.

Surely, killing the laird outright would not bring down the clan. He had two brothers who could take his place at his demise, andthus, the clan would continue. But then, the attack seemed too coincidental to be anybody else.

She hadn’t made any more attempts to discover anything to prove that Domhnall had killed her father. A warrior he had proven himself to be, and she had no evidence to the contrary, but particularly after their ride yesterday, she now doubted the fact more than ever.

But how was she supposed to tell that to Reginald? He was a man of logic and preciseness. A gut feeling was hardly going to convince him. More than that, and despite his sometimes, barbaric demeanor, everyone in the castle loved and respected Domhnall.

That hardly proves his innocence. After what he’s told you, his people would hardly care if he killed an English noble.

Of course, they wouldn’t. After all, it was the English who had devastated the clan by slaughtering Laird and Lady MacLeod, Domhnall’s parents. Still, she couldn’t shift this feeling that Domhnall was not her father’s killer.

Tucking the missive away, Katherine felt she needed some fresh air, and leaving the library, she wandered out of the castle and into the gardens. She went a particular way, for she knew where the men sparred. She had watched them several times now, and found that observing them fight had become a favorite pastime.

She did miss her sparring training. It certainly wasn’t something an English lady ordinarily did, but her father had noted herfeisty spirit, even as a child, and instead of curbing it, he had encouraged it. Maybe, had her mother been alive to advise him against it, Katherine might never have had that opportunity. Instead, she had relished training, first with her father, and afterwards with a tutor who was an expert swordsman.

Having promised Domhnall she would never humiliate him again, she had been forced to stand by and observe, but upon reaching the area where the men usually gathered, she was surprised to find Magnus there training alone.

Not one to shy away, Katherine moved closer, watching him strike the air with his great sword. His steps were measured, and she could not help but admire his form. He certainly was advanced in his approach.

If only I could ask to spar with him.But then, Katherine shook her head.I cannot. I might offend him, like I offended his brother.

In that moment, Magnus seemed to smile, and lowering his sword, he turned toward her.

“I couldnae help but notice, the last time ye took a sword from me hand, that ye were rather adept with it. Would ye like tae join me?”

Katherine stepped eagerly forward, nodding as she went.

“I would love to.”