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Noble did not hide his smile and didn’t respond. She did not realize he was learning more about her each time he presented himself as predictable. He waved Bew over.

“What’s wrong?” Noble asked.

“Lance and I were tracking a sizeable troop but lost them in the thick of the forest and now I cannot find Lance, cannot find so much as a sign of him. It is as if he has disappeared.”

CHAPTER12

Noble knew his wife’s thoughts were churning and no doubt matching his own as he called out for Finley, who was not far from them.

“Go get food, Bew, and rest while you can,” Noble ordered the young man. “We will go find Lance.”

“Aye, sir, I will wait on your summons,” Bew said with a nod and took his leave.

Leora saw that the young tracker had no doubt that Noble would issue such an order and she surmised that Noble was not a warrior who left any of his men behind.

“Lance is missing. Prepare a troop who will join me in tracking him,” Noble ordered Finley. “And another troop who will follow discreetly since Bew has found tracks of a sizeable troop passing nearby but lost them.”

“Could it be Lord Slayer’s troop Bew lost?” Finley asked.

Noble shook his head. “Lord Slayer would have sent word if a sizeable troop of Gallowglass was in the area. You will remain here and make sure the men are ready in case of an attack. And you will need to alert the clan and organize a defense plan to be prepared in case of an attack.”

“I can work with Finley on that,” Leora offered. “I had spoken about such a plan with my da, and we were planning to implement one.”

Noble thought to refuse her, then thought better of it. If she worked with Finley, he could keep a close watch on her.

He turned to Finley. “Work with my wife and see if she has more to offer that may help us.”

If Finley was surprised, he didn’t show it. He simply said, “Aye, sir.”

After Finley hurried off, Noble said, “Share what you feel will help but also listen to what Finley has to say and learn, for he knows well what is needed to protect a clan.”

“I intend to do just that since who better to know how to protect a clan against attacks than the warriors who attack the clans,” Leora said and took hold of his hand for them to walk. “Now tell me, do you think it is nothing more than a coincidence that tracks of a troop are found in the forest and another attempt is made on my life?” She smiled. “That sudden flare in your eyes tell me you questioned the same yourself.”

“It is uncanny how much we think alike,” Noble said.

“Not really, we are both wise enough to question things. Rarely do people question things. It is easier to accept something we are told or see instead of pondering it to make sure the truth isn’t hidden somewhere beneath.”

“And do you think this man we go to question will reveal any truths?” Noble asked.

“I believe you will make certain he has no choice but to do so.”

* * *

“You will not stop him.He will see her dead and all who stand in his way,” the man called out as Noble and Leora approached him. “And the one who claims her life will reap the reward.”

“And how will you reap the reward when you are dead?” Noble asked, stopping enough distance from the man that he could not prove a threat to Leora. Not that he could make another attempt on her life secured as he was with his arms tied behind his back and surrounded by four warriors, but Noble did not intend on taking any chances.

The man raised his chin with pride. “My family would benefit. They would no longer go hungry. They would have all they need.”

“You believe this?” Noble asked as if the man was a fool.

The man stared at him, befuddled. “He gave his word.”

“And you trusted a man you do not know well?” Noble asked.

“Kinnel knows the man making the offer. If he does not keep his word there is not a mercenary that would ride with him again and plenty who would want him dead,” the fellow argued.

Noble could tell those were not the man’s words. They were the words used to convince desperate men to ride with him, the man called Kinnel. “But as you say, if there is much coin offered, Kinnel can collect the reward, keep it for himself, disappear, and live his life without worry. Your family would never know the sacrifice you made for them.”