Page 62 of Fearless Heart

“You must. Come, I will not have us caught because of your pride.”

Lillia rushed forth. “Very well, but only because I wish for you to be safe.”

When they reached the woods, Makenna slowed her pace. “Why are you ireful that I rescued you? Surely you wanted to be free of that place.”

“I did wish to be free, but I wish you hadn’t come. Sir James will surely tell the king about the guard and where you are located. I didn’t want your safety to be jeopardized. I cannot return to the caves. The king’s guard must leave. You all must leave.” Her voice pitched with her panic.

“Lillia, be calm. We shall deal with that later.” Makenna’s shoulders slumped. “Are you certain James will tell the king where we reside?”

“Aye, he threatened to do so if I didn’t go with him. The king bid me to stay in that chamber. I was wont to offer my complete fealty but he wouldn’t hear of it. None can remain at the cave now for I fear the king will send men to apprehend the guard.”

“That whey-faced shanty. I cannot believe James Douglas would deceive his brethren. But I know James and he would do as he says. We’ll need to tell the men of this treachery.” Makenna reached the clearing where the men awaited. She hurried into Liam’s arms. “We must flee. And we’ll need to get the others from the caves.”

Heath pulled Lillia aside and caressed her face. “Are you hurt? Your face is injured.”

“’Tis a paltry wound from a fall. I’m unharmed. Did you not understand what Makenna said? Sir James is going to have the king send men to the caves. We must get Kerrigan and the others to safety. Oh, the poor bairns. This is all my fault.”

Heath grimaced and turned to his comrades. “We need to get moving. And whilst we journey to the caves, we’ll need to think of place where we can hide.”