Page 18

Chapter

Eighteen

“ N o, Niall, do not.”

Of course, his brother had heard him. The man was a better tracker than any other. He heard everything. Probably felt Niall rise from his bed.

Reaching for his sword, he said nothing. Fastening it to his belt, his boots on already, he once again found himself having a late-night discussion with Kieran.

“I must.”

She was fire.

She was life.

Watching her in that meeting with the chieftain, Niall could not imagine any other but her by his side.

As Tannochbrae had described what he’d learned thus far—the most interesting fact being that the cattle were seen by the blacksmith’s apprentice, who had been hunting with some of the boys from the village, being led east by a man he did not know—she’d remained quiet.

But when he insisted there was naught else that could be done, Lina refused to let the matter drop.

Even when both he and her brother agreed with the chieftain and thanked him for his efforts.

“There are none on that path who might know more? No dwellings close to the border? Surely there is someone who can identify the man who, we can likely all agree, wishes to reignite a war between our clans?”

“Perhaps you should look to your own clan, my lady, as the cattle are yours?”

Niall had thought to intervene, not caring for the man’s tone toward Lina.

She did not give him the opportunity. “As we most certainly are doing, my lord. But surely you need no reminder of the consequences of a renewed war between Clans Duncraig and MacKinlay.”

Tannochbrae lands lay between them, and if history was any sort of teacher, the lesson was simple.

They would be as affected as anyone. The king would not have intervened all those years ago if their clans could have made some sort of peace on their own.

If their feud had not affected so many of their neighbors.

“Of course, I was but a girl, so perhaps I am wrong,” she had finished.

Niall, unable to resist, had laughed aloud, incurring glares both from their host and Lina’s brother. Even now, he smiled in the darkness thinking of the exchange.

Their host had agreed to send a messenger to “one who may have seen the cattle’s movement.” Which meant a few more days in this keep. Ones Niall now intended to take full advantage of.

’Twas inevitable, he and Lina. He would go to her. Tell her as much.

Kiss her. Make love to her.

Marry her.

Perhaps she was right. Their union may even unite their clans. They were nearly neighbors, and there was no doubt both clans would be stronger as allies. None could deny it. Of course, neither would most likely accept it. His father would be furious. His mother, less likely so.

“You will marry her?” His brother sat up in his bed.

“I will.”

“Father will not accept her. Neither will our clansman.”

Niall took a candle and its holder from the table and brought it toward the wall torch. Lighting it, he moved toward his brother.

“Will you?”

Kieran sighed heavily. “My approval means little.”

He looked into his brother’s eyes, the candlelight dancing in them. His brother’s love, adoration even, was not something Niall ever questioned. Nor did he do so now.

“Will you?” he asked again.

“Aye, of course. That you would ask such a question—”

“You’ve been opposed to us from the start.”

“Because it will be a difficult path for you and for her. What do you believe our clansman will say if you return to Duncraig with a MacKinlay as a wife? ’Twill be difficult for her, Niall.”

“I know it well,” he replied. “Lina does too. But. . .” How to describe a feeling he’d never had before now?

“When I am with her, I can breathe easily. When I am not, I think of her. Wish for her to be near. I cannae explain it properly, Brother. There are no words I can give you other than the ones I already offer.”

“There is a word, Brother. And you know it well.”

He shook his head. “We’ve not known each other for long.”

“And yet, it does not seem to matter, does it? When two people are meant for each other.”

“I do not believe in that.”

Kieran laughed. “It matters not if you believe in love, Niall, to feel it. What you describe is certainly your love for Avelina MacKinlay.”

Kieran would know as his brother had been deeply in love with a woman once. All had thought they would marry. “You believe it to be so?”

“Indeed.”

“Perhaps I’d not been in love before as I once thought. This is a feeling I’d not ask for if given the choice. ’Tis much too powerful.”

“And yet, it seems you were not. If there is any woman you should not love, ’tis the very one you seek this night.”

They were silent for a moment and then Kieran asked softly, “You are certain?”

“I am certain,” Niall said.

“Then go to her. We will consider the consequences on the morrow. And when we return home with Lady Avelina by your side. In the meantime. . .” Kieran was as passionate a man as any. His brother smiled. “Enjoy your evening, Brother.”

Niall thought of what it had felt like for Lina to be in his arms, her lips and his joined.

“I intend to, Brother,” he said. “I intend to.”