Page 43

The days grew shorter as autumn approached bringing with it shockingly cool evenings. Gwyn stood before the roaring fire in the gathering hall appreciating its warmth as she wondered at where Iver was at that time.

'Are you too, before the fire in your gathering hall, or are you still battling the Fraser? Is it entirely possible you have gained the keep and have restored some semblance of order? Can I dare dream you have secured the lairdship and all is well?'

"My lady?"

Gwyn startled from her deep thoughts as she turned to gaze into the warm eyes of Donnan. Slowly a smile spread upon his lips as he continued to speak.

"I do apologize if I have upset you. What I would not give for an insight into your thoughts and where they have taken you."

"Oh, Donnan, it is always the same and you must already know that much. I think of nothing but Iver and his quest for the Chattan. Should we not have heard something by now? It has been more than a month already!"

"You must realize these things take time. It is not surprising to me we have not yet heard any word. It is also a very long distance between our two keeps and sending a messenger is not always possible. Every warrior is most likely needed to defend the holdings."

When a look of fear shadowed her face, Donnan quickly spoke.

"But I am certain all is progressing as expected."

Gwyn gazed deeply into the light blue eyes of Donnan as she pleaded with him.

"Please, Donnan, do not do me the injustice of trying to placate my nerves. Do not tell me what you think I wish to hear. I will have none of it! I only wish to know the truth. Even if it is difficult to share, I must know all of it."

Donnan smiled wryly as he shook his head.

"Yes, my lady, I guess I should have understood that and will attempt to remember it in the future. Nevertheless, you must realize nothing has been shared with me. I know no more than you do right now."

"But you will promise me, will you not, Donnan? No matter what the word, you will tell me all of what you know?"

Donnan had no time to respond as raised voices and muffled shouts were heard coming from somewhere outside. It was mere seconds when the doors of the hall came crashing open and a MacLaren clansman came rushing in while shouting for the entire hall to hear.

"They return! Our clansmen are making their way over the far rise!"

Donnan immediately turned and could only stare at Gwyn.

There was clearly hope within her eyes and it was the complete opposite of what he felt inside.

To him, this was not good news. While he would never share it with her until it was confirmed, he was very concerned because with the distance from the MacLaren to the Chattan, they would have spent less then a fortnight in defense of the keep.

This was either excellent news, which was highly unlikely, or the most devastating ever.

For her sake and his own, he hoped he was wrong.