Page 19 of The Anguish of the Scottish Lairds (Clans of Mull #3)
Connor
Connor approached his daughter as she strode around the outside of Duart Castle. “What is it, Dyna? What are you looking for?”
“Something, but I don’t know what. Something is off. I feel strangers around and I don’t like it, yet I find no evidence of anyone nearby. I’ve searched everywhere. I wish I could see into other people’s minds.”
“You have always said you can only see what happens to people you love.”
“Or some kind of connection, aye. But to see someone I’ve never met before, that never happens. And I don’t think I can pick up anything from the bairns. That’s my worry.”
“But your daughter can, so use her.” Connor didn’t tell Dyna that he had the same inkling. That his granddaughter Tora had come over to him and said, “ They’re coming again. But don’t worry. Lia will stop them .”
Then she ran off and joined the other bairns in their play. Could he trust that a wee lass could stop evil in the world? He didn’t know what was happening on the isle. Everything was different here—the weather, the clans, the animals, the seas.
“I’ve got men all along the roads, Dyna. If anyone tries to attack again, they’ll stop them. I’ve had men search the forest they used before, had them near MacVeys and Rankins. They’re all looking, but nothing is happening. It could be something happening at Kilchoan. Sloan believes there is something unscrupulous taking place there. Too many ships about, he says, but I have no way of searching the seas or the surrounding islands. All I can do is protect what’s mine here.”
“I know, Da,” she said, stopping to hug her father. “It hurt so much when Tora and Astra disappeared.”
“Astra never leaves your mother’s side for more than a minute.”
“Even that bothers me, Da. If she hadn’t come here, she wouldn’t have that feeling.”
Her father barked, “You did not cause that fear in her. The bastards who stole her horse and Tora did.”
“I know. Mama tells me the same every day. It’s getting dark. Let’s go in. I’m looking forward to this fine meal. That deer was huge, and Derric caught some fish too. Meat pies, stew, loaves and loaves of bread, fruit tarts, and so many beans. We will eat well. I just worry for that bairn too.”
“You think like your father. Lia never leaving the lad’s side and saying she’ll protect him doesn’t make you feel any better, does it?”
“Nay, it makes me wonder what she’s protecting him from.”
“I’ve thought the same, and your mother has asked me that three times. Come, let’s go inside and enjoy the meal. My men will stay in front so no one will get through the gates like before.”
She kissed her father’s cheek. “I cannot thank you enough for staying.”
She stepped inside, pleased to see evidence of Grant guards everywhere. Once seated at the table, she motioned for the serving lasses to bring some of the food out for all to enjoy. The bairns were already munching on a loaf of bread. Sandor had an insatiable appetite.
The minstrels were arriving, setting up to play their fiddles after the meal. “Aye, I checked them and so did Dyna,” Connor said to the man at his side, Logan.
“That one minstrel looks shifty. I think I’ll have a chat with him.” Logan got out of his chair and made his way over just as more wine came in, the serving lasses handing out goblets to everyone.
Connor’s bad feelings were getting worse.
Especially when the minstrel Logan went after disappeared.