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Kyla

Kyla slowly opened her eyes, scanning the area, trying to understand where she was and what was happening.

Magni stood at the end of the bed. “Is she dead?” Tears covered his cheeks, but Lia held firm.

“Nay, she’s not dead, Magni. She’s just sleeping. They hit her on the head. See that bump on the side of her scalp? That’s why she’s sleeping.”

Kyla rolled onto her back and held out her arms. “Come here, Magni. I’m fine.”

Magni rushed over, climbed in next to Kyla, and lay his head on her chest. “You are better? You have to help us.”

“I am better, but I think Lia and Tora can help us as much as anyone.” When Magni finally stepped away, giving her a little smile as he wiped his tears, she checked the bump on her head and shrugged.

“Not as bad as the first Buchan.” She’d never forget the horrific treatment she’d received decades ago, but she also didn’t wish to experience it ever again.

She pushed herself to a sitting position, assessing their situation.

They were in a bedchamber with one large bed, big enough for all of them to sleep in. From that, she guessed they’d be here a few days. There was only one small window to the passageway covered with a fur, up too high to reach but enough to offer some light.

The chamber had two chairs near a hearth in the corner, though the hearth wasn’t lit. The bairns played with some wooden toys, Tora keeping Shealee busy. “What do you know, Magni? Have you seen anyone?”

“Nay. They gave us a basket of apples and a loaf of bread. There’s water and we had some goat’s milk. No one said anything.”

“Well, that’s not so bad. I’m certain there will be quite a few people looking for us soon. Have you any idea where we are?”

Magni shook his head, but Tora ran over, leaned her elbows onto Kyla’s lap, and whispered, “Tiree, Auntie. The Isle of Tiree.” Tora spun around and returned to Shealee’s side.

“Tiree. Lia, where is Tiree?”

Lia said, “Next to Coll.”

“Close to Mull? I’m not familiar with all these isles here.”

Lia explained, “The Isle of Mull is the largest, but there are several small islands not far from Mull. Ulva is the closest. Then there is Iona, Staffa, Coll, and Tiree. We’re close to Mull, but we are far enough to require one of the larger ships to cross the often-rough waves of the sea.

It will not be safe to use a small boat like they use to row to Ulva. ”

“Do we have larger boats, Magni?”

“Aye, Thane has three of them. One was a Norse boat. That’s where he found the odd-looking piece he uses to peer in the distance.”

“So they can come for us?”

“Aye,” Lia explained. “If they know we are on Tiree.”

“How will they know we are here?”

Tora ran over and leaned on Kyla’s knees again. “I aweady told Mama. She wasn’t listening yet, but she will. And Aunt Lina knows.” Then she took off again.

“That’s one way.”

“And the other?”

“They’ll probably travel back to Mingary with a number of guards and force someone to reveal our location.” Lia clasped her hands and said, “See, Magni? We have little to worry about.”

Magni climbed on the bed and hugged Kyla.

Somehow, they’d get away.

Now if Kyla could just convince herself of it.