Page 25

Merryn

Merryn met Broc at the stables at first light. She’d prepared a sack full of dried meat and apples for the trip. The half loaf of bread she grabbed would feed them along the way.

Her brother Tristan came in ahead of Broc, sneaking over to chat with her. “I see he is fond of you, lass. Are you as fond of him?”

Merryn blushed and nodded to her brother. “I’m confused by so much activity. Our place was so quiet, but he’s always there for me. He helps me with everything, teaching me how to read, working with the archers. He’s wonderful.”

Tristan leaned over and kissed her forehead. “I’m happy for you, Merryn. You deserve some happiness in your life.”

“And so do you, brother. You work so hard.”

“My turn will come.”

“But we must stop him, Tristan. I watched Kelvan grab Shealee and carry her over the wall, and I froze. He stopped at the top to look back at me.” She closed her eyes to stop the impending tears. “I hate him.”

“We will find her, Merryn. We have many on our side now.”

Broc entered with Thane behind him, talking about stallions. They both stopped, surprised that Merryn was already up and ready to go.

“Godspeed with you both,” Tristan said. “I’m going inside to chat with Alaric.” Tristan left at the same time Connor came through the door.

Broc asked, “Did we forget something, Uncle Connor?”

“Nay, I’m coming with you.”

“Oh, I wasn’t expecting anyone else.”

“Kyla is my sister. I know I’m getting older, but I was there when she came back from the beating Buchan gave her.

I’ve never seen anyone so bruised. I can’t sit here and do naught.

I need to speak with Simone and see her suggestions.

I may not be the strongest in battle, but I can strategize with the best.”

“Glad to have you along, Uncle.”

Connor told the stable lads which horse to ready, then went back outside, Thane joining him. As soon as they stepped out, Broc moved to Merryn and wrapped his arms around her.

She sighed, taking in his warmth, his strength. She whispered, “Did you recall cutting off her hand?”

“Oddly, not right away. I remembered after Logan mentioned it. I was so focused on getting him out of there that I forgot about her. I think once I woke up in the middle of the night with visions of her screaming at me, but I wasn’t sure why. That was it. Thought mayhap I imagined it.”

“I’m honored to have such a fierce fighter with me.” She tipped her head back and kissed the stubble on his chin.

He grinned, “Sorry, I didn’t wish to take the time for a trim.”

“I don’t mind.”

He kissed her, and she leaned into him, sighing, parting her lips so his tongue could duel with hers, something she loved. Every time this man kissed her, sensations traveled through her that were so foreign, yet so delicious, that she never wanted the kiss to end.

They were interrupted by a cough and then Alaric, chuckling, came toward them as they separated. He clasped Broc’s shoulder and said, “I had no idea you cut off her hand, but the bitch will never forget you, will she?”

“I’m just grateful to see Logan on his feet again,” Broc said. “He’s even been cursing out Aunt Brenna. Now I know he feels better.”

“Maitland and Dyna will strategize here while you’re gone.

We’ll all try to decide the best way to attack these fools.

It’s good to have Micheil of Drummond here.

He will offer a different point of view, I believe.

But Godspeed and take care of the pretty lass on the horse next to you. ” Alaric smiled at Merryn.

“She’s riding with me. Thane insisted. If we need another horse, we can use one of his.”

Alaric left with a wave and Broc spun around to Merryn. “You don’t mind, do you? Thane suggested we need to make as small an imprint as possible. He wasn’t certain how skilled you were at guiding horses in the forest. How do you feel about it?”

“I think I would be wiser to ride with you. I didn’t ride often, and I rode ponies many times. Not big stallions like this one.”

Broc laughed, giving his horse a squeeze. “Midnight Majesty is a fine beast. We’ll do well. Come, let’s ready ourselves.” He took the reins and led the horse out of the stable.

Merryn was even more excited now. She feared riding her own horse, so riding with Broc was perfect. They’d be able to chat more, for certain.

Broc attached two bows and quivers, just in case they needed them. “Will you be comfortable shooting? You may have to.”

Merryn’s smile left her face, thoughts of Kelvan and wee Shealee dominating her mind instead of the man next to her. Images of Nara’s face when the sword went through her belly would never leave her.

Ever.

“Just give me the chance, and I’ll put an arrow in his heart. Shealee needs to come home.”

She had to pray they would get the opportunity to do just that.