Page 27

Broc

Broc stood with Thane on the beach closest to MacQuarie land, watching the approach of a ship coming from Ulva. “Friendly, are they? Do you recognize them, Thane?”

“I believe it’s Artan and Simone. Simmy and Tanner. That looks like one of his ships that he keeps on Ulva.”

Merryn was inside bathing, something that calmed her, so Broc had promised to watch for Simmy. He’d hoped standing on the beach and taking in the sea air would give him the clarity and calm he needed.

Unfortunately, it didn’t give him anything but more worry, more concern, more fear.

What if he couldn’t help his mother? What if they couldn’t find the group anywhere?

Or what if they found everyone but Shealee? Kelvan was her sire, so could he keep her if he wished to? Would King Robert side with him?

Broc had fought with all the strength he had, had searched all the areas for hidden threats when they’d gone to Mingary, yet still he’d failed. Logan Ramsay had nearly died in his arms, and it would be a long time before Broc would get over that experience.

The pale skin, the ashen lips, the blood. So much blood dripping from his hands, on his tunic.

Thane said, “I’m going inside for a bit. I’ll return shortly.”

Merryn came out at the same time as Thane disappeared. “Is it Simmy?”

“I believe so.” He wrapped his arm around her, tugging her close. There was definitely a chill in the air, though it didn’t bother him a bit.

“What are you thinking about? You look verra serious, Broc.”

Should he tell her the truth? He decided it was time to open up a wee bit.

“I’ll be honest with you. I’m unsettled about going to Tiree.

After my experience at Mingary and what happened to me when I was young, I worry whether I’ll be able to hold up under the pressure of a sword swinging over my head. ”

She peered up at him, looking surprised. “But you saved Logan. Why would you worry? And what happened when you were young?”

He sighed and turned his head so she could see the wound on his cheek. “This. You’ve seen it multiple times. I have this scar and a much larger one on my belly.”

“What scar?”

He chuckled. “You’re being kind. You know. This one.”

Her fingers reached up to his cheek and touched the scar he’d carried for so long, the one that caused some lasses to look the other way.

“That’s not much of a scar. Besides, I thought warriors consider scars a testament to their skill in battle.”

“Some do, but this was not gained in battle. A boar got me. My horse threw me into the path of three wild boars. I was gored. Nearly killed me. Not a fond memory. In fact, I still have nightmares. And Logan? Aye, I’m glad he’s still with us, but seeing that woman strike Logan down?

I’ll never get past that. I had this ridiculous hesitation because she was a female.

I was raised never to strike a woman, so I hesitated.

If I hadn’t, could I have prevented his wound? Questions, so many doubts.”

Merryn moved to his other side, stood on her tiptoes, and kissed his wound. “Any lass who sees that wee thing as detracting from you doesn’t know what is most important in a relationship.”

“And what do you see as most important?”

“Honor. Loyalty. Compassion. A warm heart. All things you have.” Her eyes misted, and he wished to explore that but decided she would tell him if she wished to. “Those are the important things. My sister …” She stopped, tearing up, and he squeezed her hand.

“Take your time.”

“My sister thought Kelvan was the most handsome man she’d ever met.

He was loud-mouthed but sweet-talking. The kind of talk that I didn’t trust, but she believed all those things he said.

I knew better. Mama knew better and tried to warn her away from Kelvan, but she wouldn’t be persuaded to give up on him.

” She stared at the ground. “Mama was right. The evil man stuck a blade in her back. Her back!”

“We’ll get Shealee. And the others.”

“I fear I’ll fail Shealee. Do you feel the same about your mother?”

He nearly shed a few tears of his own thinking on her question. “Aye. I fear it so much. Da wished to come, but Uncle Connor refused. Said he was too emotional, that his emotions got in the way with Glenn, and they might do the same with Glenna.”

“Truly? I’d love to hear all about it sometime.”

“It’s a long story, but Da agreed. Then he came over and put his hands on my shoulders and told Uncle Connor that he trusted me to save Mama. That made me even more worried. So much on my aptitude. My sword skills, ability to fight, to sense out danger. Do I have enough?”

“It’s much to put on your shoulders. But I think you are strong enough to handle it, Broc. You are a fierce swordsman. I am honored to have you near, even if for a short time.”

He leaned down, kissed her cheek, and whispered, “I don’t think it will be for a short time, lass. I’m growing quite fond of you.”

She blushed as Uncle Connor and Thane joined them. Thane pointed into the water. “It is Artan and Simone. I’ve seen that look on her face before.”

Broc asked, “What look? What does it mean?”

“It means you better be able to run fast. She’s quite an archer. I’ve witnessed her hitting targets that I couldn’t even see. She was trained by Gwyneth, Molly, and Maggie.”

The ship arrived and Broc met them, helping to pull the vessel onshore. Simone was tall, willowy, and beautiful. She wore her dark hair much like her mother and Sela, tied back at the crown, the length swinging behind her head and out of her face.

Her eyes fell on Broc, and she clasped his shoulder, “Well, you surely are a Grant, and one of Kyla’s, if I were to guess.”

“Broc MacNicol. You know the others, aye?”

“Connor, it’s so nice to see you again, though I’m sorry to hear of the circumstances.

Know that I’m here to help. Merryn,” she said as she took the younger woman’s hands in hers.

“We will get Shealee away from that bastard. I won’t stop until she’s back in your arms where she belongs. Thane, do you have plans yet?”

“Nay, come inside for a brief repast, Simmy. I would suggest waiting about two more hours before we head in that direction.”

“Have you any more archers? Any of Mama’s granddaughters here?”

“Nay. Eli is here, and she’s one of the finest, but she’s expecting, and Gwyneth would have none of her coming along.”

“And how is my sire?”

“He’s better.” They moved inside and the group settled in the hall, Thane stepping out to speak with his cook.

Uncle Connor said, “I wish you had been there to see Aunt Brenna call your father out, Simone. Micheil loves to retell the story. Apparently, he was pretending a bit. She played the healer, then she made a move that made him bolt right out of bed, cursing at her. But then he fell back asleep until she accused him of stealing her mother’s dear journal again. ”

Simone broke into a laugh. “Oh my, that would have been fun to watch.”

“Micheil said it was the best show he’d seen in a long time. He cursed at her, and she cursed back at him, swearing she’d have Micheil hold him down if she had to.”

Then Simone teared up. “Da would have a hard time accepting that a woman bested him, Connor. I’m sure his self-image is tainted, especially by Glenna. You know that to be true.”

“Aye, I agree.”

Broc didn’t say a word. Did they blame him for part of the travesty?

Simone said, “Sit down, all. You need to know that Artan knows Glenna verra well and could provide us some insight into her thinking.”

Connor looked at her in surprise. “He does? Glenna of Buchan?”

Artan nodded. “Glenna was married to my brother.”