Page 37

Merryn

Later in the day, Merryn and Broc were inside the castle walls practicing in the archery field.

Astra and Sela had promised to watch the bairns so they could train.

Merryn had just hit the target dead center when Broc’s arms wrapped around her from behind and tossed her into the air, catching her before she hit the ground.

“Lass,” he said. “I declare you must be the quickest learner I’ve ever seen.” He set her down, kissed her neck, and peered back at the target. “An amazing shot. I can’t beat that.”

“Do you think I’ve improved?”

“I am amazed.”

She glanced around, then whispered, “Then I wish to go when you search for your mother. I can help. I swear I can, Broc. You all have helped me so much that it’s time for me to return the favor.

” After all Broc’s clan had done for her, she needed to do what she could, and using her new skill was the best way to help them. “I hit Kelvan once.”

“I will vouch for you, lass.” He tugged her against him and kissed her with such a passion that she dropped her weapon and fell into his arms. How she loved his kisses, especially when his tongue sought hers, mating with hers until she was so heated that her breath would catch in her throat.

When he ended the kiss, she whispered, “Oh, Broc.” She tingled in places she’d never known existed until this man had come into her life.

He grinned. “I see I’ve kissed you senseless, lass.

Always my intent.” As soon as he stepped back, his head tipped toward the gates of the castle.

She knew why. The wait for the return of Simone and Artan had gone on forever, even to her.

Broc’s mind was consumed with worry over his mother and the other bairns.

For him, it had to seem like an eternity. Would they be fortunate enough to see Kyla with Simone? Magni and Lia too? Or would they come home empty-handed?

She hated to ask her question, but she was compelled. “How long would you wait before someone will go after them? What if they were …” She couldn’t even finish her sentence.

“You mean, what if they were captured too? I have to admit that I’ve wondered the same.

I think since dark is nearly upon us that we would wait until the morrow to go after them.

And I can promise you that if she does not return with all three, there will be another patrol leaving at dawn.

Simone and Artan know the area. I trust them both. ”

A shout interrupted their conversation, and Broc reacted quickly, taking her hand and leading her to the curtain wall so they could climb up the steps to see who was approaching.

“I pray your mother is with them.”

A young voice echoed over the wall. “I’m home! Tell Grandsire I’m here!”

It was Magni. Merryn smiled, saying a quick prayer of gratitude that he was freed. But who else was with him?

Broc leaned over the parapets, staring at the small line of horses. Magni rode with Artan, Lia with Simone, Sloan and Lennox behind them. “My mother?” Broc called out to Simone.

“She wasn’t there. Lia will tell you where they moved her,” Simone replied.

Merryn’s heart sank, but not nearly as much as Broc’s. He still had a tight grip on her hand, but the hope was vanquished so quickly that it pained her to watch him.

Once they came into the gates, the stable lads ran out to handle the horses. Artan jumped down, catching Magni as he leapt to the ground and ran toward the keep. “Grandsire! I’m here!” Then he spun around and said, “Lia, hurry!”

Lia waited for Artan to reach for her, calling ahead to her brother. “Go inside, Magni. I’ll catch up with you soon enough.”

Simone and Lia dismounted, Lennox and Sloan behind them.

Simone said, “I’m sorry, Broc. I searched each of the chambers in the cellars, but she was not there. Lia, tell everyone what you know.”

“They took your mother to a manor home on Ardnamurchan. Glenna wished to be off the island. She told Kelvan they would have more men if they were on the mainland. But I also think they might move Kyla again. Come and check with me later,” Lia said.

“Oh, and Glenna does not like that home either. It’s not plush enough for her, so she might move too. ”

Merryn took in the disappointment on Broc’s face but squeezed his hand. “We’ll go on the morrow.”

Sloan said, “Inside. The bairns need to eat, and we need a brief respite and a meeting with the others. We will support whatever Connor and Maitland decide.”

Lennox added, “Then I’ll return home, but Meg and I will both go with you on the morrow. We can cross the sound from our land. We have some boats, Sloan has others. We’ll get her, Broc. He doesn’t have what he wants now.”

“What the hell does he want with my mother?”

“You. He wants you, and he hopes to draw you out.” Simone looked at him, but then added, “As you know, they are both mad for anything magical. Lia told us on the way back that they tried to make Lia cast a spell, but she was an expert at playing them. They asked her about the sapphire sword, so that is now their goal. Get Kyla’s son or husband and find the sapphire sword.

Glenna still wishes for revenge for losing her hand. ”

Artan said, “She’ll want revenge for anything she can create in her mind. Mark my words, if she doesn’t have a logical reason, she’ll make one up.”

Merryn’s gut dropped to her toes, but she said nothing. After losing her parents and her sister, she couldn’t bear the thought of losing Broc, Kyla, Shealee, or Tristan.

Artan approached Broc and said, “Inside. We need to make plans for the next patrol. And at this point, I would not work on patrols. I’d start planning a direct attack. We’ll be on the mainland. Connor needs to use his men from Grant land, leave the others here to protect the wee ones.”

They made their way inside, and Merryn had to smile at the greeting Lia received.

Sylvi, Tora, and Sandor ran straight for her, wrapping her in a giant hug.

Shealee tottered along behind them, giving Lia a sweet kiss.

Lia giggled with delight, but then said, “I must find something to eat and make sure Magni is eating too.”

Sylvi said, “Magni is already eating. He ran into the kitchens after he gave his grandsire a proper greeting.”

Logan approached them slowly. “In the solar. Connor is waiting for you, Simone. Broc, Merryn, Artan, join us. Share what you’ve learned.”

Connor and Finlay were already inside. Alasdair, Simone, and Artan followed them. Finlay clasped Broc’s shoulder, shaking his head. His eyes misted, but he controlled himself and took a seat next to Broc, Merryn on Broc’s other side.

Lia came in with Maitland, and Connor said, “Lia, we are so pleased you are back with us. If you would just tell us what you know of Lady Kyla, we will send you off and never bother you again.”

Lia nodded and said, “My lady Kyla is hale. She has not been harmed. Glenna is interested in finding someone Kyla loves, whether it be her husband or son, so she can torture the person in front of her. She’s angry with Kyla since her sire killed Glenna’s grandsire.

” Then she glanced at Logan. “And of course she is angry with you, my lord, because she blames you for the loss of her hand.”

Logan smirked. “Broc was so fast and powerful, she didn’t have much of a chance.”

“But you are hale now, my lord?”

“I’m fine. I’ll be on the field when the battle time comes, though I’ll not be swinging my weapon much.”

“Lia, where is my sister exactly?” Connor asked.

“They moved her to Ardnamurchan. A manor home they have well hidden. One they are sure you will never find. But Kelvan’s wish for the sapphire sword may make Glenna change her mind.

She would give up all for Kelvan, and she is not well yet.

She still suffers from the fever here and there.

” Lia waited to see if there were any other questions.

“I will add they also have a verra well-hidden holding in Morvern. So if you find the place in Ardnamurchan and Kyla is not there, Morvern will be your next place to look. I have not been able to uncover the exact location yet, but I can if they move her.”

“So, you think the priority is that weapon?” Connor asked. “Have they finally come to their senses and decided to stop attacking our bairns?”

“He wants the sapphire sword. He believes if he can control that, he will be able to overtake all the Scots, even though I tried to explain to him that it didn’t work that way.”

“Our thanks to you, Lia. Please let us know if you think of anything else that could be important. Find your meal and then rest. You have been a blessing for all of us.” Logan and Connor both nodded to her.

Lia moved to the door and opened it but then spun around. “Oh, and I will be going with you on the morrow.”

Connor, Maitland, and Logan all turned to her, various expressions of fear and shock on their faces. “With whom?” Maitland called out, the higher tone of his voice indicative of where his mind had gone.

“Not Grant, my lord. He will be fine for many years. Do not worry overmuch.”

“Then who?” Connor bellowed.

Lia smiled and took her leave without answering.

Broc was the first to speak. “I’m leaving at first light.”

Merryn wasn’t going to stay back. “I’ll go with you.” Everyone turned to face her. “I’ve been practicing my archery skills, and you need an archer. Eli is not feeling well, and Dyna needs to stay here.”

Broc reached for her hand. “I will vouch that her skills are better than mine.”

Simone said, “I will also vouch for her. I would like to have her along. She did well on Tiree.”

“Fair enough,” Connor said. “Alasdair?”

“John and I will both go.”

The group fell silent, and it was Logan who spoke. “Alasdair, you’re giving them what they want. I think it’s a mistake.”

“Not if he brings the sword.”

Connor arched a brow but said nothing. Merryn had heard of the power the sword held, but John was young. Only four and ten summers, his height close to matching his sire’s, but he didn’t have the bulk of the others.

“I’m sending word for Alick to send two hundred warriors to Ardnamurchan. I will leave four score here to make sure the bairns are safe.” Connor stroked his chin. “I don’t like this. John is young, but …”

“But it’s time to lead the bastards away from the bairns. If we take a score with us and meet your two hundred there, we should be safe. I believe in our warriors.” Finlay stood up. “I’d like to go on this one. Please.”

Connor said, “First light. Be ready. This will not be an easy one.”

He glanced over at Logan, who gave him a subtle nod.

“This could be our biggest battle in a long time.”