Page 6

Broc

Once the attackers had taken off down the beach toward a galley ship, Broc knew they had no chance.

“I should have gone after him,” he said, cursing under his breath once they were all joined together outside the cottage.

Tristan said, “You had my sister on your horse. I’m glad you didn’t. Kelvan would put a sword in her chest without giving it any thought.”

Alaric said, “There was no reason to follow him. The three he had remaining were already retreating. He was the only one left, and he had a clear path to the ship. Eli and I went after the others instead of him. That saved his arse. We’ll get him.”

Broc said, “But it changes our plans. Someone must return to let Dyna know they’re being aggressive. We thought we had a brief respite from their attacks. We were wrong.”

The small group stood outside the cottage door discussing the events. Tristan ran his hand down his face and paced, staring at the ground. “I have ten. That’s not enough men to protect Merryn and Shealee. And we have Olivia and Euna to protect too.”

As if on cue, Merryn came out the door, Shealee on her hip.

The wee lass pushed against her and pointed to the sea of horses not far away.

“Hosee!” Merryn set her down and Alaric took her hand and led her over to his horse.

She giggled, so he lifted her up to the warhorse’s face, letting her pet him.

She gave the animal a kiss. “Hosee!” He promptly nickered for her, sending her into a flurry of giggles.

“How old is she?” Eli asked.

“One summer and a few moons.” Merryn brushed a tear from her face. “She doesn’t remember her mother or what happened, I don’t think. She’s calling me Mama.”

“Did she witness it?” Broc asked.

Merryn shook her head. “Just me.”

Eli looked directly at Tristan. “I think Merryn and Shealee would be safer at Duart Castle. We have plenty of room, other bairns to keep her entertained, and nearly a hundred guards to protect her. Think on it. I’ll be right back.” Eli took off into the bushes.

Tristan glanced over at Merryn, but Merryn’s gaze was locked on the tall woman just joining them from the beach. She had a quiver on her back and wore leggings, something they didn’t see often unless they were on Ramsay land.

“What do you think, Simmy?” Merryn spoke loudly enough for her friend to hear her.

The woman said, “You need to go to Duart Castle. He will not give up, Merryn. I will find him. I was raised by one of the best trackers in the land of the Scots. I’ll go to Kilchoan and search him out. The best place for Shealee is Duart now that he knows you are here.”

“Please let us know if you find him,” Broc said. “We have many looking for him too. You’re always welcome for a repast at Duart Castle. I’m Broc MacNicol, this is Alaric Grant, with his wife Eli Ramsay,” he said, looking over his shoulder. “Who just took off to take care of her needs.”

Simmy nodded to the three, studying Alaric the most, but then said, “A pleasure to make your acquaintances. Merryn, take the sweet lass to Duart Castle. I’ll catch up with you there.”

She turned around and headed into the forest, lithe and quick as a deer.

Broc looked at Alaric. “Do you recognize her? She must be related to your wife.”

Alaric asked, “Why would you think so?”

Eli rejoined the group. “I caught a glimpse of her, and Broc is right. Grandmama’s style leggings and a Ramsay fletching, I think.

Trained by one of the best trackers? That would be Grandda, but I have no idea who she is since I didn’t see her face.

No one I know lives here. She could be one of the adopted ones.

They all moved away years ago. She’s been working with you, Merryn? ”

“Aye, I met her when she dropped a deer near me when I was picking berries one day. She’s come back three times to teach me how to handle a bow. She lives mostly on Iona, I believe.”

“Do you have an arrow nearby that I could look at?”

“Aye.” Merryn stepped back into the hut and returned with one arrow.

Eli and Alaric both smiled. “That’s a Ramsay-style fletching. She was trained by Grandmama,” Eli said.

“Who is your grandmother?” Merryn asked.

“Gwyneth Ramsay.”

“She mentioned that woman but said she had passed on. She’s alive?”

“Aye. She’s living at Duart Castle, but she nearly died not long ago.” Eli asked Merryn, “What think you about going to Duart Castle for a while? Just until we find Kelvan.”

Tristan moved over and kissed his sister’s cheek. “I think you should go, Merryn. Now. I can’t lose you and Shealee, and Kelvan will not give up.” He glanced around at the group. “Is there someone who could escort her or should I go?”

Broc said, “We brought two score. I’ll escort her to Duart Castle and take six guards with us.

The six can return on the morrow. That leaves you with enough men to get a good start on building the stable and to begin the work on the roof.

Eli can stay to train two archers. You’ve got horses and a cart to help bring the trees in.

Use them. I’ll send the men back as soon as I can. ”

Tristan gave her a hug. “Until we finish the tower and the wall, you’re not safe with him around. I promise to visit often. Pack your things and go before it’s too dark.”

Eli said, “We have several bairns so we have extra clothes for Shealee, and I have leggings that will fit you. You’ll love them.”

The group broke up, and Merryn approached Broc. “I’ll pack a few things. How long is the journey?”

“About half the day. We should return before dark or shortly after. I wouldn’t spend the night out. We’ll travel in the dark for a bit, but I know the path well enough and it’s nearly a full moon.”

She cleared her throat but then asked the question that was most important to her. “May I ride with you, Broc, if you please? I don’t think I could ride a horse and manage Shealee at the same time. Would we both be able to ride with you?”

Merryn’s gaze caught his, stirring feelings in him he hadn’t experienced before. He had this sudden need to protect her against anything and everything.

“Aye. We’ll do fine. It’s probably best because we’ll travel quickly.” Then he nodded to the arrow in her hand. “We have plenty of bows for you. You can continue your training. Dyna and Eli train all the time. No need to bring a book either. We have plenty.”

Merryn blushed, and he tipped his head.

“I can’t read. I’ve always wished to learn.”

Broc leaned down to whisper in her ear. “No worries. I’ll teach you.”

For the first time in a long time, Broc wondered if it was possible for a lass to be interested in him, because he was surely interested in Merryn.