Torin said, “Aye, good lass, are ye balanced?”
I nodded.
“Hold on.” In one fluid motion, Torin stepped into the stirrup, swung up behind me, his leg brushing mine, his weight rocking the saddle until he settled.
The horse shifted restlessly, but Torin’s thighs pressed in, steadying both of us. His arms closed around me.
“Hie!”
The horses surged forward, hooves drumming the earth, Lambo carrying us away. Ferrari followed along with most of the bags.
The instant the horse moved, fire streaked up my thighs. Raw skin against rough wool — every step was agony. I shifted, trying to tug the edge of the plaid down between my legs for protection, but it was still wool. I needed silk. Satin. Anything but scratchy, damp plaid.
Torin must have noticed me squirm. “We winna ride far.”
“Where are we going?”
He was quiet as he guided our horses up from the riverside, the reins steady in his hands. His jaw was set, eyes scanning the treeline. “I haena decided yet.”
7
LEXI
1558 - HEADED SOUTH
We broke from the trees onto a narrow path that split in two.
Torin reined in the horses, studying both directions. The midday sun beat down, warm and bright, his jaw was tight.
He turned our horse north, then south.
I asked, “Are you thinking?”
“Aye, I am torn which way tae go.”
I said, “Weshould decide, I think.”
He chuckled softly. “Aye, I suppose we ought tae since we might be here in Scotland for a time.”
I shivered. “Don’t say that. I’m trying to ignore it. Just tell me my options — it all looks like endless woods and mountains as far as my eyes can see.”
He pointed north. “Well, ye see, Princess, there is Ben Macdui, snow on its crown even in May. The path cuts through a pass — a good road, but steep.” He pointed. “Tis hidden in the cleft of the hills, and would lead us north. Few souls there, save for ruffians and scoundrels who take advantage of its quiet. No shelter, no safety, but fewer eyes.”
I swallowed hard.
Then he gestured south. “There, beyond the trees, ye see the bend of the glen?”
I nodded.
“The road runs east toward the towns. Perth lies that way. Familiar ground, but crowded. And the men who menaced us earlier? They went south. If word spreads that a croft was burned and men slain, villagers will be lookin’ for the rogues who caused it.”
“That would be us, huh?”
He nodded once.
“Which way do you think we should go?”
“I am tempted tae go north, the seclusion would keep ye safe. But…” Lambo stamped impatiently. “I will let ye choose.”
