“Ha!” Alasdair replied. “I already know! Kai’s come, hasnae he? Caitlin already told me.” Lorna glanced at Caitlin, annoyance flashing across her features. “And I’ll bet ye are glad of it aren’t ye?” Alasdair continued. “Tobias, not so much I would imagine.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Ye know full well what that’s supposed to mean.” He looked up at his daughter, his expression stern. “Just dinna go causing any trouble, ye hear me?”
Caitlin edged through the door and their voices were cut off as she hurried away. But she’d not gone more than ten paces when Lorna called from behind her, “Caitlin! Wait!”
She turned and Lorna came hurrying over to her. “My apologies that ye had to hear that,” she said. “My father can be a little...difficult at times.”
“No need to apologize. He was perfectly charming.”
“Charming?” Lorna snorted. “I dinna think I’ve heard that word used to describe my father in... well, ever, actually. He does naught but gripe and complain these days. The old bastard ought to hurry up and die. He’s in the way of everything!”
Caitlin was shocked by the vehemence in her tone.
Lorna seemed to realize she’d said too much and gave Caitlin an awkward smile.
“Oh dear, did I really say that out loud? My apologies. I didnae mean it, of course.” She gave a long, loud sigh. “It’s just that sometimes it all seems to pile on top of me: looking after my father, running the castle, keeping my husband happy.” She fixed Caitlin with her piercing stare. “And now this news that Kai has brought with him. I’m afraid it’s frayed my temper a little.”
Caitlin gave her what she hoped was an encouraging smile. “I understand. I’m just grateful we got to you in time. Kai’s news must have come as quite the shock.”
Lorna nodded. “It did.” Her expression turned thoughtful as she studied Caitlin. “I must admit, I was surprised to see that Kai had taken a woman into his band. Ye dinna often see female warriors.”
“Oh, I’m not in his band,” Caitlin blurted before she could think better of it. “And I’m certainly no warrior!”
“Oh?” Lorna replied, her eyebrows climbing. “Then how do ye know Kai? How do ye come to be traveling with him?”
She asked in an off-hand manner but Caitlin got the impression there was more to her question. Lady Lorna was suddenly focused and intent, waiting keenly on Caitlin’s answer. She sensed she was suddenly in dangerous waters although she couldn’t exactly pinpoint why.
Caitlin chose her words carefully. “I met him and his band on the road. I was lost. They helped me. They were escorting me to his brother when we got caught up in the incident at the fair.”
She had assumed that this information would mollify Lorna but the words had the opposite effect.
She reached out and gripped Caitlin’s arm. “Kai’s brother? Ye mean Rory Stewart? Why would he be taking ye to him?”
“Er...um...he thought Rory might be able to help me find a way home,” she said quickly, surprised by Lorna’s sudden interest. “Like I said, I got lost.”
Caitlin tugged her arm free of Lorna’s grip and took a step back, feeling suddenly uncomfortable. How did Lorna know Kai’s brother? How did she know Kai himself for that matter? And why did she look so intense at the mention of Rory?
Lorna stared at her for a moment, unblinking. But then she shrugged and waved a nonchalant hand. “I’m sure that’s true. I’ve heard that Rory Stewart is one of the best trackers in the Highlands. I’m sure he’ll be able to help ye. When do ye think the Order of the Osprey will arrive?”
“I...er...” Caitlin stammered, caught off guard by Lorna’s sudden change in subject. “I’ve no idea.”
“But they’re riding from Dun Saith, aye?”
“I think so,” Caitlin replied, remembering Kai mention the name.
“That’s a three-day ride,” Lorna said under her breath. “Depending on how many men they bring.” She looked at Caitlin again. “Are they sending their full strength to aid us, do ye think? Will the commanders be with them? I’ve heard Laird Callum is now too old to travel but his grandson should be coming in his stead, aye?”
Caitlin threw up her hands. “I really don’t know. You’re talking to the wrong person. Kai or Conall or Magnus will be able to tell you more than I can.”
“But if ye’ve been riding with Kai and his men ye must have picked up something! Did they talk about their plans? Or how many men the Order can put into the field?”
“Look, I’m sorry, but I think you’ve got the wrong end of the stick. I can’t tell you anything like that.”
Lorna stared at her a moment. Then she smiled and waved a hand. “Listen to me, grilling ye like some military strategist. Forgive me. I’m just worried for my people is all. Think no more of it. In fact, whilst ye are here, I want ye to treat this as yer home. Ye are a friend of Kai’s which means ye are a friend of mine. Ye are our honored guest.”
“That’s very kind. Thank you.”
