“We’re good,” she agreed with a nod.
“Excellent!” Kai said, some of his usual good cheer returning. “That gladdens my heart. And it reminds me that in all the busyness since our arrival I havenae had the chance to ask how ye’ve been settling into Dun Cator. I’m guessing ye find it more to yer liking than that tent?”
“Oh, you think?” Caitlin replied, raising an eyebrow, glad that the awkwardness between them had vanished. “This place is incredible. Who built it and when? And how did they do it? Even in the twenty-first century, it would be a tricky job to build into the cliff like this.”
Kai laughed and held up his hands. “Whoa, lass! I’ll try to answer yer questions. Dun Cator is old. Very old. Nobody really knows who built it and when. Some say it was made by the tribe that ruled this place thousands of years ago.” His blue eyes found hers. “Others say it was built by the Fae.” He cocked his head at her. “Would ye like to see more of the place? A tour perhaps?”
Caitlin grinned. “Would I ever! Show me all the secrets of this place.”
Kai’s smile widened and he stepped back, gesturing for her to follow. “Come on then, lass.”
Caitlin followed him out and they walked together through the well-lit halls and corridors. Kai pointed out interesting features and shared stories of the keep’s history. He obviously knew the keep well, and this made Caitlin wonder again about his history with the place—and with Lorna. She pushed the thoughts aside. No. She would not dwell on that. She was here with Kai, and things were good between them again. She would be content with that.
As they reached a large, ornate door at the end of the hall, Kai turned to her, his eyes sparkling. “Now, here’s a secret that not many people know about.”
He pushed open the door to reveal a huge library filled with shelves upon shelves of books. The walls were lined with ancient tomes, their spines worn and cracked with age. The air smelled of parchment and leather, and Caitlin could feel the weight of history in every corner.
“Wow,” she breathed, stepping inside to run her fingers over the spines of the books. “This place is incredible.”
Kai’s grin was smug as he leaned against one of the bookshelves. “The books here hold knowledge that has been hidden away for centuries.”
Caitlin walked over to one of the shelves, running her fingers over the spines. “What kind of knowledge?”
Kai shrugged. “All kinds. History. Theology. Philosophy.”
Caitlin turned in a circle, taking it all in. “I could spend days in here.”
Kai laughed lightly. “Then I had best get ye out before ye take root. Come, ye can explore this at yer leisure later. There is plenty more to see.”
They left the library and made their way back through the keep and out the main doors. They crossed the bailey and joined the throng of people heading down into the village.
Its white-washed stone houses were built in tiers that fell away gradually down to the sea, and the narrow streets followed the contours of the cliff like a well-crafted maze. The air was thick with smoke from smoldering hearths and filled with the sounds of industry—hammers ringing against anvils, goats bleating as they were herded through cobblestone streets, children running wild amidst adults who admonished them angrily as they burst past.
Nobody paid her and Kai any heed at all. Dun Cator was a busy port and she guessed that the people here were used to folk of all kinds coming and going. Two more strangers would hardly make a difference.
They made their way through the winding streets until they reached the docks. The air here was thick with salt and the sea breeze rippled across Caitlin’s skin, sending shivers up her spine. She could hear seagulls swooping through the air and feel the waves lapping against the dock.
Kai pointed out the various ships and vessels that were moored there, each one with a story of its own. But as they reached the end of the dock, Caitlin noticed something else—lookouts perched atop some of the warehouses. Kai explained that they were on watch for Snarlsson’s fleet and her mood darkened. She mustn’t forget why they were really here, what danger these people were in.
Kai must have noticed the change in her expression, because he reached out and touched her arm gently. “Come,” he said, pointing down to the beach. “Let’s explore.”
Caitlin followed him down a set of steps that were chiseled into the cliff-face, winding their way down until they reached the golden sand below. A few fishermen were already out, casting their nets into the sea or dragging their boats onto the shore with heavy ropes.
Kai led Caitlin along the shore, the sound of the waves crashing against the sand filling the air. She could feel the warmth of the sun on her face, and for a moment, she forgot about the danger that lurked just beyond the horizon.
As they walked, Kai began to pick up shells that were scattered along the shoreline, holding them up to the light to examine their intricate designs. Caitlin watched him, intrigued.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m collecting shells,” Kai replied, a mischievous glint in his eye. “I thought I’d make something for ye.”
Caitlin couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. “For me? What are you going to make?”
Kai shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. Maybe a necklace or a bracelet. Something to remember our time here.”
Caitlin felt her heart skip a beat at his words, but she tried to ignore the fluttering in her stomach. She didn’t want to read too much into his actions.
Kai led them further along the shore until they came to a small, isolated cove. The sun glittered off the turquoise water, and the only sound was the lap of waves against rocks. Nobody else seemed to be around as they sat down on the sand, watching as seagulls soared in and out of view.
