“What is he afraid of, Tora?”
“Bad men. They took us all before, and I don’t want to go again.”
“You think they’ll find you again?”
Sylvi nodded. “I don’t want to leave here again. They stole us away when we were on horses. What if they come back for us?”
“You think Magni is afraid to leave too?”
“Aye.”
“Shall we go visit him to make him feel better?”
Both girls shook their heads furiously.
“You won’t go?”
“Nay, I don’t want to,” Tora said, moving over to sit on her mother’s lap.
Lia said, “That saddens me.”
Maitland asked, “Are you here for someone in particular, Lia? Is someone in danger? Please not the bairns.” He leaned down and picked Grant up again.
“I am here for someone, but I cannot say who. I can ease your mind and say that it is not a bairn.”
“Why can you not just tell us?”
Lia got up and moved over to the door. “I must go. I hear you are having a Yuletide festival? Is it true?”
“Aye, and we would love to have you join us, Lia. As a friend.” Maitland chuckled and looked to Dyna and Maeve for help. “About that person you are helping…”
“I must go, but I will probably see you all soon.”
And she was gone.
Maitland cursed. “Who this time?”
No one answered.
Chapter Fourteen
Hagen
The boat ride to Tiree was rough, the winter sea churning beneath them. The moon was full, the clouds disappeared, and there was no boat near the area where Brynja wished to land.
“Here,” she whispered. “This is Gott Bay. Our cottages are on this path, but a distance from shore.”
Hagen motioned to Jowell. “You stay here. Paden and I will go with Brynja to dig for her.”
“Got it. You’ll hear my bird whistle if I see anyone.”
“Paden will be in front of the cottages. Brynja and I will be in back. That’s where we’re digging, correct, lass?”
“Aye. Under a tree in the back. Mama made me tell her so at least ten times every sennight.”
They set off, Brynja between them as they headed down the dark path. “Tell us the story again, lass.”
Brynja cleared her throat. “All right. Mama said she had some valuables that she’d saved from long ago, but she wished to make sure they were never stolen from her, especially one piece in particular.”
