11
Bursting into Taran's farmhouse, breathless but still buzzing with adrenaline, Maeve was met by her whole party gathering their things and obviously discussing a plan. All heads turned to the door as she entered, and there were mingled outcries of relief when they realized that it was indeed Maeve.
"What were ye thinkin', runnin' off like that?" Eoin demanded, crossing the room in a few steps to pull her into a brotherly hug. "Darren was ready tae storm McKenzie Castle by himself and get the two of ye out, and I wouldnae have been far behind."
"None of us would," Fergus added quietly. "It was already hard enough tae retreat with Cailean gone. When Delphine returned and said ye werenae with her, the idea that ye might have been captured as well…"
"I wasnae captured," Maeve said, her hand on her chest as she tried to return her heart rate to normal. Breana moved forward toward them, and Maeve reached out with her other hand to assure her sister that she was all right. "But even if I had been…stormin' the castle wouldnae have done ye much good. Cailean isnae there anymore, and I'm sure they would have sent me away with him if they'd have kent who I am."
Breana's hand tightened around Maeve's. "What? What do ye mean? Where is he? Who?—?"
Something in her sister's fearful voice told Maeve that she already suspected the truth, and Maeve was loath to confirm it for her. But she knew that she had to. She had to say it, even though forcing the words out would make them feel true in a way she didn't want.
She couldn't look at Breana, not right now. Instead, she turned her eyes to Darren, who was watching her carefully from beside the small fireplace, where Taran and Delphine seemed on edge.
"Me father," Maeve whispered. Her throat clenched as she spoke, and for a moment she felt dizzy, as though the air couldn't quite reach her lungs. She clutched hard to Breana's hand, and, reassured by her sister's presence, spoke a little more clearly. "Laird O'Sullivan. McKenzie has given Cailean over tae me father's men."
The room went still for a moment, then Taran said gruffly, "Looks like that was the piece ye were missin', Del."
The young Frenchwoman nodded, looking grim. "The villagers, they'd heard rumors that another laird was coming to collect the prisoner. They said it was a tyrant. I had never dreamed, though, thatO'Sullivan…"
"That's it." Darren slammed his fist into the palm of his hand. "Enough waitin' around. Enough. We're gonnae go and get me friend back. Who's with me?"
Many of the rebels cheered, but this time, despite her desperate urge to do exactly that, it was Maeve who said, "Wait. Wait. We willnae be able tae take down me father with just eleven men."
"She's right," Breana said, giving Eoin a beseeching look that was clearly looking for support. "Our father is one of the mostdangerous men in the country, maybe only second in power tae the False King himself."
Eoin looked toward Darren, and Darren and Fergus exchanged glances. Fergus, ever rational, was the next to speak.
"We must send Taran tae Bruce Castle tae reunite with his daughter. It isnae safe tae send him alone," he said slowly. "And we also must inform the council what has happened."
Darren gritted his teeth, but nodded curtly. "Ye're right. The plan tae get reinforcements hasnae changed; we need tae get more people on board if we're tae find a way through this. But I willnae leave Cailean in that man's hands. Most of ye should head back tae Bruce Castle—Fergus will lead ye—but I must go tae the O'Sullivan lands."
"I will come with ye," Maeve said sharply. "Dinnae attempt tae tell me otherwise."
Darren gave her a slight smile. "I ken better than tae try tae tell ye no."
"Me sheep…" the old farmer said. "I cannae just leave them."
"I will look after your farm in your absence, Uncle," Delphine told him. "I must stay here in McKenzie land in any case; there are rumors of a strange old woman appearing in the village, and it is my job to investigate such rumors."
"It seems, then," Fergus said, "that we have a plan. I see nae reason tae delay."
"There will be no delay," Maeve said. "Aye?"
As one, the rebels moved, grim determination on all faces as they gathered their weapons and packs quickly and efficiently. Before she knew it, they were all outside, mounting the horses, Taran and Delphine had secured for them. Delphine stood in the doorway, watching them go, equal resolve on the Sparrow's face as Maeve saw echoed on each of the rebels' expressions.
Maeve and Darren bid the others farewell and godspeed, but it only took a few moments to notice that Breana and Eoin werenot following the rest of the group. Maeve opened her mouth to protest as the two rode closer, but Breana held up a hand.
"Nay," Breana said. "Dinnae send me away. I will come with ye, Maeve. I willnae let ye go and face our father alone, nae matter what. Nothin' ye can say will make me leave yer side. Understood?"
Despite herself, Maeve found a small smile appearing on her face at that. "Understood. And ye, Eoin?"
"I go where she goes," Eoin said resolutely. "I promised ye both that I'd protect her, though to be honest, with her maps and her determination, I think it is Breana who's been the one protectin' me."
Maeve couldn't miss the way that Breana blushed in the newly risen sunlight. It filled her heart with joy to see the way they were bonding, but it sent a lance of pain through her as well. She already missed seeing Cailean looking at her like that, and it scared her to think that, if they weren't successful, she'd never see it again.
As they turned and rode away from the farmhouse and set off at speed toward the O'Sullivan lands, Maeve chided herself. She would not give herself up to despair. Shewouldsave Cailean, no matter what it took, no matter the cost. Even if it meant facing down the one person who scared her most in the world.
