Brian asked, “Where is this Goat’s cave?”
“Ye walk toward the point, but travel down the goat’s path to get to the rocky outcrop along the beach.”
“The goat path?” His disbelief caused murmurs among his men. “In the bright of day ’twould be dangerous. Never mind in the dark of night. And ye say there is a cave there?”
“Aye. Ye must climb down the face of the rocks to gain entrance. On any other day, there is little time to get to the cave, perform any rituals, and leave before the water has risen too high to use the path. ’Tis why this sacred ritual was planned for the longest day of the year, when the tide retreats even farther than usual and allows for the time needed for the rituals.” She sobbed suddenly, overwhelmed with fear for Finn and Mongfind. “I just didna realize what this ritual would include.”
“Ah! A warrior’s quest indeed. Glad I am that ye brought it to me, pilgrim.” Brian’s expression was grave, his eyes scanning the others before he finally spoke. “The path is treacherous in the dark. With the lowest tide midday, ’twill be best to leave before sunrise and arrive when the cave is accessible. If any of ye are not sure-footed or ye’re horse is not so, dinna commit yerself.”
“Wait!” Ethne’s throat tightened. “Ye’re not leaving now?”
Brian kept the same solemn tone. “We canna take the chance of losing the path and slipping down the ridge. We need light for that part of the journey.”
Her mouth went dry. “Wemustleave now.”
Lachlann turned her to him, his eyes imploring. “We will leave anon.”
The plans were made and she had no say in them. The tide would be going out at sunrise. but she had a hard time setting that fact aside. She went over and over it again in her head, but she could think of no detail she’d left out.
“Come. Lay down with me. Try to rest a bit.” Lachlann stretched out in their cushioned alcove, his arms opened invitingly toward her.
She did as he asked, resting her head on his chest and listening to the rapid beat of his heart slowing. When he started his gentle snoring, she slowly sat up. It was not possible for her to sleep. She had to take action now.
Chapter 28
Ethne knew the sound of Aidan and his people without having to see them. Even the waves crashing ever closer from the incoming tide couldn’t drown them out. They were headed toward the point. A seemingly unending, single line, they traveled along the ridge with their bright torches held high to light the way. They mumbled the chants she’d heard as a child. But they became sinister taunts to God Almighty, instead of the songs of praise that she remembered.
Careful to stay hidden in the tall grass, she crouched low to travel alongside them as she moved toward the front of the line. She considered how best to approach them, but could think of no way to rescue the children save revealing herself and begging them to reconsider. Mayhap if she offered herself as a sacrifice?
There were at least ten people in the procession whom she did not recognize. Not such a great number joining them after all. The light from one of the torches revealed Thomas’s painted face. She gasped. He looked so menacing. At his side was Finn, being dragged by the tight grip Thomas had of his hand.
She trotted ahead to the bend in the path. A branch broke beneath her feet, and she hunkered down. There was no sound, no sign she’d been heard, but her heart was beating so loudly she was afraid they might yet. She took a slow, deep breath to settle herself. And waited.
Finally, she caught sight of Malcolm. The glow cast on his face showed dark circles under his eyes, making him look sickly. The light of his torch also shined down on Domelch, the babe in her arms. They walked close behind Aidan, who carried a nasty-looking poleaxe and was calling out the words to the ancient song. Not everyone was singing. The people she didn’t recognize frowned and glanced about them as if confused.
Something clasped onto her shoulder, and she lost her balance, falling to the ground. She looked up into Thomas’s grimace.
He leered at her. “Ah, Ethne, ye’ve come to join us.”
She glanced around for Finn, but the lad was not with him. When she started to shake her head in answer, he only mimicked the action, his mouth opening as if he was ready to dispute anything that came out of her mouth. Nothing did. He glanced toward the procession then back at her. The others continued on, none of them looking their way. When the last of them were around the corner, she got brave enough to speak.
“I…I wanted to come. I was afeared Aidan would punish me.”
“Tsk. Tsk. Is that the best ye can do?” The whites of Thomas’s eyes were bright even in the darkness. “Dinna lie to me.”
Anger darkened his expression, and she spoke more quickly. “Lachlann tossed me aside as soon as we reached the castle.”
That incensed Thomas enough that he grabbed her arm, yanking her to her feet. “And ye are a liar now as well as a whore?”
The sound of the ocean and the wind surrounded them. They were completely alone.
“How could ye turn to another and allow him to …? After all the times I’ve protected ye from Aidan?” He gritted his teeth, barely controlling his rage. “He would have taken ye right there on the floor in yer cave, Ethne, do ye not remember? Many times, I saw it in his eyes. Aidan wanted ye. And yer brother too drunk to do a thing.Iconvinced Aidan he should take Moira instead of ye.”
Guilt flooded Ethne. That poor lass truly could have been her. She’d had no idea Thomas had been so protective of her, and now, she had no idea what to say.
“Do not doubt it.” He searched her as if not sure what he wanted to do. “I thought I was in love with ye.”
“I wish I had known.”
