Her father and six brothers had kept her well protected but Sean had glimpsed her fiery courage. Her rebellious spirit. Intentionally going against the rules. She longed to let go. She wanted to be free. Now her fine Norman would be unlocking the passion that lay beneath her trained obedience.
Sean kicked his mount into a gallop and slackened the reins. A local animal he’d rented. It knew the area well which he did not. Yet another reason for his gut-wrenching frustration but his anger merely wasted his energy. It truly was over. No chance remained for him. He’d been focused on winning Brighit over for nigh on five years now, believing he would eventually succeed. He showed himself an idiot for being so persistent and not realizing her stubbornness. He had to return to Eire and make a life for himself that didn’t include Brighit MacNaughton.
At the top of the rise, he paused to catch his breath. The animal did the same, twitching its ears in exhilaration as if sensing its nearness to home.
“Settle yerself, Roana. We’ve quite a ways to go yet.”
Sean looked out over the wide expanse of water barely visible between the thick forest separating him from his homeland, the cold air filling his lungs. A deep sadness welled up inside. He had to let it go. The anger and resentment did him no good. His dream of wedding the lovely Brighit was like mist on the water. Here then gone.
Sean jumped from his horse. He secured his shield to the saddle. Removing his brat, he folded it up and tucked it underneath. The walk would do him good, give him a chance to get his emotions to settle. With Tadhg staying behind with Brighit, Sean would be acting clan leader once he arrived in Drogheda. He needed to show a calm, thoughtful demeanor. His anger could be his undoing since they all knew how hot-headed he could be. They would watch for him to lose control. Calum’s support would be crucial. He shouldn’t have let him go on ahead.
A high-pitched whistle sounded from the woods beside him. The courser broke loose from the light hold he’d had of the reins and raced off toward the trees.
“Hey! Stop!” Sean froze in disbelief then began to chase after the animal. “Stop, ye stupid shite.”
Finally out of breath and admitting the waste of time chasing a galloping horse was, he went down to one knee. A few feet from the forest’s edge, he’d swear he heard a female laugh. He steadied his breathing so he could listen. Yes, definitely someone laughing. He stood, peering into the darkness of the trees, hands fisted on his hips. The sun rested low in the sky and cast little light within.
He ground his teeth in irritation. Someone had called to the animal, truly enjoying a laugh at his expense. A coward, hiding in the dark. The low jingle of the iron stirrups indicated the horse and rider were not far, just beyond his sight.
Sean took a few steps into the woods, allowing his eyes to adjust. The shadowed figure of the mounted animal became discernible. It whinnied and backed further into the darkness.
“Hold!” Sean said. He struggled not to let his anger be heard. “Ye’ve bested me. Steal the horse but I’m for the coast. I need my things.”
“’Tis not stealing it if it’s mine.”
Not a woman’s voice. A young lad then.
“I paid for the use of it, son.”
“I’m not yer son.” The voice broke, confirming Sean’s suspicions.
“Nae. Ye’re not but I have quite a walk ahead of me. May I at least collect my belongings?”
A loud thud accompanied the bag that dropped at his feet. Sean stared at the sack. Arrogant little shite. The few items he’d collected to bring home were no doubt in pieces now. Anger simmered. He glanced toward the rider.
“My thanks. And will ye toss the weapons at me as well?”
“They’re mine now… the price for the use of my horse.”
Sean forced himself to appear calm. “I told ye I paid for the use.”
“But it wasn’t paid to me.”
Sean moved in closer but with every step, the rider retreated. If he could get his hands on him, Sean would teach him a lesson he wouldn’t soon be forgetting. By his size, the boy looked to be about ten.
“But I did pay for its use. An honest agreement between men. I had nae way of knowing it had been stolen. I had plans to return it.” Despite the blood racing through him at being outsmarted by some unknown, he shifted his tactics. He used his ever-so-amicable tone of voice but would not be letting the horse—or rider—get away. “When was the horse stolen from ye?”
The lad didn’t respond at first but the beast shifted, indicating uneasiness. “It was taken without my permission.”
Sean gave a small smile, moving closer as he spoke. “That’s what I said.”
“Nae ye asked when it was stolen from me.”
“Is there a difference?”
The lad tipped his head back as if looking heavenward in exasperation. Taking his eyes off Sean proved to be his mistake. With three long strides Sean closed in, yanked at the reins, and ripped them from the rider’s loose grip. Stepping clear, he waited while the courser jerked against the rope now held firmly in his grip. The rider, struggling to keep his seat, tossed about with the rough motion.
“Arghhh.”
