“Let us dump his body into the ocean!” Aldred said it as if he’d thought of a great game they could play. “The bastard’s body will be tossed up against the rocks as it deserves.”
Niall smiled back. “Yea. The beating he missed.”
“Stay here.” Lachlann settled Sean down then patted his leg in an affectionate gesture. Thomasina almost laughed at Sean’s shocked expression at the display. “We’ll be back anon.”
Niall took the legs. Lachlann the arms. Aldred went ahead to see that the path was clear. They traveled through the cover of the forest then were out of sight.
Thomasina became aware of the suddenly awkward situation. Sean’s eyes were closed. He seemed to be asleep. She reached toward the nasty looking swelling on the side of his head. His hand darted out to grab her wrist before she touched him.
“’Tis worse than it looks.” He still didn’t open his eyes.
She smirked. “How can ye ken that?”
“Yer concerned for me and ye need not be.” His voice was flat.
Thomasina turned her gaze to her hand. He released it immediately. She turned back but his eyes remained closed.
“How are ye doing that?”
“I’ve been able to ken yer thoughts since we met.”
She wasn’t certain if his tone warmed or if it was her imagination but her heart raced at the statement. “What do ye mean ‘ken my thoughts’?”
Sean started to take a deep breath but stopped, his grimace indicating the amount of pain he was in.
“Just sit still.”
She pulled the bread from where she’d tucked it inside her tunic.
His eye flew open. “I do not want it.”
She frowned. “But ye need yer nourishment to keep up yer strength.”
He closed his eyes. “I told ye. Ye need not be concerned.”
The three reappeared, minus one body, without a sound.
“Are ye able to travel Sean?” Lachlan questioned.
Sean stood with a wince that forced Thomasina to reach toward him. He turned on her. “Dunna even think about touching me.”
Lachlann reached around his back and took Sean’s weight again. He offered Thomasina a reassuring smile. “He meant he’s too heavy for ye to help.”
“Come with me and get the horses ready.” Niall took her hand, Aldred following behind. She didn’t feel right leaving Lachlann to deal with Sean and his broken body but her brother gave her no choice. He weaved his way through the trees to the horses.
“He is in a lot of pain.” She stated the obvious. “Who beat him so mercilessly?”
Niall mounted his horse. “He’ll tell us when he’s ready.”
He leaned down to bring her up behind him. Aldred mounted his horse but didn’t follow.
“Where is he going?” Thomasina asked.
“To see to the sheep.”
Niall and Thomasina traveled silently behind the buildings of the village, Lachlann’s horse in tow. Lachlann helped Sean onto the horse.
“I must find Tadhg’s knife,” Sean said.
