“This key you’re after. What is it?”
“It’s a key,” she said with a shrug.
“There must be something special about it. Tell me.”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I did.”
“Try me.”
She shrugged again. “What the heck. I got a key sent to me in the mail along with a flyer for MacGregor Castle.”
“What’s a flyer?”
“Like an advertisement. Never mind. I took the key with me to the castle and I heard this woman singing on the other side of the door to the Laird’s bedroom.
“I unlocked it and I don’t know what happened but then I was suddenly on the battlements and two men in armor were dragging me into this room.
“Then this sleazy fat guy turned up, took the key off me and used it to unlock another door. He shoved me through and kept the key.”
“And that’s where I found you?”
“You don’t believe me, do you.”
“I ken you appeared out of nowhere at the abbey. I ken you look exactly like Morag and have got everyone believing you are her. Even Angela seemed convinced and we told her who you really are.”
“I promise I’m not making this up.”
“Maybe you are and maybe you aren’t. What will you do if we manage to get this key of yours back?”
“Go home. What about you?”
“What about me?”
“What will you do when we get to the castle?”
“Help you find the key.”
She frowned, leaning forward in her seat. “What’s in it for you?”
“I told you before. If the Laird and Lady come out of hiding, they’ll see what harm their cursed steward has been daeing tae the clan. He waited a long time to take over and he’s made the most of it but time’s up.”
“No, there’s more to it. There’s something you’re not telling me.”
“I dinnae ken what you’re blethering about.”
He noticed too late that there was something behind her shoulder. He cursed himself for getting distracted by the conversation when he should have been watching.
“What’s that?” she asked, seeing the expression on his face. “What have you seen?”
“Ronald’s guards. See if there are any cowls down by your feet.”
“There’s nothing in here.”
“Then we’re going tae have tae outrow them. Haud on.” He began pulling at the oars faster but they had a sail and the wind was in their favor.
From what he could make out, there were half a dozen of them on board. Two minding the sail and the rudder, the others with bows ready. They were getting closer.
He glanced behind him at the mainland which still seemed far too distant. Could they make it? He knew in his heart they had no chance but they had to try. “Duck,” he said. “Lest they start loosing off.”
