Four men stood around it. They appeared well-rested, wearing fresh clothes. Even Craig’s injured arm swung beside him. As Duncan took in the scene, it angered him more.
“Are we nae close?” he asked in a low voice. Craig glanced at him but kept his mouth shut.
“We are. In less than a day of hard riding we should reach the manor.” Bryce pointed at the spot on the map. “Same with my camp.”
“Hmm. I cannae shake me unease,” Duncan said, walking inside fully. He shelved the childish part of him that wanted to rub ash on their rested faces. “It has been too quiet.”
Craig spoke up quickly, “tis what I was jus’ sayin’. With the attack on me, the farm, an’ Jo’s story, it appears somethin’ is goin’ on. They should have gone with the main troop. Why did they stay back?”
“It might not be the same people,” Bryce said. “They could be stray soldiers in search of sustenance. Is there cause for worry?”
“There is, if they are willing to harm an old man and Craig. I think they may be searching somethin’.”
All eyes avoided Duncan as soon as he said that. He could almost hear the silentor someone.Duncan straightened to his full height. “If it is her, she will be protected,” he said in a voice that brooked no argument. None of the men refuted him. “But right now, we have to ensure the safety of everyone. I will scout-”
One of the men who’d been silent coughed into his palm, interrupting Duncan. Sometimes, Duncan was dead certain that the man had been appointed by his mother to prevent him from embarking on foolishly dangerous trips.
Just as Duncan expected, the man crossed his arms and regarded Duncan, “We have seen the extent of the damage to the farm, Craig’s mutilated arm…”
“’Tis fine now,” Craig snapped, waving the arm in front of the man. “See? Nae mutilated.”
“Anyway, tis too dangerous for ye tae set out alone, until we ken the extent of it.”
“I’m goin’,” Duncan said, about to walk to the door. The man rushed to stand in front of him. “Please, listen. The laird is sick, if anythin’ happens tae ye, we would be in trouble.”
“Pleaseget out of me way. I have tae go an’ return afore we leave.” Also, it was the perfect excuse to avoid facing Jo for a good long while.
“Appoint someone, me. Let me dae it.”
Craig snorted, nodding at the man’s graying head. “what’ll ye dae? Glare them tae death? Ye’ve nae been in a real fight fer years. I should go. Tis me duty and he’s right, Duncan. Ye’re in a delicate position.”
Bryce nodded.
Duncan narrowed his eyes at the men. “’Tis a wonder why I was allowed tae fight.”
“’Tis different in battle, ye have other men tae protect ye. If ye die, tis a warrior’s death.”
He would have stormed off in a huff, but he was a warrior. He could handle three English men without sweating. However, he decided to listen. Also, because this interaction would reach his mother.
“Fine. If ye dinnae return in four hours, I will go after ye.” From the corner of his eyes, he saw the older man drop his face in his palm.
Craig smiled, “tis more than enough.”
On his way out, he anchored his hand on Duncan’s and whispered, “ye had a great night, what are ye on about?” Duncan landed a punch to Craig’s side.
“Scram!”
Grace moved her palm to the other side, fishing for the comforting warmth that she’d felt throughout the night.
However, Grace’s eyes were forced open. She scanned the empty tent for signs of him. There were none. She slipped her feet into her shoes and proceeded to make her morning ablutions. She had to make do with the rough soup and herbs for teeth and water. It was the hardest part about this place. She’d gotten creative with her clothes, washing when she could and leaving the top to dry overnight. Same with her undergarments. That one was a bit embarrassing with Duncan in the tent, but he had never commented on them. Remembering the previous night, Grace colored aggressively as the memories came flooding, but at that point there was no use for such bashfulness.
She looked down at her legs, at the place where Duncan had lowered his tongue to bring her satisfaction. Her lashes fluttered shut and she swayed on the spot. Once she was dressed, her body churned with anxiety.
She would have to face him now. What would she say? How would he regard her? She stepped out of the tent. Since he hadgone before Grace had awoken, she toyed with the idea that he regretted what had happened between them.
When she emerged from the tent, she saw men bustling about, preparing to move once more. They called to each other in jolly voices. The few that caught her eyes gave her greeting nods. The day was warm and a bit humid, plastering her long hair to her neck and back. Still, her heart lifted with the sound of birds singing and chasing across the electric blue sky.
She could not find any of the men with whom she was familiar. Grace returned to the tent with the intention of packing up their belongings. First thing she did was grab the bag with theSgianDubh.She wondered if it was time to hide it by her leg or whether she could claim the bag as hers. She’d gathered a few personal things and was almost certain Duncan would let her have it.
