“Why have the Sutherlands done nothing to right this wrong?” Kai asked.
“Ye can no’ put faith in Sutherlands,” she said.
“What is yer name, lass?” Colin asked gently.
If Kai didn’t know better… Was Colin smitten by the girl?
“My name is Tiva. Please…” She offered the coins to Kai. “Take this back, for if I am caught with coin or new clothes, Igor will whip me.”
“What sort of man tortures women and children?” Kai asked, thinking of his own father. “Is there a way for you to escape?”
“W-what?”
“Can ye sneak away, lass?” Colin asked.
“I canna leave my mam.”
“You have no choice. If Igor loves her as you say, he will not hurt her. Our camp is a mile south from here. Try to get there after everyone goes to sleep. I will take you to safety, give you a home at Sands Airgid.”
“Tiva!” Igor yelled from the doorway of the lodge.
“I-I must go.”
Colin took her hand. “I will come for ye, lass. I’ll wait behind the last cottage.”
She nodded and ran away.
“Igor deserves to die.” Colin stared in the direction of the lodge, watching as the girl disappeared inside.
“Tis not the right time.” Kai understood his rage, for he felt the same. If he could, he would slaughter all of the men inside that structure and set the women and children free. They were outnumbered. Still, if they could save one innocent soul, so be it. “She will come with us, I promise.”
