“Thank ye, Lady Kali,” Leah said, slipping her hand into Kali’s. “We should have thought of that before…”
“Nay,” Kali assured her. “It is not something a lass yer age should have to consider. Now, is there a way to the tower less traveled than the path I took here?”
“Aye,” Stephen said. “Follow us, Mistress.”
Within a half hour they were standing at the entrance to the tower.
Kali opened the door and invited them all in, hoping in her heart everything would work out so the children could sleep in her room tonight.
As they climbed the stairs and appeared in the open chamber, Kali caught Heather’s shocked expression as she waited for an explanation.
“Are ye familiar with these children?” Kali asked.
“Aye. They are known thieves and troublemakers. The laird would not be happy to see them here.”
Would the maid refuse to help her feed them? Would she run straight to her master and report everything?
“Hungry children canna be held responsible for taking food,” Kali said protectively, surprised by Heather’s words. “They are but babes without the protection of fathers and the love of their mothers.”
Heather’s gaze did not stray from Kali’s face. “And if we’re caught assisting them? Who will take the lashes for them?”
“I will,” Kali said without hesitation. “I am no stranger to the strap.”
“In that case…” Heather said, wiping her hands on her apron and then opening her arms wide, “come and give me hugs, for it has been a long while since I have seen ye rascals!”
Surprisingly, the children rushed to Heather, hugging her.
“I doona understand?”
“I must apologize, Lady Kali,” Heather said. “I needed to make sure ye wouldna harm these innocents before I admitted to knowing them well. Oftentimes I leave baskets of bread and fruit for them near the gardens so they can eat.”
“Aye,” Leah confirmed.
A loud snore coming from the other side of the room, near the hearth, made everyone fall silent.
“What on God’s green earth is that noise?” Silas asked.
“Is there a boar trapped inside?” Stephen teased.
“No,” Micah came to life suddenly, “’tis an injured coo.”
Their giggles were stifled by Kali’s reprimanding shake of a finger at them. “That is another guest of mine, and ye mustn’t make fun of her…”
Chapter Six
The old woman cackled from the comfortable chair where she had fallen asleep earlier. Kali didn’t know which sound unsettled her more, the roof-shaking snores or the witchlike laughter. Either way, the children obviously knew that voice, for they hurried to the hearth and gathered at Raini’s feet.
Kali observed the joy of the children as the older woman touched their heads with affection, calling each one by name.
“And you have grown, Master Silas,” she said. “As tall as an ancient tree, I think.”
“Maybe a branch,” he jested.
“And ye, Mistress Jenna.” Raini beckoned the child to climb onto her lap, then reached inside her cloak and pulled out an apple. “Here, sweet one. Eat it.”
Jenna’s eyes widened as she grabbed the fruit and took a huge bite.
It seemed these orphans had friends among the MacKays, though secret ones. It warmed Kali’s heart and gave her hope—anything seemed possible where kindness thrived.
