As Leah had promised, the boys were waiting at the bottom of the rope. Evan held tightly to Kali’s hand as he dragged her faster and faster away from the keep. Ben and Stephen ran behind them. Kali covered her hair with her shawl, and then the boys prompted her to be quiet as they hid and waited for the last patrol to pass by.
The amount of knowledge and covert abilities of these children astounded Kali. No child should be forced to acquire such skills. They deserved to be happy and free from troubles. But life had demanded too much from these orphans.
Once they cleared the immediate area of the keep and headed down the incline to the burn, Kali stopped the boys. “Where are we headed, Evan?”
“To the cave.”
“Are Raini and the others waiting for us there?”
“Aye. Trust me, Lady Kali, Ye will be safe with us. And if we need to move farther away, there’s another secret place we hide.”
She stared at the lad in awe. “There’s more than one cave?”
He nodded.
Thank God they had Raini and each other. That dear woman was no witch but a saint.
“We will follow close to the burn,” Evan said. “It’s too dangerous to take the usual route to the cave. Patrols have been heavy lately, and I’m sure once the laird discovers ye’re missing, more will be sent.”
“I am glad ye’re with us,” Ben said.
“Aye, me too,” Stephen said with a brilliant grin.
Kali trusted them completely and followed the boys to the burn.
…
Heather had mentally prepared herself for the moment Lord Nelson or Laird MacKay or anyone else decided to invade Yvaine’s chamber and demand to see Kali. She’d reject them immediately, for what groom could be permitted to see his bride before the ceremony? ’Twould bring a year of bad luck and misfortune, and every Highlander believed it.
She hadn’t slept at all, and when Yvaine and Ariana finally awoke, it was time to prepare Ariana for her wedding.
Heather ordered the copper tub and hot water brought into the solar where the other maids had slept, shooing them away to the kitchens to eat, claiming the brides required privacy.
Finally alone together, Ariana quickly questioned Heather. “Where is me sister?”
“Doona worry,” Heather assured her, holding her hands. “Yer sister is strong and slid down that rope with ease. She’s a brave lass. As are ye.”
Yvaine joined them, giving Ariana a kiss on the cheek. “I wouldna had the courage to climb out that window and down the wall. Somehow in me heart, I feel like everything is going to be all right. As if Fate has somehow brought us all together for a reason.”
“’Tis a profound thought for such a wee girl,” Heather said, admiring the lass.
Yvaine’s cheeks flushed. “What do ye think I do with me time while locked up in this tower? Embroidery or sewing shirts for me brothers and father grows boring. All I am left with are me thoughts or manuscripts me brothers sneak in.”
“I think yer future may change for the better, too,” Ariana said.
“If Adam becomes laird, I know he willna act as me sire has. He believes women should be educated. Taught how to read and write and work numbers. He’s often told me nothing is more dangerous than a spiritless woman.”
“Yer brother seems an intelligent man,” Ariana said. “I wish I had a brother or two, or a father who loved me.” Tears gathered in her eyes, and Heather drew her into a hug.
“I know this day is weighing heavy on yer shoulders, lass. And I wish Kali were here to comfort ye. But I promised yer sister I would protect ye with me life, and if there is anything I can do…”
Someone pounded on the door, silencing them.
“Open the door,” a man called loudly.
“Who is it?” Heather asked.
“Lord Nelson. I demand an audience with my bride.”
