“It is better this way,” the soldier continued. “The King of Ossoria is the Ard-Righ’s prisoner, and he intends to make an example of him. The Queen and her daughter should stay far away from Tara.”
Which was what he’d anticipated. Rory Ó Connor kept hostages, but an execution was rare. If crimes were committed, fines were set by the brehons who passed judgment. A death sentence meant that Taryn’s father had committed a serious offense.
“The Lady wishes to plead for her father’s life,” he told the soldier. “It’s why she wanted to accompany Lady Carice to her wedding.”
The soldier shook his head. “King Devlin is guilty of treason. The High King will never let him live.”
So that was the reason. Killian doubted if he wanted to be involved with helping Taryn’s father, but he wanted to know more. “I heard that King Devlin refused to send men to join King Rory’s army.”
“No, he tried to raise his own army against the High King,” the soldier answered. “He wanted to claim the throne for himself.”
If that was true, then the soldier was right. Rory would never allow a rival king to lay siege to what was his. Killian thanked the soldier for the information and added, “I will speak with the Lady Taryn and tell her.”
He walked past the guards, toward the litter where his sister and Taryn were seated. The moment he came closer, Brodie drew his horse in front of them, blocking his path.
“What do you want?” the chieftain demanded.
I intend to warn the women, he wanted to say but didn’t. Instead, he answered, “I came to speak with the Lady Taryn. We are being followed by her mother’s guards.”
Brodie glowered at him. “I will grant you leave to speak with her, but do not bother Carice.” At that, he waved his hand in dismissal and moved his horse.
Killian walked alongside the litter and glimpsed both women through the curtained space. He spoke in a low voice. “Lady Taryn, your mother has sent guards after you. She’s wanting you to return to Ossoria.”
From a small opening in the curtains, he saw Taryn peer out at him. Her eyes held fear, and she kept her voice in a whisper. “How many men are with her?”
“Two dozen. They will catch up to us within the hour.”
He spied her dismayed reaction. “I cannot let her see me. I’ve come this far, and I don’t want to give up.” She closed her eyes, as if struggling to think.
He straightened and regarded her. “You could hide in the round tower, if we go now. Her men will continue following us while you make your escape.”
But his sister had a pointed look upon her face. “And who will stay with her, Killian? She cannot go there alone.” He didn’t answer, for he could see that she was trying to make him feel guilty.
“I’m not leaving you, Carice. Not until you’re safe.” There might be another of Rory’s men who could accompany Lady Taryn. But it would not be him.
His sister’s face softened with acceptance. “The soldiers know who I am, Killian. Even if Taryn leaves, it’s too late for any sort of deception. Either Trahern MacEgan will save me, or he won’t.”
He didn’t know what to say, but the idea of leaving her was unthinkable. His sister had improved a little, but she could hardly walk at all. “I won’t abandon you.”
Carice struggled to sit up. “You have to let me go, Killian. There’s nothing more you can do.”
The finality in her expression spoke of a woman who had accepted her inevitable death. Her gaze moved from Taryn to him and then she said, “You must go to the MacEgans. Their castle is not far from here, and you could take the Lady there by tomorrow evening. Find out if Trahern is coming for me. If he is not, you can send someone else.”
Taryn lifted the hood of her cloak over her hair. “I agree. If you continue traveling, my mother’s men will follow. I will go to the tower to hide, just as you suggested. And at dawn, Killian can lead me to the MacEgan holdings.” She turned back to Carice. “If they have not already sent Trahern, we will gather enough men to rescue you.”
He understood what she was proposing, but it still meant leaving Carice behind. And that wasn’t something he was willing to do.
Carice’s face was slightly flushed, but she nodded. “It is the simplest plan, and one that will work. And if the Queen catches up to us and makes inquiries, I can try to send her men elsewhere.”
“Why do you not wish to return to your family?” Killian asked Taryn. He could not understand why she was fleeing from them...unless her mother was responsible for the scars. At Taryn’s shudder, it made him wonder.
“I cannot,” was all she said, clenching the edges of the cloak.
God help him, he didn’t want to leave Carice and follow this woman. Their plans were falling apart, and he wanted to ensure that his sister escaped.
“Killian, you must do this for me,” Carice insisted. “Take her to the tower and hide her. I will be fine, I promise you.” To Taryn, she added, “Go with him, and follow his orders without question. He will see you safely to Laochre Castle. God willing, I will meet you there.” She reached her hand out to his and squeezed tightly. “Now go before they catch up to us.”
He met her gaze and saw the quiet strength in his sister’s eyes. “I will be all right, Killian. I believe that.” There was a slight difference in her demeanor, almost a new intensity.
