There was a brief pause, then Una heard Bearnas curse and say, "All right.Remove the gag and ask her."
Una's eyes rounded.She wondered what manner of idiots had just kidnapped her.But if they were fool enough to ask her opinion, she would turn it to her advantage.The moment the gag was removed, she said, "I agree with Mr.Talorc.Return me to the village and the thane will pay ye far more than fifty sceats."
"See, I told ye," Talorc grinned."That's two against one."
Una held her breath, hardly daring to hope that stupidity might yet save her.
Finally, Bearnas said, "All right, ye win.But we best take another road, because if they catch us here, we're dead."
Una wanted to jump for joy but kept her expression somber.Unfortunately, she was gagged again as the cart turned and headed in a different direction.Trussed up as she was, she could not help but turn the situation over in her mind.Someone had paid these men to kidnap Fenella and mistaken her for her cousin.But rather than stick to the original plan, they were now going to steal both the dowry and her, and likely enrage some very dangerous men in the process.
Trust her luck to get kidnapped by imbeciles.
A mixture of fear and adrenaline surged through her.She just needed to keep her wits about her long enough to find a way to escape.
The cart bounced over rougher roads, each jolt sending Una sliding across the wooden boards.She could hear the men chatting, clearly pleased with their foolhardy plan.
The cart hit another rut, sending Una crashing into the side.Her carefully embroidered gown was already filthy, covered in dust and straw.The arisaidh had come unpinned and tangled around her waist.
She wanted to scream.Wanted to cry.
Una closed her eyes and forced herself to think.She needed to plan an escape, and when the moment came, they could never know her real identity.
Someone help me,she thought desperately as the cart rattled on.Bella.Boyd.Anyone.Please.
But she knew there was no one coming.She would need to rely on herself.
Story of her life, really.
***
Chapter 6
The Forest Road – Later That Day
Cormac sat astridehis horse in the dappled shadows of the forest, watching the road below.
