Then Boyd, Thamas, and seven of Boyd's war band readied their horses and took their leave.
Bella had given Boyd a large boist filled with clothes and essentials she felt Una would need when they found her.It was now strapped to his horse.
"North road first," Boyd said quietly."I want every route out of those woods searched, and scouts sent to check taverns and inns – especially those off the main thoroughfare."
Thamas mounted."Consider it done."
Boyd nodded, swung up into the saddle, and gave the command to ride.
The gates opened, and the Monk rode north at the head of his men.
***
Chapter 12
The Inn
By late afternoon,Cormac, Una, and his men reached an inn.
It sat at a crossroads, low and wide, with whitewashed walls gone grey with weather and a sign above the door so old the painting had worn to a ghost.Smoke came thick from the chimney, there were horses in the yard and light in every window.Inside Una could hear voices, the bang of a pot, and smell bread and meat and woodsmoke all at once.
After days in the forest, it was very nearly overwhelming.
Cormac spoke to the innkeeper, a broad woman called Maisie, who looked at Una with curiosity and at Cormac with wariness.Coin was produced for rooms and ample provisions for his men.
"We only have one fine room available for ye and yer wife.Yer men can bunk down in the common room and the building beside the stables.'Tis clean, warm, and well lit," Maisie said flatly, looking between them."There's also water from the well and a large scullery for baths."
"One room inside for the lady and enough pallets and provisions for my men," Cormac confirmed.
Una opened her mouth to say something.
"I'll take the floor," Cormac murmured without looking at her."'Tis easier if people think we are wed."
She closed her mouth.
His men took the common room and the barn between them.All of them were tired but in good spirits, knowing they would be sleeping in proper shelter with warm meals and baths.The moment they were through the door, the tension of the past days visibly left their shoulders.
