“Aiden,” Niall said, his voice grim. “The sword and crown are gone.”
His lips tightened. “Have you found de Lourdes?”
“No. We found one of the lads unconscious with a bump on his head. He was watching the horses.”
A dull pain flashed behind Aiden’s eyes. “Cormac said there was no evidence of a trail in the woods. Where in bloody hell did the bastard go?”
“Mayhap Isabail knows.”
“He hurt her,” Aiden said. “Why would she know anything?”
“She let him into the tomb, Aiden. There’s no other way for him to have made off with the crown.” Niall’s lips twisted. “He took the necklace, too, of course.”
The dull pain sharpened. Niall was right. The likelihood that Isabail had shared her knowledge of the treasure with Daniel was high. The man had been injured only a few days before. It was not likely he’d spent the hours combing the tunnels that Isabail had. And the two were exceptionally friendly. Maybe even lovers.
Aiden stiffened. Lord, that made a painful amount of sense. She’d helped Daniel steal the treasure only to be betrayed herself by a false lover.
He strode to Niall’s hut and entered.
Ana met him just inside the door.
“How does she fare?” Aiden asked, the muscles in his throat so tight the words came out hoarse.
“I have healed the wound,” Ana said. “But the blood loss was great. Despite all my efforts, her body is weakening.”
He peered over her shoulder. Isabail lay on a straw pallet, her face deathly pale. Her blue gown was rent midway down her torso, and the soft wool was soaked with blood.Will she die?The question was on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn’t bring himself to speak it. He feared the answer wouldn’t be to his liking.
“She’s awake,” Ana said, stepping aside to let him pass. “I’ve asked her to rest, but she wishes to speak with you.”
As Aiden approached the bed, Isabail opened her bright blue eyes. They were the only color in her face. Even her lips were white as snow.
“It was Daniel,” she said softly.
“I know.”
“He took everything.”
That, too, he knew. “Where has he gone, Isabail? How did he escape?”
“The marsh. His plan was to guide the horses down the burn to the marsh.” Her eyes drifted closed, whether from weariness or a relived memory, he didn’t know. Nor did he dwell on which it was. It was a vicious blow to hear her speak of their plans to escape. Still, he knew Isabail had expended precious energy to tell him what she did.
“Rest now, lass. I will find him.” He turned to leave.
“He has Jamie.”
Aiden spun around. “What?”
“He has the lad.”
Aiden swallowed tightly. Of course. Jamie would have been able to gather the horses without alarming the guards. But, by God, why did it have to behim? Jamie had already been through so much.
He sank on his haunches at her side and picked up her hand—the slim hand that felt so perfect clasped in his. “I must go now, Isabail. I must hunt down de Lourdes and punish him for what he’s done. But while I’m gone, you must remain strong. I’ll not have you die. Understand?”
Isabail smiled faintly. “Even the healer will tell you that God is the only one who can decide who lives and who dies. I bow to His will.”
“No,” Aiden said firmly, staring deep into her eyes. “I’m the chief. You bow tomywill. Be here when I return, or I’ll shake the life back into you. I swear.”
She nodded. “As you wish.”
