*
An hour laterMoira rode out of the gates, not toward MacLeod lands, but west, deeper into Hart lands. She didn’t want to arise the suspicion of the guards keeping watch, and since she rode the lands often, none gave her a second look seeing the direction she was headed.
When she was satisfied she was far enough away from Hartsmoor, she pulled on the reins, slowing her horse to a stop. If she turned and headed northeast, she would eventually run into MacLeod territory.
Reaching for the bag she’d brought along, Moira withdrew the cloak she’d stuffed inside. Its colors belonged to neither Hart nor MacLeod. It would make traveling unnoticed much easier.
She slipped off her own cloak and shoved it into the bag, then pulled the other one on, securing it at her neck.
Looking up, she gauged the sun’s location. It wasn’t an easy task. The pine branches hung thick overhead and blocked much of what she was searching for, but she finally figured it out.
Happy with what she believed was the way to MacLeod lands, Moira steered the horse in that direction at a trot. Soon, she pushed the horse faster. Trees passed in a blur as she dodged low-hanging branches, taking care to keep her face scratch-free.
The sun was high in the sky. She would need to make haste if she expected to get to MacLeod lands and back afore nightfall.
Urging her horse on, she felt bad for pushing the creature to such lengths. Soon he would need to stop to rest a bit and drink.
A burn flowing with fresh water came into view and Moira slowed the horse, leading him to the water so he could drink his fill. Nearby, she dropped to her knees and splashed the cool water on her face. She studied her surroundings. Pine needles, orange with age, carpeted the forest floor beneath her. It felt as if she were kneeling upon a pillow.
The tangy scent of pine surrounded her, infiltrating her senses. Birds tweeted from the branches above, their happy birdsong echoing in the air, lightening her mood. She loved the freedom the woodsoffered. It was her second favorite place to be.
Moira had to be getting close to MacLeod lands. She’d been riding for what seemed like hours and her surroundings were unfamiliar. She was either on the thin strip of Mackenzie land that separated the Hart and MacLeod lands, or she’d crossed over onto MacLeod lands. She wasn’t certain.
Her horse lifted its head, sniffing the air for a moment before turning its attention back to the burn and continued drinking.
The forest suddenly grew quiet and once again her horse stopped drinking. He huffed as he bobbed his head and stomped his hoof into the soft ground.
Unease flooded Moira and she held her breath, her gaze scanning the trees.
She couldn’t see anything, but there was a reason why the critters stopped chattering.
Someone was watching her. She could feel it. She couldn’t see them, but they were there.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, praying it was friend and not foe. Just in case, she slowly dropped her hand to clasp the dirk tucked into her boot.
“Dinnae move.” The order came from a low voice, just over her right shoulder.
Moira froze, not daring to move at the gruff voice that ordered her to remain still. Her eyes widened at the feel of steel prodding her back. She didn’t ken who it was, but she kenned very well when a sword was pointed at her.
“Whate’er ye are reaching for, I suggest ye stop,” the man growled.
Moira sighed. “I am only traveling to meet friends. I’ve done naught.” It wasn’t a lie.
“Alone?”
She could lie. Though whoever accosted her would easily seethrough it. Mayhap if she didn’t have her horse with her, she could make the tale believable. There would be more than one horse if she were traveling with someone else.
Cursing silently, she wished she could see who it was behind her. What clan they were affiliated with. Though with his dour countenance, for certs he was a MacLeod.
“Are ye traveling alone? I willnae ask again.”
He prodded her shoulder with the tip of his sword again, and she flinched.
“Aye. I am visiting with friends.”
“Ye should ken better than to be out here alone. Stand up and turn around.”
Moira closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. The intentions of this man, whoever he was, were clear. What had she gotten herself into?
