Page 117 of Claimed Highland Brides

Simon’s eyebrows rose. “Is that so? Can I speak wi’ her?”

“I shall ask her if she’ll speak wi’ ye. Aifric is wi’ her.”

“Aifric? Is she the one who sent the Sassenach off wi’ Goraidh?”

The innkeeper shrugged.

“Alrigh’ then, please ask her if I may have a word.”

Alasdair went off as Simon waited in the taproom. Soon after, both Aifric and a young woman arrived. The woman was wearing a skirt that was frayed as if she’d been rolling about in the thorny brush with it. But it was clean, as was her person. She came up to him, looking at him with Delwyn’s eyes.

This must be his sister. But if so, where has he gone?

“Forgive me for disturbing ye, ma’am. My name is Simon Campbell and I believe ye are the woman I was sent tae try and rescue by my laird?”

She snorted, turning her nose up at him. “I did not need rescue. I was perfectly fine.”

Simon was at a loss. “I see.”

His eyes shifted to Aifric and he raised his eyebrows.

“Things have transpired since ye left Braenaird, dear sergeant at arms,” she said without preamble. “They took Lord Barton’s wife. He has gone after her. He left this one in my care.”

Simon immediately frowned. “They took Mistress Barton? And Lord Barton went after her, alone?”

“Aye.”

Simon shifted from foot to foot in agitation. “I must...”

“Aye.” Aifric nodded with wise eyes.

“Where?”Simon demanded.

“I will show ye.” Aifric’s voice was calm as she stared at Simon.

The lassie was looking from Simon to Aifric as if she was not quite following. “You’re going to my brother?”

“Aye, Simon nodded quickly.”

“I want to come with you,” Maegen demanded

Simon and Aifric exchanged glances.

She clutched Simons’s shirt. “I mean it! I am coming with you!”

“Why? If ye’re worried aboot yer brother, we will help him, I promise ye.”

“It’s not that. If…if Neacel took my brother’s wife, then…everything Delwyn said about him…was true.” Her bottom lip trembled. “I need to see for myself.”

Simon rolled his eyes. “We dinnae have time for⁠—”

“I won’t slow you down. I am an excellent rider and I do not want my brother facing this alone any more than you do. He is a brave man but he is just one man. And the man he described Neacel to be is ruthless and without mercy or...compassion.” Her eyes were misty with tears and Simon turned away, unable to watch her disillusionment.

“Alrigh’ then. Let’s ride.”

* * *

They found the horses first, two of them, hobbled in the long grass. “Delwyn and his guide,” Daividh murmured. His tracker nodded.