Page 103 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"I could ride to Dunrhyne and steal the keek stane back," Torr said.

"'Twould be near impossible to ride from here, north, through the rough mountains. You would have to ride all the way back east to the glen to have a clear path. We'll have to go by sea."

"Kenneth and several of the men could take me in the galley."

Brodie shook his head. "The whoreson may have returned there by now, and 'twould be dangerous. You'll need to wait until I'm better. Besides, Gavin's likely on his way." Being in such horrid physical shape when he needed to be at his best irked Brodie to no end.

"Aye, he may bring additional men. Fifteen of my clansmen came with me," Torr said.

"I appreciate it. The bastard is likely aware I'm the one who led the selkies in the rescue, and he may attack Farspag."

***

STANDING BESIDE CAT and Agatha, Elsea looked on as Finnian washed his hands with soap and clean water in a basin in his workroom. Agatha drenched the talon scratches with whisky, while he hissed and grimaced in pain.

"'Tis punishment for the pain I inflicted on his lairdship with the whisky to his wound," Finnian grumbled.

"Nonsense. I sent a messenger to the village, asking the healer to come," Agatha said.

"I have an effective salve, m'lady. I do nay need the healer."

"Still, I would feel much better if she looked at the scratches."

A half hour later, the female healer had applied the salve and bandaged Finnian's hand. He drank a tisane, then retired to his chamber to rest.

"Come, Elsea," Cat said. "It has been a long time since I saw you. I wish to catch up." Cat practically dragged her up the turnpike stairwell. The afternoon sun beaming through the tiny slitted window turned Cat's ginger hair to flames for a moment.

Elsea grinned, knowing full well Cat was going to question her relentlessly, but she could not reveal everything. No one must find out about the cave.

"Are you trying to escape your mother?" Elsea whispered when they emerged in the upstairs corridor.

"Not escape exactly. I simply wish to talk in private, without her listening."

"Ah."

"She will nay keep a secret."

After they were inside Cat's bedchamber, she closed the door. "You must tell me how you came to be here."

Elsea was glad for Cat's friendly face and welcoming manner. She had considered Brodie's sister a friend when she'd first met her two years ago. Since Cat had married Elsea's second cousin, they were now family.

Elsea started at the beginning, when she'd overheard the earl's men talking in the stables about the selkie abductions. She gave a brief, quick version of most of the events that had happened over the past several days.

"The poor selkie women." Cat clasped her hand. "Have you recovered from the head injury?"

"Aye, mostly." Elsea touched the top back of her head. "There's still a sore lump."

"I must apologize for something." Cat drew back, appearing sheepish for a moment.

"What?"

"When Torr and I visited you at Kincreag Castle, I slipped a love potion into your drink."

Elsea's face heated. "You mean a lust potion." It wasn't a question, for she well remembered the carnal feelings it stimulated within her.

"Aye." Cat blushed. "I'm so sorry. I asked Finnian to concoct it, and I thought it would make you fall in love with Brodie again. But that was nay how it worked."

"You have the right of it." Elsea placed her hands on her flaming hot cheeks.