Page 5 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"Twice what others pay."

"In truth?" A long pause stretched out. "Do you think he would hire me?" Randall asked.

"You would need to ask him."

"Is the work dangerous?"

The stranger grunted. "Nay more than guarding."

They were quiet for a minute while the other men led horses into the stables.

The two guards mumbled words, and the only one she understood was raid.

"Cattle?" Randall asked in a hushed tone.

The stranger chuckled but kept his voice low. "Nay. Something far bonnier."

During the silence, Elsea also wanted to know what sort of raids the earl was going on.

"Damnation, Roy, I have nay second sight," Randall grumbled.

"Swear you will never tell a soul?" Roy gritted out.

"Of course, I swear. I need a job that pays better."

Roy hissed an unintelligible word.

Pulse hammering in her ears, Elsea held her breath and turned her head, trying to hear better.

"Did you say... selkies?" Randall mumbled.

Elsea froze, mouth dropping open.

"Shh. He will have my head if word gets out."

Randall snorted. "You're mad. They're nay real."

"I carried one of the lasses. She felt real to me."

What the devil? Elsea didn't know more selkies existed... besides Brodie.

"Where?" Randall asked.

"An island."

"What's he doing with them?"

"What do you think?" Roy asked in a cryptic tone. "Gambling and fine horses require a fat purse. Besides, debt could be involved."

Elsea narrowed her eyes, a storm raging through her chest.

"Are their men skilled fighters?"

"Nay, but they're getting training. Some say he is a clan chief, but also... one of them."

"The laird will likely need more soldiers. I must talk to him." Randall said.

The two walked away.