Page 38 of Highland Storm

“Speakin’ of auld men,” said Hawke, looking back at the fire. “Keep an eye on my great-grandda. He really doesna seem to like Phoebe. And we all ken how crazy he can act once he starts drinkin’ his Mountain Magic.”

“He’s already passed out in the back of the cart,” said Ethan. “But I’ll have Trapper sleep in the wagon and make sure auld Callum doesna go near Phoebe.”

“I still think I should take Jack out into the forest to look for that lone MacNab,” said Logan.

Hawke noticed Phoebe glance over her shoulder at them and then stand up.

“Nay, there’s no need to do that,” said Hawke.

“Why no’?” asked Ethan.

“Because, if there is a MacNab in the woods, he’ll come to camp to get Phoebe tonight, or she’ll try to sneak away to get to him. Either way, I’ll be sleepin’ with one eye open and will be ready for whatever happens. And this time, I swear the lass isna goin’ to make me look like a fool again.”

Chapter 13

Phoebe awakened with a jerk, startled by a noise. Realizing it was only the snoring of old Callum, she rolled onto her back, intending to go back to sleep until she saw something move in the tree above her.

At first she thought mayhap it was Hawke’s bird. But then she saw the red of the MacNab plaid and knew differently. Her eyes opened wide and her heart stilled. There was her clan member, Lennox, balanced precariously on a branch above her, holding his finger to his lips to keep her from speaking and alerting the others.

She quickly glanced around the camp, but everyone was sleeping. In the light of the campfire, she saw Lennox pointing to the river.

She nodded, understanding he wanted her to meet him there. Sitting up, she silently slipped her feet into her shoes and got to her feet. Her heart raced. Lennox was here to save her and bring her back to her father! Taking one step, she realized she didn’t have her bag with Orrick’s book in it. Scanning the ground, she looked for it, but didn’t see it. Then, she spotted it in the last place she wanted it to be. Hawke had the strap of her traveling bag over his shoulder and his hands were folded atop the bag, guarding it in his sleep. Or keeping it away from her, anyway.

She should have walked away without it, but she couldn’t. Needing the knowledge written in the book to hopefully heal her father, she couldn’t leave it behind. Slowly and carefully, she lifted one of Hawke’s hands, moving it to the side. Then she slipped the book out from inside the bag and hurried toward the river.

Hawke peeked out through slitted eyes, letting the sneaky wench think she was getting away with pulling one over on him again. His idea of sleeping with the bag instead of her tied to him worked beautifully. He knew she would never leave without Orrick’s book. And in trying to sneak it away from him, she’d unknowingly woken him. He hadn’t slept much all night, figuring something was going to happen, and he was right.

As soon as she left, he sat up, meaning to follow. Logan’s wolf was awake and came to his side. “Let’s go, Jack,” he whispered. “I need yer help in trackin’ down someone.” He followed the wolf through the woods and toward the river.

* * *

Phoebe hurried through the forest without a light to guide her. Her heart beat furiously with anxiety, excitement and hope. Now, she’d be rescued and taken back to her father. She couldn’t wait. As she walked, she kept looking back over her shoulder, but couldn’t see anyone following her. Then she stopped at the edge of the river and waited.

“Lennox?” she called out in a whisper. “Lennox, where are ye?” She was sure Lennox meant for her to meet him at the river, yet he was nowhere to be found. Then she heard a muffled noise, a growl, and snapping twigs. She jumped in surprise. Was there a wild animal stalking her? Bending over, she reached into her boot and pulled out her throwing knife, holding it in front of her for protection. Not sure where the noise had come from, she turned a full circle with the knife at the ready.

“Phoebe,” said someone, making her spin around.

“Och, it’s ye, Lennox,” she said in relief, lowering her knife. “I’m glad ye’re here to save me.”

“Where are the MacKeefes takin’ ye?” asked the man.

“We’re goin’ to their camp in the Highlands until the MacNabs trade their chieftain for me. Are the rest of the men already back at the castle?”

“Aye. We took The MacKeefe there and I returned as a scout. Euan figured the MacKeefes would come to the castle once he killed their messenger. The fools sent him sayin’ they wanted a trade.”

“Euan killed their messenger? Nay!” Phoebe’s heart went out to the poor boy. “Why would my faither allow that? I think the MacNabs are the fools, no’ the MacKeefes.”

“Yer faither has no say anymore.” Lennox spoke in a low voice, standing on the edge of the water. “He’s near death and Euan has claimed the right of chieftain. He and I rule now.”

“Nay,” she said, not wanting to believe it. She held her body stiff and looked at him from the corner of her eye. “What did ye do with the MacKeefe laird?”

“Well, now that ye’ll be back with us, Euan can either kill The MacKeefe or we can ask for a sizeable ransom. Either way, we win and the MacKeefes lose.” The man actually laughed. “Let’s go before those fools awake.”

He turned to go, but she didn’t follow. Suddenly, she didn’t know if leaving was the right thing to do. She didn’t want them to kill Hawke’s grandfather. Neither did she want the clans to go to battle. And if Euan demanded a high ransom, the MacKeefes might not be able to pay.

“Come on, Phoebe,” said Lennox, reaching out and taking her by the arm.

“Wait,” she said, trying to pull loose. “Does my faither ken about all this?”