Page 19 of Married to her Kilted Enemy

“Aye, there’s nae much of a description tae go on,” Renly said, shaking his head regretfully.

“Just a group of around fifteen mounted men in dark clothing and wearin’ masks,” Liam observed. “’Tis all we have tae go on.”

“At least until Tadgh returns,” Odhrán pointed out. “I pray he gets back soon with some intelligence, and in one piece too.”

“Dinnae worry about Tadgh, he can take care of himself,” Laim said, sounding to Odhrán as if he was trying to convince himself of his brother’s safety. Odhrán held his tongue, for he felt exactly the same and could not help worrying about his friend, who still had not returned.

—

My dear reader,

I apologize for the interruption…

But you just stumbled upon a SECRET GIFT!

And if you download this book for free, you’ll get a ONCE ONLY opportunity to join my ARC group.

This means MORE GIFTS! Because you’ll be getting books of mine and other authors of the genre one week ahead of release and for FREE.

The only thing you need to do is use the link below and download the book!

I’ll reply in your inbox to let you know the details.

So, what do you think? Will you join me on this reading adventure? The clock is ticking…

Just click on the link!

CHAPTER TEN

Two tense nights later, Tadgh did arrive home, with the shaft of an arrow embedded his left shoulder, wrapped in dirty, bloody bandages. He clattered into the courtyard on his tired stallion, his coat heavily stained with blood, looking pale and exhausted from pain.

“By God, Braither, what’s happened tae ye?” Liam cried anxiously as he and Odhrán rushed out of the keep to greet him, having been told of Tadgh’s approach. Tadgh slipped from his saddle, grimacing with pain from his injured shoulder when he hit the floor.

“I was ambushed near Tarryvale last night. It was dusk, and I couldnae see who shot at me from amongst the rocks. All I glimpsed was a black shadow runnin’ away before I passed out fer a while,” Tadgh told them, handing the horse over to a waiting stable man.

“Ye need tae see Alana at once about that wound,” Odhrán instructed him, eyeing the stained bandages dubiously. “It disnae look awful clean, and ye dinnae want tae get an infection.”

“Aye, I’ll go and see her, but at least grant me a pint or two of good ale beforehand. Me throat’s as dry as a duck’s bum,” Tadgh replied. “I’ll feel ten times better after some ale, man,” Tadgh said a little pleadingly.

“I’ll have the ale sent over tae the infirmary. Ye can kill two birds with one stone, eh?” Odhrán said, knowing Tadgh was nervous about seeing Alana but also genuinely scared for his friend’s welfare. It was not necessary that Alana should talk to Tadgh if she did not wish to, just as long as she healed him. Odhrán looked around and saw a servant hovering nearby. Odhrán caught his eye.

“Will ye see tae it that a flagon of ale is sent tae the infirmary right away fer the captain, lad?” he asked him.

“At once, me laird,” the servant replied with a respectful nod before darting away.

Odhrán looked at Tadgh, who was cradling his injured shoulder with his palm. “Come on, man. Yer ale’s on the way. Me and Liam will take ye tae see Alana. We need tae get that arrow out of ye.”

“All right, all right. I can give ye me report on the way,” Tadgh offered, walking between them as they made for the healer’s cottage.

“What did ye find out?” Odhrán asked, looking at him keenly.

“I was comin’ from the house of a man I heard was involved in the attack on us,” Tadgh began, but Odhrán interrupted him.

“There was a second attack, a few days back, on a village further down the north-east border,” he said. “It was the same men, by all accounts.”

“Ach, I feared somethin’ like that would happen while I was away,” Tadgh said with regret. “I was on me way back tae tell ye what I found out when I got this arrow.” He gestured at his wound. “I’ve nae proof what this fellow told me is true yet, but I heard the same thing from several sources. I’m certain I ken who’s behind it all. Ye’re nae gonnae like it, but maybe ye’ll nae be so surprised either,” Tadgh told them.

“Go ahead and tell me, will ye?” Odhrán demanded flexing his hands, feeling excited and vengeful. “Whoever it is, they’ll rue the day they crossed Clan Lennox.”