Page 36

To which Niall replied, “There will be no need as Lady Avelina will join us.”

Her brother seethed.

Tannochbrae bristled.

For her part, Avelina said nothing. Gave nothing away by her expression. But knew one thing for certain. In choosing Niall, she’d not made a mistake.

Chapter Eighteen

“No, Niall, do not.”

Of course, his brother had heard him. The man was a better tracker than any other. He heard everything. Probably felt Niall rise from his bed.

Reaching for his sword, he said nothing. Fastening it to his belt, his boots on already, he once again found himself having a late-night discussion with Kieran.

“I must.”

She was fire.

She was life.

Watching her in that meeting with the chieftain, Niall could not imagine any other but her by his side. As Tannochbrae had described what he’d learned thus far—the most interesting fact being that the cattle were seen by the blacksmith’s apprentice, who had been hunting with some of the boys from the village, being led east by a man he did not know—she’d remained quiet. But when he insisted there was naught else that could be done, Lina refused to let the matter drop. Even when both he and her brother agreed with the chieftain and thanked him for his efforts.

“There are none on that path who might know more? No dwellings close to the border? Surely there is someone who can identify the man who, we can likely all agree, wishes to reignite a war between our clans?”

“Perhaps you should look to your own clan, my lady, as the cattle are yours?”

Niall had thought to intervene, not caring for the man’s tone toward Lina.

She did not give him the opportunity. “As we most certainly are doing, my lord. But surely you need no reminder of the consequences of a renewed war between Clans Duncraig and MacKinlay.”

Tannochbrae lands lay between them, and if history was any sort of teacher, the lesson was simple. They would be as affected as anyone. The king would not have intervened all those years ago if their clans could have made some sort of peace on their own. If their feud had not affected so many of their neighbors.

“Of course, I was but a girl, so perhaps I am wrong,” she had finished.

Niall, unable to resist, had laughed aloud, incurring glares both from their host and Lina’s brother. Even now, he smiled in the darkness thinking of the exchange.

Their host had agreed to send a messenger to “one who may have seen the cattle’s movement.” Which meant a few more days in this keep. Ones Niall now intended to take full advantage of.

’Twas inevitable, he and Lina. He would go to her. Tell her as much.

Kiss her. Make love to her.

Marry her.

Perhaps she was right. Their union may even unite their clans. They were nearly neighbors, and there was no doubt both clans would be stronger as allies. None could deny it. Of course, neither would most likely accept it. His father would be furious. His mother, less likely so.

“You will marry her?” His brother sat up in his bed.

“I will.”

“Father will not accept her. Neither will our clansman.”

Niall took a candle and its holder from the table and brought it toward the wall torch. Lighting it, he moved toward his brother.

“Will you?”

Kieran sighed heavily. “My approval means little.”