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“I’m coming with ye,” she declared, as though he had no choice in the matter. There were a few grumbles from Maxwell’s men, which she ignored, but she couldn’t ignore the look in Maxwell’s eyes. They were so cold they were almost cruel.

“I dinnae work with women,” he said.

Hilda was aghast. He might as well have slapped her with an open palm.

“What dae ye mean ye dinnae work with women? I’m as capable as anyone around here, as well ye should know given how we met,” she said, believing that she had given a good account of herself in battle with him.

“It doesnae matter. I dinnae work with women,” he said flatly, as though there was no changing his mind.

Hilda was incensed. There was no way this man was going to stop her from helping track down her mother’s killers.

“Well, part of the deal is that I gae with ye. If ye want yer gold, then ye’ll have tae accept working with me,” she spoke defiantly, placing her hands on her hips and thrusting her chin out.

Maxwell studied her for a few moments. Pride swelled within her as she sensed the moment when he was going to crack, just as others had done before him. It was rare that anyone could stand up to her when she had her mind set on something, but on this occasion, her judgment was awry.

Maxwell shook his head slightly and then turned, walking away from her. He whistled to his men, and they left too. Hilda’s defiant gaze fled from her face, and she stared at him in disbelief. She expected Maxwell to come back, but he retreated from the clan, and she had just turned away someone who was going to help.

Varrik sighed. It was a swell of disappointment, and she hated it more than if he had shouted at her.

“Da… I didnae mean tae make him leave! I thought he was gaeing tae stay. I thought he was just being difficult.”

“Aye, I know you did,” Varrik replied. “That’s the problem with you, Hilda. You always think you know what other people are thinking. You don’t know everything. Sometimes I wish you would just do as you’re told. It would make all our lives easier,” Varrik said as he turned away.

Hilda felt all the eyes of the clan upon her, judging her. Tears welled in her eyes again, and she felt truly alone for the first time in her life. She had caused her family no end of strife, and just when an ally presented themselves, she turned them away because she was stubborn. It felt as though everything she touched was cursed, and she had no idea when it was going to end.