Part 25 (1/2)
His eyes narrowed.
”This fortress is nearly impenetrable. But to a.s.sure the safety of those inside, I leave a dozen men capable of withstanding any attack.”
At his words of rea.s.surance she took in a long, steadying breath.
”Where do you go?”
”We ride to the Borders.”
”Then you must take me home.”
He saw the eagerness in her eyes and wished he did not have to be the one to dash her hopes.
”Nay, my lady. We ride on a mission of revenge.”
Her heart sank once more.
”Gareth MacKenzie.”
”Aye.” He draped the cloak across his shoulders at a rakish angle and pulled himself into the saddle.
”When the MacKenzie is dead I will return you to your people.”
”And if you die instead?”
”Would that please you, my lady?”
When she remained silent he gave her a rare, heart- stopping smile.
”If I oblige you by being killed, I would suppose the MacKenzie would come for you. That is,” he said with a sweep of his plumed hat, 'if he still desires to align your two clans.”
”He will come for me,” she called.
But Brice did not hear her words above the clatter of hooves. Or if he did, he chose not to answer.
”Jamie,” he called to the lad who watched their preparations from the doorway.
”I leave the lady Meredith in your care until I return.”
The boy's cheeks flamed until they matched the color of his hair.
”Aye, Brice. I'll see to her.”
With shouts of eagerness the men whipped their horses into a run.
Within minutes they had disappeared into the surrounding forest.
Meredith sat by the window watching the path of a shooting star. How strange life was. So often, when she got what she had wished for, it turned out to be not at all what she wanted.
She had wished for Brice to leave her alone long enough so that she could slip into the forest and make her way back home. But now that Brice had finally left her, she was unable to leave. Someone now lurked in the forest beyond Kinloch House who wished her even greater harm than could befall her at the hands of Brice.