Thane was highly impressed. A woman in charge of the guards. He’d never envisioned such a situation and hoped to see Eli in action someday. Mayhap he could hire her to train some of their guards in archery.
Eli said, “Just one question. When the hell do we go after Garvie? Seems to be the most pressing issue, Maitland.”
Maitland stood and said, “Not yet, Eli. We need to train more guards before we attack anyone. And we need to become more skilled in a ship. Then we’ll talk. We need protection and food, then we consider attacking. First things first.”
“Oh, spit and slime. I’ll agree, Maitland, but someday I’m going after that ugly troll. Hellfire and hedgehogs.”
Maitland chuckled and said, “Eli likes to curse, but trust me that she will do whatever she promises.”
Thane stood and said, “Many thanks for your hospitality. Mayhap we should take our leave. If you lead me to my sister, I’ll retrieve her.”
Eli said, “Absolutely not. I insist that you spend the night after your journey. We have plenty of open chambers. Allow your sister to sleep in a chamber full of lasses. She’ll love it. Come along. Maitland is going out to our lists, newly established and something we are excited about. You must at least agree to staying for one meal. It is the Highland way.”
“I accept your hospitality and many thanks. May I follow along, Maitland?” Thane asked.
“Aye, as you wish.”
Eli said, “I’ll find Mora.”
Thane was trying to come up with a good way to ask about paying for stud services of his warhorse when Maitland said, “We’re not ready to send any horses out to use as studs yet. They need to adjust to their new home and each other first.”
“When you decide you are ready, I’d be happy to bring a mare or two here.”
“I’ll keep that in mind. We have one more shipment of horses coming soon. Once they are all settled, I’ll consider your request. Of course, our finest warhorse belongs to Alaric, so you’ll have to talk with him. We have many other fine ones, but Alaric’s is the best.”
They arrived at the lists and Thane was stunned. He’d never seen any such thing before in his life. He let out a whistle, and Artan exited the stables. He waved him over. “Please observe with me.”
He watched the men practicing their sword skills in the field in front of him, Alaric presently demonstrating by sparring with another. Thane had never seen such a demonstration of sheer physical power in his life. He had a new goal—to make himself that strong and skilled.
“Alaric’s cousin Broc is sparring with him. He just arrived, and the two can spar for hours because they love it so much. They demonstrate and the new guards spend their day training.”
Artan asked, “All day?”
“Most of it. We do have other work we need help with. They’ll be useful in repairing some of the cottages once we can fill them. Come, I’ll take you to the archery field.”
They made their way to the back of the castle and their stood Mora, a bow and arrow in her hand, Dyna standing behind her,arranging her stance before she stepped back and said, “Aim and fire.”
Mora shot and just missed the target. He applauded and Mora spun around, smiling. Astra shouted, “Terrific, Mora!”
Dyna approached him and said, “If you don’t mind, we’d love to have Mora stay for a sennight or two. Astra would love to have a friend, and we’d be pleased to work with her in the archery field.”
Mora waited expectantly until he nodded his approval. She squealed and launched herself at him, giving him a big hug.
Thane reminded her of her manners. “We’ll stay the night and leave on the morrow. Aye, you may stay. You’ll help wherever you can, Mora. They need help getting the castle established.”
“Of course! But I brought only enough clothing for one night.”
Dyna said, “Astra has more than she needs, and you are close in size. Plus, I insist on fitting you with your first pair of leggings and matching tunic, the only clothing a female archer should wear.”
Mora giggled with more excitement than he’d ever seen. Thane had a sudden odd thought as he watched Dyna with his sister.
Had he been wrong all these years about women?
Chapter Nineteen
Thane
Eight years ago, late spring, unknown island
