Maitland saw the tub come in next and said, “I think we’ll leave Lia some goat’s milk while you and I search for the meatpies, unless you are anxious for a bath now.” Maitland’s smirk told Eli he knew exactly what the lad’s response would be.
“No bath.” Magni’s wide eyes told them everything, and Eli did her best to contain her smile.
“Alaric, would you take Thane along? Lia is going to have a bath and some new clothes, while the lads go for food. Will that be all right with you, Lia?”
“A bath would be lovely,” she whispered, that sweet smile never leaving her face. “If you please, Magni. I’ll be fine here.”
Magni said, “I’ll have a bath later.”
Thane chuckled, following Alaric and Maitland out the door. Magni ran, telling all of them exactly how he felt about having a bath.
As soon as the door closed behind the men, Tamsin’s eyes flickered open and she rolled onto her side. “Please help me save my daughter.”
“We will. I promise,” Eli said. “First, you must build your strength so you can tell us all you know. We cannot help her without your help.”
Tamsin’s gaze searched the chamber again. “Thane? He saved me again? I made it?”
Eli sat on a stool and cocooned Tamsin’s hand in hers. “Aye, Thane and Magni saved you. You fought hard, but I’ll help you heal so we can find your daughter.”
Tamsin’s eyes moved over to the tub behind Eli where Dyna was helping Lia climb into the warm water. “Alana?”
“Nay, Lia. An orphan Thane saved. But they were on Ulva. I think they can help you locate Alana. But you must heal first.”
“Please help me. I don’t think Alana will be alive for long. I’m certain my husband plans to sell her.”
Eli jolted.
Selling bairns? What crime could be worse?
She pursed her lips and said, “You can count on our help for that. The swine is done selling bairns.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Thane
Thane stared into the flames, turning his head as soon as he heard Magni’s whoop of delight when he was handed a meat pie.
“My belly growled at your castle, Chief, but then we found Lady Garvie, and I forgot I was hungry.”
Maitland said, “Eat it slowly, lad, or it will come back up on you. I’m guessing you have not eaten much in a while.”
Magni said, “I’ll try, Chief.”
Thane was most interested in hearing about his sister, but he guessed she was probably asleep since it was dark already. “Mora? Is she hale? Has she been any trouble?”
“Nay,” Maitland said. “Astra loves having her here. They’ve become fast friends and the bairns love Mora too. They all sleep in the same chamber. I love her bright outlook, but I must ask, has no one ever taught her not to ask so many questions?”
“Nay.”
Maitland arched a brow and grinned.
“I do not wish to change her. I like my sister as she is. She was never allowed to ask questions until we were left alone on the isle.”
Maitland rubbed his hands together. “Someday, I’d like to hear that story, but first we will focus on Tamsin.” He took a goblet of ale Alaric brought for them.
Alaric sat at a trestle table and asked, “Do you and Garvie have a history, MacQuarie? Is he after you for any reason?”
Thane thought for a moment and said, “Nay. I’ve never met the man before this happened. Our only encounter was the day I witnessed him leave Tamsin on a rock to die. This is the second time he’s left her, but I didn’t see him this morn. She was already on the beach when we first saw her.”
