Merryn shook her head. “Just me.”
Eli looked directly at Tristan. “I think Merryn and Shealee would be safer at Duart Castle. We have plenty of room, other bairns to keep her entertained, and nearly a hundred guards to protect her. Think on it. I’ll be right back.” Eli took off into the bushes.
Tristan glanced over at Merryn, but Merryn’s gaze was locked on the tall woman just joining them from the beach. She had a quiver on her back and wore leggings, something they didn’t see often unless they were on Ramsay land.
“What do you think, Simmy?” Merryn spoke loudly enough for her friend to hear her.
The woman said, “You need to go to Duart Castle. He will not give up, Merryn. I will find him. I was raised by one of the best trackers in the land of the Scots. I’ll go to Kilchoan and search him out. The best place for Shealee is Duart now that he knows you are here.”
“Please let us know if you find him,” Broc said. “We have many looking for him too. You’re always welcome for a repast at Duart Castle. I’m Broc MacNicol, this is Alaric Grant, with his wife Eli Ramsay,” he said, looking over his shoulder. “Who just took off to take care of her needs.”
Simmy nodded to the three, studying Alaric the most, but then said, “A pleasure to make your acquaintances. Merryn, take the sweet lass to Duart Castle. I’ll catch up with you there.”
She turned around and headed into the forest, lithe and quick as a deer.
Broc looked at Alaric. “Do you recognize her? She must be related to your wife.”
Alaric asked, “Why would you think so?”
Eli rejoined the group. “I caught a glimpse of her, and Broc is right. Grandmama’s style leggings and a Ramsay fletching,I think. Trained by one of the best trackers? That would be Grandda, but I have no idea who she is since I didn’t see her face. No one I know lives here. She could be one of the adopted ones. They all moved away years ago. She’s been working with you, Merryn?”
“Aye, I met her when she dropped a deer near me when I was picking berries one day. She’s come back three times to teach me how to handle a bow. She lives mostly on Iona, I believe.”
“Do you have an arrow nearby that I could look at?”
“Aye.” Merryn stepped back into the hut and returned with one arrow.
Eli and Alaric both smiled. “That’s a Ramsay-style fletching. She was trained by Grandmama,” Eli said.
“Who is your grandmother?” Merryn asked.
“Gwyneth Ramsay.”
“She mentioned that woman but said she had passed on. She’s alive?”
“Aye. She’s living at Duart Castle, but she nearly died not long ago.” Eli asked Merryn, “What think you about going to Duart Castle for a while? Just until we find Kelvan.”
Tristan moved over and kissed his sister’s cheek. “I think you should go, Merryn. Now. I can’t lose you and Shealee, and Kelvan will not give up.” He glanced around at the group. “Is there someone who could escort her or should I go?”
Broc said, “We brought two score. I’ll escort her to Duart Castle and take six guards with us. The six can return on the morrow. That leaves you with enough men to get a good start on building the stable and to begin the work on the roof. Eli can stay to train two archers. You’ve got horses and a cart to help bring the trees in. Use them. I’ll send the men back as soon as I can.”
Tristan gave her a hug. “Until we finish the tower and the wall, you’re not safe with him around. I promise to visit often. Pack your things and go before it’s too dark.”
Eli said, “We have several bairns so we have extra clothes for Shealee, and I have leggings that will fit you. You’ll love them.”
The group broke up, and Merryn approached Broc. “I’ll pack a few things. How long is the journey?”
“About half the day. We should return before dark or shortly after. I wouldn’t spend the night out. We’ll travel in the dark for a bit, but I know the path well enough and it’s nearly a full moon.”
She cleared her throat but then asked the question that was most important to her. “May I ride with you, Broc, if you please? I don’t think I could ride a horse and manage Shealee at the same time. Would we both be able to ride with you?”
Merryn’s gaze caught his, stirring feelings in him he hadn’t experienced before. He had this sudden need to protect her against anything and everything.
“Aye. We’ll do fine. It’s probably best because we’ll travel quickly.” Then he nodded to the arrow in her hand. “We have plenty of bows for you. You can continue your training. Dyna and Eli train all the time. No need to bring a book either. We have plenty.”
Merryn blushed, and he tipped his head.
“I can’t read. I’ve always wished to learn.”
