Tristan looked at Merryn. “But Simmy is married to a man named Tanner.”
Thane smiled. “Tanner is what Artan uses when he’s not on our land. They’ve been married for a few years. She’s one of the finest archers, but she stays hidden.”
“Who the hell is she, Logan?”
Logan did his usual teasing, a big smile on his face, then shrugged.
Gwynie shouted, “Logan!”
“Fine. For you only, Gwynie. Simmy is our daughter, Simone.”
Avelina sighed, and Micheil broke into a broad grin, shaking his head. “Simone is a hell of an archer. She’ll get the bastards. I had no idea she was hiding here.”
“Bring Simone to me, Merryn. You and Broc go find her. Thane will help you.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Merryn
Merryn met Broc at the stables at first light. She’d prepared a sack full of dried meat and apples for the trip. The half loaf of bread she grabbed would feed them along the way.
Her brother Tristan came in ahead of Broc, sneaking over to chat with her. “I see he is fond of you, lass. Are you as fond of him?”
Merryn blushed and nodded to her brother. “I’m confused by so much activity. Our place was so quiet, but he’s always there for me. He helps me with everything, teaching me how to read, working with the archers. He’s wonderful.”
Tristan leaned over and kissed her forehead. “I’m happy for you, Merryn. You deserve some happiness in your life.”
“And so do you, brother. You work so hard.”
“My turn will come.”
“But we must stop him, Tristan. I watched Kelvan grab Shealee and carry her over the wall, and I froze. He stopped at the top to look back at me.” She closed her eyes to stop the impending tears. “I hate him.”
“We will find her, Merryn. We have many on our side now.”
Broc entered with Thane behind him, talking about stallions. They both stopped, surprised that Merryn was already up and ready to go.
“Godspeed with you both,” Tristan said. “I’m going inside to chat with Alaric.” Tristan left at the same time Connor came through the door.
Broc asked, “Did we forget something, Uncle Connor?”
“Nay, I’m coming with you.”
“Oh, I wasn’t expecting anyone else.”
“Kyla is my sister. I know I’m getting older, but I was there when she came back from the beating Buchan gave her. I’venever seen anyone so bruised. I can’t sit here and do naught. I need to speak with Simone and see her suggestions. I may not be the strongest in battle, but I can strategize with the best.”
“Glad to have you along, Uncle.”
Connor told the stable lads which horse to ready, then went back outside, Thane joining him. As soon as they stepped out, Broc moved to Merryn and wrapped his arms around her.
She sighed, taking in his warmth, his strength. She whispered, “Did you recall cutting off her hand?”
“Oddly, not right away. I remembered after Logan mentioned it. I was so focused on getting him out of there that I forgot about her. I think once I woke up in the middle of the night with visions of her screaming at me, but I wasn’t sure why. That was it. Thought mayhap I imagined it.”
“I’m honored to have such a fierce fighter with me.” She tipped her head back and kissed the stubble on his chin.
He grinned, “Sorry, I didn’t wish to take the time for a trim.”
