He retrieved his weapon, thanking the thoughtful man who said, “Nay, we owe you, young man. Our thanks for ridding us of the scum. May they never return to Tiree.”
They met up with the other three and climbed back into the boat before Broc collapsed. Thane came over and handed him a hunk of dried meat. “Eat. You’ll feel better. You did a fine job. Two of you saved two. Those numbers are great. Be proud of yourselves.”
Broc had to admit he didn’t feel like he should be proud of himself, though the look on Merryn’s face convinced him they did the right thing. Shealee was back in her arms again, exactly where she belonged.
That and the scream that carried to them from the shore in front of MacQuarie Castle also convinced him they’d done something right.
Dyna stood on the shore and caught sight of Tora, her wail filling the air. Once they climbed off the ship, Dyna grabbed her daughter and asked, “Who do I thank?”
Simone said, “Broc and Merryn. They saved two. The others got away and are headed to Mingary. We split up, so those two fought against eight. If we had stayed together, we might have been able to save them all, but we separated, hoping to cover more ground.”
Dyna hugged Broc and sobbed.
Tora patted his shoulder while she held on to her mother.
The pat on his shoulder was worth everything.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Glenna
Kelvan strode inside the castle and went up the stairs to his wife’s chamber.
“How did it go? Did you bring Shealee back with you?”
“Nay,” he barked, hating to admit the truth to anyone, but she deserved to know what had happened. “That Merryn turned her against me. Shealee used to love me, but she pushed me away. Started crying. Saying, ‘Mama, Mama.’ I don’t want anything to do with her. I want Merryn. I need to teach her a lesson. How dare she turn my own daughter away from me.”
Glenna’s head fell back against the pillow.
“You don’t feel any better? What did the healer do?”
“Changed the bandage. Gave me a potion so I can’t feel the pain. I’m sleepy.”
“We were attacked. Merryn was there with the fool who was here with Logan, the one who cut off your hand. They stole two of the bairns away.”
“Why didn’t your men kill them? Or bring him back to me? Leave Merryn alone.”
“Because there were only three watching them, and he killed two before I got there. And the third one was nearly dead. I didn’t care. They stole Shealee and the one who is the witch. I don’t want her around, anyway. She knows too much.” He leaned toward Glenna. “Do you know what that one wee witch did? She started my tunic on fire. I have a burn on my shoulder. I sent her back. We still have Kyla and the faery and the one lad.”
“So that’s enough to do what you want. Have you decided exactly what your new plans are?”
“Aye. I’ll trade the lad for the one with the sapphire sword. I want that sword. I want to be the most powerful in all the land.” If what Samuel said was true, then no one could hurt him if hehad the sapphire sword. He’d surely conquer all if the legend proved to be true.
Kelvan paced back and forth, and Glenna could see how upset he was. He was so stupid and vain sometimes. He didn’t care at all about what happened to her.
“Kelvan, you need to find out if Logan Ramsay lived or died. I will only be happy when I know I’ve hurt them the way they hurt my clan. My grandfather and my two uncles died because of Clan Ramsay, and that bitch Kyla caused the worst of it. Have you found out who did this to me?”
He stopped to stare at her. “What? I know you hate the Ramsays, but you already paid them back. You struck down their elder. I’m sure he’s dead by now. What else do you expect me to do?”
“I want you to bring me the guard who cut off my hand. I want to cut off his arm. It’s only fair. Did you find out his name? Is he a Ramsay?”
“I don’t know his name. But I know how I can find out.”
“Then do it. If you want my jewels, you better do this for me. Then you can get your ridiculous blue sword.”
She fell back on the bed and rolled away from him. He was nearly as foolish as her first husband.
If Kelvan wasn’t careful, if he wasn’t smart enough to do what she asked, then he’d find out what could happen if he made her angry.
