Once they were settled, Connor stood in front. “I sent a messenger back to tell Alick to send two hundred warriors to wait for us outside of Ardnamurchan. We will end up there, of that much I’m certain. Broc and Merryn both saw the group get into a large galley ship, one that could travel the distance to Mingary Castle. They were not heading to Coll in a ship that size. So we will assume that the group is holding the captives in the castle. Agreed?”
Alasdair said, “I don’t think you should make an assumption like that. I suggest a patrol to determine exactly where they are. Also to see if they have another holding close to the castle. You cannot assume they are there.”
“We can consider that. Anyone else have a suggestion?”
Simone looked at Artan, and he gave her a subtle nod. “Glenna was married to Artan’s brother. She had him killed, but we have not spoken to her since. She has no knowledge of me, and we were not seen on Tiree, so I suggest we go inside the castle, greet Glenna, and see what we can learn.”
Merryn watched as that suggestion set everyone’s minds churning. She glanced up at Broc, wondering what he thought of it, but he smiled and winked at her.
Logan said, “Crafty, Simone. I think you can do it. How will you approach her?”
“I have a couple of thoughts, but what if we promise to find the one who cut off her hand?”
That created a buzz in the room, and Broc turned his attention to the group. “You want to take me to her?”
Merryn watched this man who had stolen her heart so quickly, the suggestion at first not something he was interested in doing. She could see the fear cross him, even watched as his hand reached up to rub his scar, but then he smiled. “I like the idea. Bring me right to her, and I’ll cut off the other hand.”
Logan snorted. “The bitch stabbed me. She’s going to get more than that, Broc. The question is who will exact the revenge. I need to know it’s done right.”
“I’ll do it,” Simone offered.
Logan scratched his beard, then said, “I trust you’ll do it right, daughter. It has to be either you or Kyla.”
Connor added, “I want Kelvan.”
Tristan said, “He killed our sister and our parents. I’d like rights too.”
Dyna said, “If I were going, I’d demand rights.”
Connor finally nodded and said, “Tristan, I’ll honor your rights if you are there. We’ll see who gets to him first.”
“Fair enough.”
Connor thought for a moment, then said, “Alasdair, take a patrol of ten from MacVey’s land to the mainland at dawn. See what you can uncover. Simone, you and Artan go to the castle from Rankin’s and spy on the fools. I don’t care when you go, just be quick about it. I’ll have our guards in place in case of an attack.”
Dyna stood up and said, “Please find Kelvan and end this. I cannot handle my bairns being stolen again. Fortunately, Tora is strong because of her seer’s ability. Who knows how many nightmares all the bairns will have for many moons to come. Get the bastard!”
Logan said, “And Glenna too.”
“Leave on the morrow. First light,” Connor announced.
Sela knocked on the door and stuck her head inside. “Meat pies, fruit tarts, and baked apples are ready. Let’s relax for a wee bit. Have some wine. Rejoice in the two we have back with us.”
The group made their way out, settling at the tables while the serving lasses brought out the platters for everyone.
Merryn sat with Tristan and Broc, her gaze locking on Shealee as the lass laughed with Tora and Sandor. “They’re so happy.”
Maeve joined them and the group chattered all through the meal. The bairns ate quickly, but then they became restless.
Brenna whispered, “Signs of all they’ve been through. I’ll get them playing a game of hide in the corner. John, will you and Ailith help me?”
Coira jumped up. “Me too!”
Merryn leaned over to whisper to Broc. “Who does that lass belong to? Her golden hair is so pretty, and she is a bit reserved compared to the others.”
Broc explained, “Coira was adopted by Alasdair and Emmalin when she was just a toddler. John is four and ten while the lasses are three and ten. She and John have been as close as any two young ones could be ever since. Emmalin thinks they’ll marry someday. They look like opposites. John looks like Alasdair and Uncle Connor, while Coira is looking more and more like my grandmama. Her hair turns more golden each year.”
The bairns all gathered in the center while Brenna explained the rules. Maitland held Grant on his lap, but he wiggled and giggled, wanting to participate. Maeve said, “I’ll hold him so he can watch, Maitland. He’s restless too.”
