Simone took his hand and led him up to the top step and pointed to the crumbling spot in the wall. “See where the gravel is lying in a pile on the ground? It’s just past there.”
“Halt!” The bastard had seen them.
“Run, Magni. I’ll take care of him.”
Magni took off, hanging on to Lia’s hand. Simone took out her bow, nocked her arrow, and fired. The quick wail told her she’d hit her target, but he wasn’t dead yet.
He bellowed, and the door opened from another spot down the back of the castle, guards racing out from the main floor.
“Go, Magni!” Then she whistled for Artan, hoping he would hear her.
The lad made it inside the wall, pushing Lia ahead of him. The man on the wall continued to fire but shot wide. Simone nocked again and hit him in the neck this time, ending his assault.
That didn’t stop the two men behind her, their swords at the ready. Simone raced to the wall, backing into the opening andas soon as the one man tried to enter, she threw her dagger and struck his knee. He fell back, blocking the opening for the next man, so she turned around and climbed out of the hole.
“Go, Artan. They’re coming.”
They made it to the boat, Artan shoving off with the two bairns inside, and Simone jumping in at the last moment. “Hurry, Artan. I’ve got them. Magni, help him row.” She got the lad situated with the two oars, knowing they would be heavy for him, but prayed his fear and instinct would help him push along. She whipped back around and fired from the boat, catching the next assailant in the chest, but another slew of armed men came behind him.
The idiots made a sad attempt to use their bows, but Simone couldn’t help but laugh.
She hollered to them. “Too bad, fools! You should have been taught by the master, a woman.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Merryn
Later in the day, Merryn and Broc were inside the castle walls practicing in the archery field. Astra and Sela had promised to watch the bairns so they could train. Merryn had just hit the target dead center when Broc’s arms wrapped around her from behind and tossed her into the air, catching her before she hit the ground.
“Lass,” he said. “I declare you must be the quickest learner I’ve ever seen.” He set her down, kissed her neck, and peered back at the target. “An amazing shot. I can’t beat that.”
“Do you think I’ve improved?”
“I am amazed.”
She glanced around, then whispered, “Then I wish to go when you search for your mother. I can help. I swear I can, Broc. You all have helped me so much that it’s time for me to return the favor.” After all Broc’s clan had done for her, she needed to do what she could, and using her new skill was the best way to help them. “I hit Kelvan once.”
“I will vouch for you, lass.” He tugged her against him and kissed her with such a passion that she dropped her weapon and fell into his arms. How she loved his kisses, especially when his tongue sought hers, mating with hers until she was so heated that her breath would catch in her throat. When he ended the kiss, she whispered, “Oh, Broc.” She tingled in places she’d never known existed until this man had come into her life.
He grinned. “I see I’ve kissed you senseless, lass. Always my intent.” As soon as he stepped back, his head tipped toward the gates of the castle. She knew why. The wait for the return of Simone and Artan had gone on forever, even to her. Broc’s mind was consumed with worry over his mother and the other bairns.
For him, it had to seem like an eternity. Would they be fortunate enough to see Kyla with Simone? Magni and Lia too? Or would they come home empty-handed?
She hated to ask her question, but she was compelled. “How long would you wait before someone will go after them? What if they were …” She couldn’t even finish her sentence.
“You mean, what if they were captured too? I have to admit that I’ve wondered the same. I think since dark is nearly upon us that we would wait until the morrow to go after them. And I can promise you that if she does not return with all three, there will be another patrol leaving at dawn. Simone and Artan know the area. I trust them both.”
A shout interrupted their conversation, and Broc reacted quickly, taking her hand and leading her to the curtain wall so they could climb up the steps to see who was approaching.
“I pray your mother is with them.”
A young voice echoed over the wall. “I’m home! Tell Grandsire I’m here!”
It was Magni. Merryn smiled, saying a quick prayer of gratitude that he was freed. But who else was with him?
Broc leaned over the parapets, staring at the small line of horses. Magni rode with Artan, Lia with Simone, Sloan and Lennox behind them. “My mother?” Broc called out to Simone.
“She wasn’t there. Lia will tell you where they moved her,” Simone replied.
