“Not Grant, my lord. He will be fine for many years. Do not worry overmuch.”
“Then who?” Connor bellowed.
Lia smiled and took her leave without answering.
Broc was the first to speak. “I’m leaving at first light.”
Merryn wasn’t going to stay back. “I’ll go with you.” Everyone turned to face her. “I’ve been practicing my archery skills, and you need an archer. Eli is not feeling well, and Dyna needs to stay here.”
Broc reached for her hand. “I will vouch that her skills are better than mine.”
Simone said, “I will also vouch for her. I would like to have her along. She did well on Tiree.”
“Fair enough,” Connor said. “Alasdair?”
“John and I will both go.”
The group fell silent, and it was Logan who spoke. “Alasdair, you’re giving them what they want. I think it’s a mistake.”
“Not if he brings the sword.”
Connor arched a brow but said nothing. Merryn had heard of the power the sword held, but John was young. Only four and ten summers, his height close to matching his sire’s, but he didn’t have the bulk of the others.
“I’m sending word for Alick to send two hundred warriors to Ardnamurchan. I will leave four score here to make sure the bairns are safe.” Connor stroked his chin. “I don’t like this. John is young, but …”
“But it’s time to lead the bastards away from the bairns. If we take a score with us and meet your two hundred there, we should be safe. I believe in our warriors.” Finlay stood up. “I’d like to go on this one. Please.”
Connor said, “First light. Be ready. This will not be an easy one.”
He glanced over at Logan, who gave him a subtle nod.
“This could be our biggest battle in a long time.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Broc
Broc brushed Midnight Majesty down, whispering sweet words in the animal’s ear just the way he liked. The horse tipped his head back, then nuzzled Broc’s hand, searching for its treat, so he moved to the apple barrel at the end of the passageway, bringing one for Midnight and one for himself.
After much discussion with Simone, they’d decided to take Merryn but only on the condition that she would ride with him. Simone was emphatic that if anything happened, he was to find a tree and get Merryn safely to a shooting spot. She’d vouched for the lass’s ability and said they needed archers along, but she was not ready to battle from a horse.
She and Simone would be the only archers, so they needed a higher vantage point.
Merryn came out with her quiver and arrows, her bow over her shoulder, looking fine in her tight leggings.
“My, but you do look just like Simone and Eli in that outfit. I’m glad you found some to fit you. Riding in one of your gowns would not have worked. How is Shealee?”
“She’s awake and chattering with Tora and Grant. The three carry on a conversation as if they can understand every word that Grant says. And the lad sure does enjoy John, does he not? Whenever John is in his presence, his gaze never leaves him.”
“True, but John enjoys him too. Grant is the little brother he never had. And Shealee loves them all.”
Merryn said, “Dyna said she would watch over her while we are gone. Tristan is going home to work but will return in two days. He’s still worried they’ll not finish before first snowfall.”
The stable lads ran back and forth, saddling the horses for Connor and Alasdair. John would ride his own horse. Simoneand Artan joined them while Connor gave the lads instructions on which horses the guards would take.
The group readied themselves. Broc led his horse out, surprised to see his father was already near the gates waiting for the others. Once the group lined up, they numbered ten plus five guards. Their plan was to head to Craignure where Connor had obtained a large enough galley ship to take the horses across with them.
They were just about to leave when Lia approached.
