The power in Broc’s thrust was so strong that the vibration shook her to her core, but she had a solid grip on his upper arm, keeping her on the horse. Once they moved past the oneattacker, Broc slowed his mount, picking up the reins again while he settled her back in front of him. “You are hale, lass?”
She nodded, a lump in her throat that wouldn’t move, the terror raging through her slowing but not stopping. It wouldn’t leave her until she was certain Kelvan was gone.
“I saw him. He is here. I left Shealee with Olivia. I must find her.”
“I’ll get you there. And if she’s gone, we’ll go after her. Fear not.” Broc leaned over and used his thumb to brush dirt from her cheek, Merryn finding the small intimacy both shocking and pleasing. “He’ll not touch you, lass. He’d have to kill me first, and I would wager he’s a weak man who prefers to have others fight his battles.”
Her gaze locked on his blue eyes for a moment and heat flooded her, something she’d never experienced before.
“Merryn, do you see him? Scan the area because if he’s still here, I’ll find him. I’d wager he’s gone already. I can drop you in front of the cottage and go after him. Many of the others have run in the opposite direction. They didn’t have enough to fight our two score of guards.”
She peered around him, shaking her head, relieved she didn’t see Kelvan. They were nearly at the cottage when a voice caught her by surprise.
Kelvan was behind them.
“Merryn. Just give me my daughter and I’ll never bother you again.” He sat a distance away, alone on his horse. “She belongs with her father, not with you. She’s mine.”
A fire from deep inside bubbled to the surface. She said, “Never. I saw you plunge your sword into Nara’s middle. You’ll never touch Shealee again.” She was so committed to protecting the innocent lass that she would scratch out his eyes if he came close to either of them. It was the least she could do for her dear sister.
“Be stubborn and suffer the consequences, no matter who you have to fight your battles. I’ll leave now, but I will return. And the next time, I’ll have the stronger force, and I’ll take both you and my daughter. I need a plaything. You’ll be my new mistress.”
“Like hell. You’ll never touch either of them,” Broc bellowed. “In fact, once I get her inside, I’m coming back for you, you ugly bastard. You better start that wee pony of yours moving now. My stallion will catch you in no time and trample your mount.”
“We’ll see. I’ll steal her before you know what happened, Grant. Take your red plaids back to the mainland. You’re not wanted here.”
And Merryn had no idea what propelled her to speak again, but she shouted, “You’ll not touch me if I kill you first.”
Kelvan turned his mount around and chuckled all the way down the path, three men with him.
An arrow sliced through the air and hit one of his men, who fell off his horse. Kelvan sent his animal into a gallop.
“The next one will come from my bow,” Merryn shouted. “And I’ll aim it at you!”
Chapter Three
Broc
Once the attackers had taken off down the beach toward a galley ship, Broc knew they had no chance.
“I should have gone after him,” he said, cursing under his breath once they were all joined together outside the cottage.
Tristan said, “You had my sister on your horse. I’m glad you didn’t. Kelvan would put a sword in her chest without giving it any thought.”
Alaric said, “There was no reason to follow him. The three he had remaining were already retreating. He was the only one left, and he had a clear path to the ship. Eli and I went after the others instead of him. That saved his arse. We’ll get him.”
Broc said, “But it changes our plans. Someone must return to let Dyna know they’re being aggressive. We thought we had a brief respite from their attacks. We were wrong.”
The small group stood outside the cottage door discussing the events. Tristan ran his hand down his face and paced, staring at the ground. “I have ten. That’s not enough men to protect Merryn and Shealee. And we have Olivia and Euna to protect too.”
As if on cue, Merryn came out the door, Shealee on her hip. The wee lass pushed against her and pointed to the sea of horses not far away. “Hosee!” Merryn set her down and Alaric took her hand and led her over to his horse. She giggled, so he lifted her up to the warhorse’s face, letting her pet him.
She gave the animal a kiss. “Hosee!” He promptly nickered for her, sending her into a flurry of giggles.
“How old is she?” Eli asked.
“One summer and a few moons.” Merryn brushed a tear from her face. “She doesn’t remember her mother or what happened, I don’t think. She’s calling me Mama.”
“Did she witness it?” Broc asked.
