“Aye,” Ian replied grimly. “She believes I betrayed her family, and she would warn them herself if she thought they were in danger.”
Flynn shook his head. “That road is long and dangerous even for a seasoned rider,” he said.
Ian did not slow his pace. “Then we ride faster.”
Stable hands scrambled to saddle mounts. Warriors were already gathering, strapping on swords and fastening cloaks across their shoulders. The tension in the stable was thick, every man moving with swift purpose.
Ian reached his great stallion and swung into the saddle with practiced ease. Flynn mounted beside him. Around them the other guards quickly followed suit, the stable filling with the sounds of leather tightening and horses snorting impatiently.
Ian gripped the reins tightly as his gaze turned toward the northern road beyond the castle walls.
“Arianna,” he murmured under his breath.
The thought of her riding alone through the wild twisted painfully in his chest.
Flynn pulled his horse alongside him. “Twenty riders ready, Laird,” he said.
Ian nodded sharply. “Good.”
He raised his voice so the gathered warriors could hear him clearly.
“We ride north,” he commanded. “Lady Arianna has left the castle alone, and she must be found before harm reaches her.”
The men exchanged grim looks but nodded their understanding. The threat of raiders was known to them all. Ian leaned forward slightly in the saddle with fierce determination.
“By God,” he growled, “if a hair is touched on her head there will be hell to pay.”
Several of the warriors gave low murmurs of agreement. The riders formed their line. Hooves shifted against the packed earth of the courtyard as the horses sensed the urgency of the moment.
Flynn glanced toward Ian again. “We’ll find her,” he said firmly.
Ian did not answer immediately. His thoughts churned wildly beneath the calm mask of command he wore for his men. Every memory of Arianna flashed through his mind in painful clarity: her laughter, the stubborn tilt of her chin during their arguments, the warmth of her hand resting against his arm during their dance. He realized in that moment just how much she meant to him.
More than the lands I rule. More than the power of me title.
If losing everything was the price to keep her safe, he would pay it without hesitation.
Ian raised his hand sharply. “Ride!”
The horses surged forward at once, twenty warriors thundering out of Castle McGuire behind their Laird. Hooves pounded against the earth as the riders swept across the open grounds and onto the narrow road.
Cold wind whipped against Ian’s face as they rode hard toward the north. He leaned low over his horse’s neck, urging the stallion faster. Somewhere beyond the hills and forests ahead rode Arianna alone.
And Ian would tear through the Highlands themselves if that was what it took to reach her.
They rode hard for nearly an hour before Ian finally lifted a hand.
“Hold!” he called.
The riders slowed, horses stamping and snorting as they came to a halt along the narrow trail. Ian swung down from the saddle before the others had fully stopped. His sharp eyes were already scanning the ground, searching for the faintest disturbance along the dirt road.
Flynn dismounted beside him. “Ye’ve found something?” he asked.
Ian crouched low, brushing his fingers lightly across the earth. “Aye,” he murmured.
Flynn stepped closer as Ian pointed toward a shallow imprint pressed into the damp soil. The track was faint, but unmistakable to a man who had spent his life roaming these hills.
“A mare,” Ian said quietly. “Light weight upon the saddle.”
