One of the men suddenly tugged at the edge of Arianna’s cloak and held it up toward the firelight. “Look here,” he muttered. “McGuire colors.”
Walter's smile widened slowly as his gaze returned to Arianna. “Is that so?” he said thoughtfully.
Arianna watched as he stepped closer and looked her over with calculating interest. Her dress was travel-worn now, but the quality of the fabric and embroidery was still plain enough to see.
He nodded slowly as understanding dawned in his eyes. “Ye’re nae some wandering woman,” he said. “Ye be someone important with these clothes, ain't ye?”
The man holding her arm tightened his grip. “Boss?” he asked.
Walter's grin sharpened. “Tie her hands,” he ordered. “If the Laird McGuire wants this lady back, he’ll pay dearly for it.”
Rough hands seized Arianna’s wrists and bound them tightly with coarse rope. She did not cry out. Instead, she straightened her spine and lifted her head proudly, meeting the leader’s gaze with steady defiance. Inside her chest, fear churned like a storm, but she would never give these men the satisfaction of seeing it.
Ian will come. But until then, I must survive.
The raiders dragged her toward a rough log near the fire and forced her to sit. She watched them carefully as they returned to their camp, speaking loudly among themselves. Every word they spoke might mean the difference between life and death.
“We should ransom her,” one raider said. “She would fetch a heavy purse.”
Another shook his head. “Nay. Better to use her as bait.” He gestured toward the surrounding forest. “The McGuire men will come searching soon enough.”
A third man laughed darkly. “Imagine their faces when they walk straight into our blades.”
Walter crouched across the fire from Arianna, rubbing his beard thoughtfully. “Perhaps,” he said slowly.
Arianna leaned forward slightly despite the ropes binding her wrists. “If ye believe Laird McGuire is foolish enough for that, ye’re a greater bampot than ye look.”
The raiders burst into surprised laughter. “Well now,” one said with a grin. “Listen to her.”
Another raider smirked at her. “Listen to the noble lady giving battle counsel.”
Arianna met his gaze without flinching. “If ye had any sense, ye would release me now and flee before clan McGuire arrives.They are blood thirsty men.” Her voice remained calm and cold despite the racing of her heart.
“And why would we do that?” Walter asked.
“Because Laird McGuire doesnae ride alone,” Arianna replied smoothly. “When he comes, he will bring warriors enough to bury every one of ye beneath this forest.”
One of the younger raiders shifted uneasily. “Is that true?” he muttered.
Another scoffed loudly. “She’s bluffing.”
Arianna tilted her head slightly. “Am I?” she asked coolly.
Walter narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. “Ye speak with a great deal of confidence for a woman tied to a log.”
“That is because I ken the man ye’ve chosen to provoke,” Arianna replied.
The men glanced among themselves.
“And what kind of man is he?” Walter asked.
Arianna’s gaze hardened. “The kind who will burn this camp to the ground,” she said quietly.
Silence fell over the fire for a moment. One raider looked toward the dark forest beyond the camp. “Maybe we should move,” he muttered.
Walter shot him an irritated look. “Have ye lost yer nerve?”
The man shrugged awkwardly. “Just saying… McGuire lands are close.”
