“Release your sword and state your loyalty!”
A hand flashed to his far right, alerting him that his knights had surrounded her and were closing in. “Lass, I am but passing through.”
Another arrow whipped past, sliced the first straight down the center.
He stared at the severed shaft in disbelief. An expert archer, he was proud of his ability and could match her skill, a level of proficiency held by few. Who was this lass? More important, why was she so close to King Robert’s encampment? God’s teeth, if her intention was to kill the Bruce, with her accuracy she would need but one attempt.
With quiet steps, his knights crept behind her.
“I would be asking for your loyalty as well,” Thomas said.
With a panther’s grace, the slender archer drew back her bowstring.
His knights lunged.
The woman screamed as Rónán caught her hands and jerked them behind her back. “Release me,” she demanded, her legs kicking out with dangerous accuracy.
Rónán held tight.
Aiden retrieved her bow while Cailin made a quick search.
Cailin removed several weapons hidden within her garb, then held up the dagger she’d hidden in her boot. “Asgian dubh.” He scowled. “The lass is well armed.”
Furious at placing himself and potentially his men in danger, Thomas stormed over.
Blond hair tugged free from her braid and whipped against her comely face.
“Who are you?” Thomas demanded.
Bewitching moss-green eyes narrowed.
Though impressed by her daring, he wouldna have his question go unanswered. “Your name.”
The woman twisted to free her arm; Rónán held firm.
“Alesone MacNiven.”
“Why did you threaten me?”
“I only sought your name and loyalty, ’twas far from a threat.”
Thomas grunted. “You have an intriguing way ofasking. Whom are you loyal to?”
Fear edged her eyes.
A dose of nerves would serve him well. “Tell me, by God, or I will haul you before King Robert and expose your plans to assassinate him.”
At his words, her face paled. “Never would I harm Scotland’s king.”
“You are loyal to the Bruce?”
She nodded. “I am his personal healer and under his protection.”
An untruth. He’d received a detailed account on those of importance who traveled with the king. Never was a woman mentioned, certainly not one who was a healer. “Indeed?” Thomas said, his voice ripe with suspicion. “With Scotland at war, I find it odd for the Bruce to allow a lass under his protection to leave camp without a proper guard.”
“He doesna know I left,” she said, her tone unapologetic. “I needed a few herbs. I was returning when I heard you tramping up the knoll.”
Tramping? Bedamned the woman’s daring! “’Twould seem a fortuitous day,” he drawled. “My men and I are en route to meet with the king. ’Twill be interesting to hear our sovereign’s response to yourclaim.” Thomas glanced at his friend. “Cailin, how many weapons does she carry?”
