Her cheeks burned at the mere thought of the bastards. “After their duplicity, do they believe he would help them?”
“They are taking a risk,” Cailin said, “but after they didna find you during the search, mayhap they think you are dead and Comyn is ignorant of their nefarious intent.”
“Mary’s will. And with my not having warned Comyn, he will believe their lie.” A new fear shot through her. “Do you think Comyn will try to reclaim the castle?”
Cailin shook his head. “Nay. The English will warn him about the battle, more that their force is allbut depleted.”
On a hard swallow, Gwendolyn glanced toward the sky. Clouds had gathered, smothering the sun. She followed the feeble rays of light that spilled across the ocean to where water lay stranded in smooth crevices of rock. The fading hues glinted in the depression. Proof of another day lost, another day Aidenhadna returned.
She hugged the tattered cloth against her chest, and tears welled. He felt so close to her. “Lass, we must return.”
Cailin’s voice, rough with understanding, reminded her that ’twas not only her who was filled with dread at thoughts that Aiden had died, but all the others who called him friend.
She gave a shaky nod.
The knight reined hismount forward.
With her heart breaking, she scanned the coastone last time.
Empty waves rolled ashore asif to mock her.
She stared at the ragged cloth, at the brutal reminder of Aiden’s fate. Her throat thick with emotion, she lifted her reins.
Stilled.
In the distance, caught in the fading wisps of light, a lone figure staggered up the beach.
Her heart wrenched. She gasped. Had she dreamedhim into being?
Cailin whirled his mount to her side. “What is wrong?”
Hand trembling, she pointed down the shore. “’Tis…Aiden!”
The warrior caught her mount’s reins as she started forward. The horse snorted, and he held tight. “Whoever it is, he is too far away to be sure. It could be the enemy. Stay here.”
“Nay.” She tugged her horse sideways, ripping the leathers from his hold. “’Tis him!” Gwendolyn kicked her mountinto a gallop.
“Lass! Come back!”
Cailin’s words faded beneath the salty breeze as she urged her steed faster.
On his next step, the lone figure staggered, then sprawled to the sand.
He was hurt! A pace away, Gwendolyn drew her mount to a halt, jumped to the ground. Tears rolling down her cheeks, she knelt besidehis still form.
Cailin dismounted, moved to the opposite side. He caught Aiden’s shoulder. Together they turned him over.
Aiden groaned.
A wave rumbled ashore behind them as she caressed hisface. “Aiden.”
On a soft moan, his lids lifted. A frown worked across his brow, then his eyes closed.
“’Tis Gwendolyn,” she urged, tears spilling down her cheeks, “wake up.”
The Templar frowned. “We will carry himback to camp.”
Aiden’s lids again lifted, then his eyes widened in dazed disbelief. “Gwendolyn?”
