“It had a leather-wrapped handle, along with the engraving on the cross guard.” She paused. “And a cross was inlaidon the pommel.”
A Knight Templar? With Sir Angus a secret envoy for the king, it made sense that on occasion he would meet with those of the Brotherhood. With the knight in Scotland, no doubt ’twas a manhe would know.
“You said his eyes were a grayish green?” Cailin asked, knowing only a handful of Templars with that trait. “Was there anything else about him that you remember? Something out ofthe ordinary?”
She scraped her teeth across her lower lip. “My stepfather and the man spoke in low tones, so I heard little of what they said, but I…” A smile touched her mouth. “This will sound insignificant, but his voice had a lyrical quality about it.”
“Lyrical?”
“When I was younger, a band of Irish mercenaries met with my stepfather. This warrior’s voice had the sameflowing tone.”
“Irish,” Cailin said, aware of only one Templar who was Irish, had grayish-green eyes, and had sailed with their crew when they’d fled from France to Scotland. “Did youhear his name?”
“Only his first. Rónán.” Elspet met his gaze. “Do you thinkyou know him?”
Know him? Cailin’s throat tightened at thoughts of this unexpected twist. A Knight Templar and a man who was like a brother to him. “Aye, ’tis Rónán O’Connor.”
Chapter 6
Why had Rónán O’Connor met with Sir Angus? A foolish question. In service to King Robert, there would be many reasons to have Rónán traveling throughthe Highlands.
“Is he someone you trust?” Elspet asked.
At the strain in her voice, he nodded. “With my life. We have fought together in many a battle. He is like abrother to me.”
Hope ignited in her eyes. “Then hewill help us?”
“If he is still here, aye. Though by now he could be leagues away.” Cailin paused. “Had you seen Rónán visit your stepfather before?”
She shook her head. “’Twas the first time.”
He turned to the priest. “Have you ever met a man named Sir Rónán O’Connor?”
“Nay, but for my protection, few were allowed to know where I was, less who were brought to my home.”
The last sliver of hope that his friend was still nearby faded. Cailin glanced toward Elspet and noted her pallor, the sadness in her eyes, and how her body trembled with exhaustion. He finished the last of his stew, then the remaining wine in his goblet. “I thank you, Father, for the fine meal. There is much left to discuss, but for now, I seek a bed for Elspet.”
“After the hard travel, you will both be exhausted. I regret that I have but my bed to offer. I will make up a pallet near the hearth.”
Elspet gasped. “I cannatake your bed.”
“You will—” Father Lamond smiled. “The heat will be welcome tomy old bones.”
Lips pressed tight, she nodded.
A smile tugged at Cailin’s mouth. She didn’t like it, but her respect for the priest stopped her from arguing further. He stood. “After I bed my horse for the night, I will make certain nay one is about. Then I will make a pallet by the entry in case anyone tries to gain access during the night.”
* * * *
After the door closed, the crackle of the fire filled the silence and the vague scent of cooked venison and herbs filled the air. Weariness swamped Elspet, tangled with her heartache at the memories of the past few days, and the horror.
Father Lamond sat next to her. “I am so sorry to hear about your stepfather and mother; they were fine people.”
She’d thought she couldn’t cry more, but now tears burned her throat. “’Tis difficult to believethey are gone.”
“’Tis.” He paused. “You are welcome to stay here for as long as you wish.”
“I thank you, but once Blar is free, I believe we will restart our life elsewhere. Or, if we wish, Sir Cailin has generously offered us a place to live atTiran Castle.”
