And apparently another reason Rónán had visited. What else had King Robert not revealed to him? “Did my father know?”
“Know what?” Elspet’s sleepy voice asked.
Cailin shot the priest a warning glare. “Of my uncle’s treachery.”
The pad of footsteps grew closer as she walked over, favoring her right ankle. She knelt beside the hearth, her chestnut hair neatly braided as she held up her handsto the flames.
Cailin’s body tightenedwith awareness.
She glanced at the bubbling stew. “The porridge smells wonderful.”
The cleric filled the bowl, sifted the spice atop. “Here, my child.”
“I thank you.” Pleasure shimmered in her eyes as she inhaled the rising steam. “Cinnamon!”
“’Twas always a favorite of yours when you visited,” he said with a smile.
She sat in a chair opposite the bench, and her eyes warmed with appreciation as she took a taste. “’Tis wonderful.”
Cailin ate another bite, wanting more time alone to speak with Father Lamond. Though injured, that the priest had knowledge and experience in the Brotherhood was a boon. A fact King Robert would understand and no doubt the reason he’d sent him to meet with the cleric.
Elspet dipped her spoon into the fare, then lifted her gaze to Cailin’s with concern. “You slept well?”
He shrugged. “In between rounds.”
She sighed and swallowed several more spoonfuls of porridge. “Have you decided what to do next?”
“’Tis imperative that I gain entrance into Tiran Castle, take stock of what I am up against: men, arms, defenses.”
“I agree,” the priest said. “I have a way for you to enter the stronghold without suspicion.”
Cailin finished the last of his meal, then set the bowl aside. “How?”
“You will”—mischief glinted in the priest’s eyes as he buttered a chunk of bread—“dress as a monk.”
“And easily move about the castle without suspicion,” Cailin said.
“Indeed. I will make you a list of trustworthy contacts within the stronghold and, hopefully,” he said, his eyes shifting to Elspet, “you can find out about Blar.”
“’Tis perfect,” Elspet said. “No one will question us if we are but traveling through.”
Cailin shook his head. “’Tis too dangerous. You will stay here.”
Green eyes narrowed. “Nay more dangerous than for you. More importantly, too many years have passed since you saw anyone within the castle. As I said before, I doubt you will recognize, if you are lucky, but a few people. Nor do you have the luxury of time to covertly discover the answers you seek or the people youneed to find.”
Father Lamond raised his hand as Cailin opened his mouth to argue. “However dangerous, the lass is right. She has a good head about her, nor is she weak-willed.”
Not weak-willed; stubborn. The lass would give a mule a run.
“And,” the priest continued, “she is skilledwith weapons.”
“Skilled with weapons?” Cailin asked, his voice dry. “Why am Inot surprised?”
“I am proficient with a blade and a bow,” Elspet said, pride in her voice. “Plus, Father Lamond taught me how to use herbs totreat wounds.”
And make a man succumb to sleep. God’s blade, the last thing Cailin wanted was to keep Elspet with him as he traveledin harm’s way.
“I wouldna recommend her accompanying you,” the priest said, as if sensing his hesitation, “if I didna think she would be an immense help. As important, she is someoneyou can trust.”
