“He is.” Rónán shook his head. “If you or Cailin hadna told me of these events, I never would have believed them possible. I can only imagine the look on his face when he awoke and his broadsword was gone.”
“Nay doubt ’twas fierce, but I was desperate. Still, I assure you, it took every ounce of courage I had to dare to face him after my deceit.”
“But you did,” he said, his voice solemn. “Something that, however furious he was, earned his respect.”
A smile touched her lips. “That I doubt. He was ready to toss me out on my ear. Only my convincing him that I could help him regain his legacy saved his turning me away.”
“It would.” He paused. “You mentioned Cailin was looking for your stepfather. Why?”
“Because King Robert told him that he would lead Cailin toFather Lamond.”
“Though true,” Rónán drawled, “nay doubt the Bruce was aware that Angus had a beautiful and intelligentstepdaughter.”
Flustered by his praise, she frowned. “I have nay idea of the king’s knowledge of my family. Though I dinna see what my appearance has to dowith anything.”
Humor touched his gaze. “You wouldna. ’Tis something Cailin can explain.”
Cailin groaned.
Elspet turned to Cailin, her reply to Rónán falling away.
Blue eyes raw with painflickered open.
“Glad to see that you decided to join us,” Rónán said.
* * * *
Cailin grimaced, the pain rolling through him making each breath hurt. The scent of cooking meat filled the air as he glanced around, noticed numerous tents were standing, while men were now repairing shelters damaged during the attack.
“How long was I asleep?” Cailin asked.
“Long enough for Elspet to explain how you met.”
At the humor in Rónán’s voice, Cailin glanced toward her. “’Twas anunusual event.”
She cleared her throat. “You must be hungry. I will bring you something to eat.” With a nod at Rónán, she stood and headed toward a cook fire fragrant with the scent of simmeringmeat and herbs.
Once she departed, Cailin shifted his gaze to his friend. “I prayed that King Robert would send troops, but with his being unsure whether any warriors would return to his camp in time, I couldna count on any reinforcements. I thank God you arrivedwhen you did.”
Somber, his friend nodded. “I am thankful we reached you in time. When I returned from taking a missive to Stephan MacQuistan at Avalon Castle, the Bruce explained the situation, then placed me in charge of a contingent and sentme to aid you.”
It seemed a very long time since he, Stephan, Rónán, and the others of the Brotherhood had fled France with Templar treasures when less than two years had passed. But until he drew his last breath, the foul memory of the French king’s betrayal would never fade.
“’Twould seem that King Robert’s matchmaking has foundanother mark.”
His friend’s teasing pulled Cailin from the dark place in his mind. “A ridiculous notion. If anything, I would advise you to keep your concern for yourself. Nay doubt you are in King Robert’s sights.”
He chuckled. “That I seriously doubt. After watching you, Stephan, Thomas, and Aiden, I well know to beware the king’s romanticinterventions.”
“We will see, my friend,” Cailin said,“we will see.”
“Oh nay,” Rónán said with a laugh. “You are not dismissing the subject. Dinna you find it interesting that the Bruce sent you to a man who has a beautiful and intelligent daughter?”
“Pure circumstance.” But his friend’s words gave him pause. Never had he believed he would become entangled in the Bruce’s matchmaking endeavors, but had he?
“Elspet said she loves you. From watching the two of you together, I believe ’tis a feeling you share.”
“She is important to me, but love her? I dinna believe ’tis possible. Too much lies before me to consider a life with a womanor a family.”
