The Romani leader turned. “’Tis my smithy. Wait here. I will bebut a moment.”
“’Tis unnecessary,” Elspet said. “I promised to help the healer replenish her stock of herbs.”
He nodded. “Take care, lass.”
Moved by his friendship, with sunlight warm upon her face, Elspet said a prayer for Cailin’s safety, then headed toward thehealer’s tent.
* * * *
Cailin glared up at his uncle standing on the wall walk of Tiran Castle, then reined his horse toward where his combined forces lay across the field. Rónán and the Earl of Odhran fell in beside him, his uncle’s laughter in his wake.
Once out of arrow range, Cailin slowed his mount. “The selfish bastard. He doesna care for those who will suffer if he refusesto surrender.”
“A trait common in men like him,” Odhran called out. “To them, all that matters is that in the end they hold the power.”
“With you at my side, how could my uncle dismiss my claim that none of the other nobles will send him reinforcements? Blast it, there is somethingI am missing.”
A frown worked across Rónán’s brow as he glancedup. “Such as?”
“I am unsure, ’tis a feeling I canna shake off.” After years as a warrior, it was an intuition he refused to dismiss. Too many times in the past, such instincts hadsaved his life.
Taog stood at the edge of the trees as Cailin and the others guided their horses close, drew to a halt, then dismounted.
The Romani leader folded his arms across his chest. “What did Dalkirk say?”
“He refuses to surrender,” Cailin said.
“Which doesna make sense.” Jaw tight, Taog glanced toward the stronghold. “He is surrounded, has lost a significant number of knights, and the secret tunnels are guarded to ensure that no one escapes.”
“Aye,” Cailin agreed, “and they have naught more than a fortnight of supplies at best.”
The Earl of Odhran approached. “As our combined forces overwhelm theirs.We can attack.”
“Nay,” Cailin said. “Though we would have the upper hand, the lives of people innocent of my uncle’s treachery are at risk. In the end, once Gaufrid cedes, naught will be lost but days.” He looked around, frowned. “Where is Elspet?”
The Romani leader gestured toward the healer’s tent. “She is helping her restock herbs and—”
The flap pushed aside, and Elspet glanced out. Her shoulders sagged with relief, then a smile curved her lips. She turned back toward the healer a moment, then hurriedtoward Cailin.
Taog chuckled. “She has been watching for you.”
Snowflakes tossed within the breeze swirled around her as she halted a pace away. Emerald eyes studied his, and the warmth within faded. “Your uncle refused your offer.”
“Aye, what we are discussing. Considering his lack of options, a decision that doesna make sense.” Cailin rubbed the back of his neck, the prickling of unease growing. “Until he surrenders, I want extra scouts posted around the castle.”
The Earl of Odhran nodded. “’Twill be done.”
* * * *
The snap of flames and hushed voices filled the cool night air as Cailin settled beside Elspet. Worry filled her at the deep lines of exhaustion on his face. After everyone had taken care of their duties and retired, he’d checked that all points of the encampment were secure.
She filled a large bowl with stew and held it out to him. “You must beneeding this.”
Tired eyes grew tender. “I think I must be needing this more.” He leaned in, gently cupping her face. Cailin captured her mouth in a heated kiss that had desirestorming her.
With a soft moan, he drew her against him. “If I dinna stop, I will be taking you here.”
Pulse racing, she smiled. “If you dinna stop, I could lose hold of the bowl and you will be wearing the stew.”
