He chuckled. “There is that.” After one more kiss, he leaned back, accepted the fare and took a bit. “’Tis wonderful.”
She arched a brow as he gulped down the food. “As hungry as you are, I could have given you a bit of leather and you wouldnahave noticed.”
With a wink, Cailin downed the last of the stew, the easy gesture stealing her heart. With him, it would always be so. A simple touch, a look would make her want him and be thankful they’d share alife together.
Warmth filled her of thoughts of the day they would say their vows, and of the nights to come. His love was more that she could have ever wished.
Three heavily armed guards strode past, the wavering torchlight rippling across the weapons carried at their sides.
A chill crept through her and she rubbed her arms. “I pray your uncle yields soon.”
“As I,” he said, his voice grim, “but as I rode away from the castle today, he laughed. Not the action of a man who believes himself doomed.”
Her fingers shook at this disclosure, and the ladle she’d lifted clattered into the bubbling stew. “You believe he will attack?”
“However inconceivable, ’tis the only thing that makes sense.” He finished a second bowl, then set it aside. “Which is why, before I came here, I walked the circle of troops to see all was secure and doubled the guard aroundthe main camp.”
“But he is greatly outnumbered. With the castle and secret tunnel exits guarded, even if he tried to ride from Tiran Castle, he and his men would quickly be seen.”
“Reasons why he should have already surrendered. That he didna tells me that he doesna plan to.”
“So, what do we do now?” she asked, strain threading through her voice.
“We remain on alert.” He wiped his hands and tossed the cloth aside. “We know Gaufrid hasna received any additional support. Whatever his plan, ’twill happen soon.”
The thought of them waiting for his uncle to strike left her on edge. Nor would worrying about the upcoming days change anything. She waved Cailin away. “You are tired. Go rest.”
“Only if,” he said, drawing her against him, “you accompany—”
“Dalkirk’s men are attacking from the south!” a man shouted from across the field, where Odhran and Taog’s guardswere stationed.
Curses and the scrape of steel filled the air as men scrambled from their tents and grabbed their swords.
In the flicker of the fire, fury slashed Cailin’s face. “Bloody hell, we had every castle exit guarded. The bastard must have another tunnel no one knew of!” He glanced at the Romani leader rushing toward him. “Taog, take twenty men and back up your guard. With the pitiful amount of men my uncle has, that should be enough to hold them. I will check the remainder of the camp’s defenses.”
The Romani leader nodded, headed out with his men.
Cailin gave Elspet a hard kiss, stepped back, and withdrew his sword. “Stay here and keep your weapon ready. This shouldbe over soon.”
Pulse racing, she nodded as Rónán and Odhran ran over.
“Lord Odhran,” Cailin said as he withdrew his broadsword, “select four guards and—”
A scream near the forest had Elspet unsheathing her sword. Illuminated in the wash of torchlight, several men bearing Dalkirk’s colors stormed the camp from the east. On the opposite side of the main camp, a small contingent chargedfrom the north.
“Get them!”Cailin roared.
Blades clashed and screamsfilled the air.
Breath coming fast, Elspet clutched her sword, moved closer to Cailin. Horrified, she watched as Dalkirk’s men were cut down with brutal efficiency, their screams of pain wrenching her heart. Damn the earl that he could cast away the lives of those who served himwithout care.
“Behind you, Cailin!”Rónán shouted.
Cailin whirled as two knights rushed him. In an incredible display of skill, he blocked the first swing and drove his dagger into that assailant, before driving his sword intothe other man.
Stunned disbelief fell over the warriors’ faces as they crumpled to the bloodstained snow.
Movement from behind Cailin caught her attention. She glanced over. Dalkirk’s warriors were creeping toward Cailin. “Cailin, three men are behind you!”
