She recalled earlier this day the way he’d knelt before Órlaith so as not to intimidate her. Given the insight he’d shared of his youth, he would understand his size could easily frighten the child.
Lathir sighed. Despite all they’d shared, she had but a glimmer into the man.
“Come and sit,” Rónán said as he crossed to the table. “’Tis ungrateful to ignore the generosityof our hosts.”
The thought of a new beginning lifted her spirits. At his wince of pain, she started to help him, then stopped herself. A proud man like him would not want her assistance.
He settled on the bench.
With the scent of wood and herbs filling the air, she settled beside him.
Lathir selected a wedge of cheese, took a bite, then filled their cups with ale. “I still canna believe how after the wave slammed you against the stone that naught is broken. Our host did his own confirmation of the fact while you were asleep.”
“That neither of us is severely injured is a blessing.” He ate for several moments, then wiped his mouth. “’Tis imperative that King Robert be alerted of the attack, and that the English have seized your father.”
Lathir’s hand trembled at the unwanted reminder. “I want to believe my father still lives, that, as you suggested, he is too valuable for the English to kill. What ifwe are wrong?”
Mouth taut, Rónán set aside the cloth. “Had the English wanted Lord Sionn dead, they would have slain him aboard theAodh.”
She tried to cling to his logic. “What if, after they sailed out of sight, he triedto escape and—”
“Lathir, your father is an intelligent warrior, a ruler who has planned and executed many a successful assault. Though the possibility exists that the Sassenach have killed him, it doesna make sense. Nor can I see him being foolish enough to give them reason.”
“Mayhap, but”—her voice wavered despite her best intentions—“he believes that I am dead.”
Eyes dark with conviction, Rónán gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Motive for Lord Sionn to do whatever he must, use whatever resources are available, to ensure that once free, retribution is delivered to the English.”
After all they’d been through, the warmth of his hand was reassuring, and the tight ball of fear inside her eased. He was right. However furious, however upset, her father wasn’t a weak-kneed man who’d collapse against violence, but would use his anger to destroy those who’d caused him and his family harm.
“Now we have to find him.”
She angledher jaw. “Aye.”
Rónán released her hand. “After Tighearnán and his daughter return, and onceÓrlaithis asleep, we will discover whether he has heard any news of import while in the village. Who knows?” He took a long drink, then refilled his goblet. “We might be fortunate and our host will have heard of the Earl of Sionn’s abduction.”
“As much as I would like to believe such, with the attack but days past, regardless if the captain shouted they sailed to Ireland, I doubt word of the raid has reached many villages.” She stilled. “What if they changed their minds and are taking my fatherto their king?”
He gave a quick shake of his head. “I dinna believe they will waste time bringing Lord Sionn to England. The young monarch doesna have the stomach nor interest in war as did his father.”
“But King Edward II continues the attacks on King Robert to seize control of Scotland.”
Rónán shifted on his bench, winced. “The monarch’s interest in unseating King Robert is driven by powerful nobles whohave his ear.”
Something she needed to remember. “Once we reach Wynshire Castle, I will send a messenger to King Robert, alerting him to recent events, along with runners to discover my father’s whereabouts.”
He took a slow sip, then lowered his goblet. “Once we know Lord Sionn’s location, we will devise a plan toset him free.”
“Aye.” Aware she needed to eat to keep up her strength, she tore off a bit of bread, then slatheredbutter on top.
“How long will it take us to reach your stronghold?”
“On horseback, a sennight.” She took a bite, swallowed. “I am confident I can convince Tighearnán to lend us one of his mounts.”
Rónán nodded. A frown settled across his brow as he started to pick up his goblet. “As we travel throughTír Kythyr,do you think anyone willrecognize you?”
“Given the many times I have journeyed through Ireland, the numerous festivals I have attended with my father, ’tis possible.” She brushed the crumbs from her fingers. “How many days before you think you shall be able to travel?”
“At first light.”
