Mouth grim, the fisherman nodded. “And the earl whowas abducted?”
Eyes blazing, Lathir drew to her full height. “He is—”
“Lathir,” Rónán cut in, wishing they’d had more time to come to know the man.
Tighearnán nodded at her. “Tell me, lass. I swear to you I am a manyou can trust.”
“He is my father, theEarl of Sionn.”
Shock rippled across the fisherman’s weathered face. He unfurled his arms. “God in heaven, the ruler of the realm ofTír Sèitheach?”
“Aye.”
“Then you are…” He released an unsteady breath. “Lady Lathir McConaghy?”
“I am.”
Tighearnán pushed aside his cape and bowed, his graceful movement at odds with his large, burly frame. “My lady, ’tis an honor to have you in my humble home.”
Lathir’s hand near her dagger relaxed. “I assure you, ’tis we who are thankful for all you have done. Once Rónán and I reach my home, you will be well rewarded foryour kindness.”
“As I said before, ’tis unnecessary.” He lifted a brow atRónán. “Are you nobility as well?”
“Nay, a knight and her protector. And I add my thanks.” With their identities exposed, they needed to discover what the man had learned. “Did you hear any mention of where they have taken Lord Sionn?”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “A man in the village bragged that they had hauled him to the Earl of Ardgar’s stronghold.”
“Murchadh Castle,” Lathir whispered.
“God’s truth,” Rónán swore under his breath.
“You are familiar with the stronghold?” Lathir asked, worry darkening her gaze.
“Aye, I passed through there during my time with the galloglass. The fortress is built on a wedge of rock below the edge of a cliff, accessible by a path the size of a cart. One would need a significant force to seize it.”
“I have met a few of the galloglass in my time,” the fisherman said. “The warriors are men naught but a fool would tangle with.”
From the wary respect in his voice, ’twould seem he’d had more than a passing introduction. “A fact learned firsthand, mayhap?”
“I am not so reckless.” Tighearnán rubbed his jaw. “Let me say I once saw a sailor foolish enough to try to steal gear from a galloglass on my ship.”
“Did he live?”
“Nay.”
“Nor am I surprised. The galloglass have little tolerance for thievery.” Rónán paused. “Your ship?”
The pad of steps from the loft had Tighearnán glancing toward the ladder. “Órlaith, stay there and prepare for bed. I shall be up in a moment.”
“But Father—”
“Now.”
Illuminated within the soft glow, the little girl gave a long, reluctant sigh. “Aye, Father.” She pushed back from the edge. The rustle of clothing sounded. “I am in my bed. Are youcoming up now?”
A wry smile touched the fisherman’s mouth. “The lass will be prodding me. ’Tis best that I see to her, then we willna be disturbed.” Laugh lines crinkled on his face. “If my men could see me, aye, I would be teased no end.” He headedup the ladder.
Soft murmurs sounded from above. The little girl’s chuckle. Several moments later, Tighearnán descended the ladder. At the bottom, he waved them to the table. “My heart is too soft when it comes to the lass.”
