“Lady Lathir is a fine lass.”
“She is. Time and again, our journey together to this point has proven her character. As I hope she has learned mine.” Nerves bunched inside. “Now to find and rescue Lord Sionn, and to convince him to allow me to wedhis daughter.”
Even without having voiced the words, he knew how difficult that was going to be. Despite how Lathir and he had saved each other time and again, and regardless of the way their feelings had grown, it was a mismatchfrom the start.
Neither could he forget that once he’d brought the arms to King Robert, his sovereign would send him on his next assignment and they would again be apart. Still, after all of Scotland was beneath the Bruce’s rule, he would return to Lathir.
The thought comforting him, Rónán turned to scan the shoreline, recognizing the twists and turns after having sailed here several years before.
“I have never navigated the river,” Bran said, “but Lady Lathir assured me that, along with a detailed map she is crafting for when I depart, if there are any questions en route, she can guideme as we sail.”
“With her experience at sea, that I have nay doubt.”
The captain motioned for a man near the stern to help another sailor, then turned back to Rónán. “The lass has sailed often, then?”
“Aye, with her father since her youth.”
“Which explains why she has held her own.” The captain gave his chin a thoughtful rub. “I have seen many a young man green at the gills with the rough seas we have navigated. Your lass never flinched.”
The hull cut through the oncoming swell as they sailed, the rush of water rumbling past in a frothy churn, the calmer seas welcome after the hours of punishing waves a short time before.
A pad of footsteps hadRónán turning.
With a smile, Lathir halted beside him, held out a rolled parchment to the captain. “The drawing of the coast and river we will navigate on the morrow, as promised.”
“I thank you, my lady.” Bran accepted the map. “I offer my congratulations to you as well. Sir Rónánis a fine man.”
Her smile widened. “Ifeel the same.”
Mayhap, but Rónán caught the hint of strain in her expression, suspecting she thought of her father. Worries he shared, but he settled for giving her hand a squeeze ’til they could speak in private.
Parchment scraped as the captain unrolled the paper. A bushy brow lifted. “I am familiar with the tree line marked with anX, but I had always believed there were sandbars about at the mouth of the river and stayed away.”
The cool, salty breeze played with Lathir’s blond locks as she nodded. “Given the thick line of trees, most who pass are ignorant of the waterway’s presence, fewer who realize the river is deep enough to sail up, or that it winds past Wynshire Castle into a loch.” She quirked her lips. “That you noticed the inlet at allis impressive.”
A wry smile settled on his mouth. “When your life hangs on venues of escape, ’tis best to be aware of any site you might needin the future.”
Lathir laughed. “An excellent point.”
The pirate’s expression grew serious. “When we sail up the inlet, my lady, though your map is detailed, I ask that you are at my side.”
“Of course.”
Bran nodded. “I have a few things to tend to before it grows too dark.”
“I will help you,”Rónán said.
The captain shook his head. “Stay with the lass. Nay doubt there are many things you and she need to discuss.” With an ambling gait, he moved through the throng of his men working on deck.
Rónán inhaled the tang of salt-rich air as he looked westward. Across the calming sea, the tip of the sun glowed on the cloud-smeared horizon, the sky a blur of angry purples entangled within a mixture oforange and red.
Another day lost.
Nay, another day closer to saving Lord Sionn.
Shoving aside his troubling thoughts, he turned to Lathir, who was watching him. “Aye, there is much we need to discuss, but first”—he cupped her chin with reverence—“I need this.” He claimed her mouth, savored her potent taste, allowed himself to drown in their kiss, and, for a moment, help them both forget thedangers ahead.
* * * *
