“I dinna know,” Rónán said, his expression grim, “but whatever is about, ’tis best to preparefor the worst.”
“Indeed.” Bran turned to his men. “Ready arms!”
Sailors ran to their stations, withdrew their swords.
The rumble of hooves sounded moments before armed riders began to pour out.
“Your men?” Rónán asked.
A stately man led the knights, a rider nearby holding a banner bearing a burgundy standard emblazoned with a silver lion rampant gueules wielding a sword.
“Saint’s breath!” Lathir gasped, grabbing his arm. “’TisÉoganMcKelan, Earl of Torridan.”
* * * *
Rónán stilled. A staunch enemy of Lord Sionn. Or was he? Much could have changed over the years, and he prayed somehow the fierce leaders had found peace. He met her worried gaze. “Is Lord Torridan still your enemy?”
Eyes dark with strife met his. “I am unsure. About a year ago, due to the rise of clashes between our realms, my father sent the Earl of Torridan a runner with a missiveseeking peace.”
“And his answer?”
She released a shaky breath. “I am unsure; all I know is that my father was furious at the lord’s first reply. After, several missives were passed back and forth between my father and Lord Torridan, but I was never informed whether they had reached an agreement,but I pray so.”
Blast it! He scoured the armed contingent, damning the entire situation. “Until we know for sure, you willna goashore. Alone.”
“My father—”
“I refuse risking your capture. What if they havena reached an agreement?” Rónán asked. “What if Lord Torridan had guards watching your father’s every move and, during your absence, the noble, one who could be in league with the Earl of Ardgar, laid siege and seized Wynshire Castle? Is that a risk you wish to take? Your father’s life is lost if that is the case.”
Any remaining color in her face fled. Determination flashed in her eyes. “I havelittle choice.”
“Bedamned you do!” Rónán snapped, furious she’d endanger her life. “We will find out,but I will go.”
“Nay!”
The distant thud of hooves upon turf reached them as the column neared the shore.
“Well?” demanded Bran ashe joined them.
“We will do this my way,” Rónán snarled to her, on this point refusing to cede, “orwe sail away.”
Bran grimaced. “I would be listening tohim, my lady.”
Fury blazed inLathir’s eyes.
“Aye,” Tighearnán said as he stepped up to join them. “From the stern looks on their faces, it doesna appear to be a welcoming party.”
Despite the conflict in her eyes, Rónán held Lathir’s gaze as he continued. “Captain, dinna bring the cog any closer. I will row a small boat ashore and discover what they are about.”
Bran nodded, then shouted orders to the crew.
Rónán met the captain’s gaze. “Once I reach shore, if they seize me, take Lathir to King Robert.”
“Saint’s breath, I willna be shuffled about as if a helpless maiden!”
“I know a place to bring her,” Tighearnán said, “and I swear that she willbe kept safe.”
“My father—”
