Rónán’s gaze cut to Lathir’s betrothed. “How far?”
“A few hours’ ride, if they are still there,” Craigshyre replied.
Rónán’s chair scraped as he stood. “There are still several hours of daylight. I will leave immediately.”
Lord Torridan nodded. “While you are away, I will prepare the men to sail. Upon your return, we will depart.”
Bran cleared his throat. “My lord, we have another problem.”
Lord Torridan’s gaze cut to him. “Which is?”
“En route, I was informed by afriendthat the English and Irish are gathering a fleet of ships off the northeast coast of Ireland filled with troops who are planning to halt northeastward along the coast, then move overland to attack Wynshire Castle. To make it here without delay, I was forced to sail past them in the dark.”
Knuckles white on her chair, Lathir leaned forward. “How many ships did you see?”
“At least eight,” the pirate replied, “but ’twas a cloudy night. There could very well have been many more.”
Terror filled Lathir as she struggled to think of a way to rescue her father as well as save her home from being seized. None came. “I canna leave Wynshire Castle unprotected.”
“Aye,” Lord Torridan agreed. “With our combined troops, we have more than enough men to defend the stronghold and send a contingent by land to rescue your father.”
Her head was whirling, yet on some level, she was strangely calm. She’d damned her pending marriage, but now ’twould seem a blessing. Lathir metRónán’s gaze.
“I willna fail you,” Rónán whispered as he passed her, and she prayed he was right.
After the door closed behind Rónán, Lord Torridan glanced at his son. “Once Sir Rónán returns, he will ride with you as you lead a force to Murchadh Castle. I will prepare our men for the aggressor’s arrival.” He nodded to her. “Lady Lathir, you will remain here and protect your home.”
Fury sliced through her. “I will travel to rescue my father!”
The man’s mouth tightened with disapproval.
“I am skilled with weapons,” she snapped. “If I believed, even for a moment, that I would hinder the rescue of my father, I would remain here.”
Eyes hard, Lord Torridan studied her. After a long moment, he nodded. “You will ride with Kieran. My son will protect you.”
As would Rónán, though trained in weapons, she would need neither’s safeguard.
Bran cleared his throat. “Lord Torridan—”
Sage eyes turned to thepirate. “Aye?”
“I believe ’twould be a mistake to wait for them to reach Wynshire Castle.”
The noble’s eyes narrowed. “A mistake?”
Confused, Lathirstared at Bran.
“Aye.” Bran folded his arms across his chest. “The place for us to attack them is at sea.”
Chapter Thirteen
Lathir arched a brow as Lord Torridan said, “Us?”
“Aye. I need little prodding to go after the Sassenach. More so when their warships are overloaded with crew, supplies, and weapons.” A devious glint sparkled in the captain’s eyes. “With their cogs slower than pigs stranded in muck, we could surround them and attack at our leisure.”
With a satisfied nod, Lord Torridan leaned back. “Aye, ’tis a fine plan. We will depart at dawn. Ensure yourcrew is ready.”
“Aye, my lord.” Bran paused. “One last thing.”
