“What is wrong?” Lathir called back, her voice fragmentedon an icy gust.
“Keep going,” Craigshyre called.
She hesitated a moment,then continued.
Rónán kept his grip firm on the lord’s shoulder. “Do youneed to rest?”
“Nay,”he forced out.
“Lord Sionn,” Craigshyre said, “I am going to climb to the next ledge. Once there, Sir Rónán will help you whileI pull you up.”
“Aye,” he forced out, pain raw in his voice.
In the silvery light, his steps taken with care, Lathir’s betrothed moved onto the jutting rock. Breath coming fast, Craigshyre lay on his stomach, reached down.“Take my hand.”
Body trembling, Lord Sionn reached up.
A bell tolled from Murchadh Castle.
“Lord Sionn has escaped!” a deep voice from the wall walk boomed. “Raise the gates!”
Clanks of the heavy forged steel rattledinto the night.
Panic slammed Rónán. God’s truth, the guards were leavingthe stronghold!
Chapter Fourteen
The distant shouts of men and the clatter of hooves rang out from Murchadh Castle. With Lord Sionn’s unconscious body slumped against him, and the sky flooded with moonlight, Rónán glared at the knights riding from the castle. God’s truth! Though the icy, winding path would slow the guard, they had to get Lord Sionn to safety before the enemy reached the top.
Rónán gave the noble a firm shake. “Lord Sionn, wake up!”
On a groan, his eyes flickered open.
“The Earl of Ardgar’s men are coming,” Rónán snapped. “We must hurry.”
Teetering, the noble lodged his foot against a rock jutting out, pushed.
Thank God!
Feet braced on the snow-covered ledge above, Craigshyre reached down, caught the noble’s hands. Teeth clenched, he lifted Lord Sionn as Rónán aided him up the slick, makeshift steps.
The whinny of a horse had Rónánglancing over.
From the top of the cliff a short distance above, Lathir peered over the edge. “Father, thank Godyou are here!”
Relief flickered on Lord Sionn’s face as he raised his eyes. “Lathir.” He started to slump.
Rónán tightened his hold.
Strain lining her face, she moved from sight. Seconds later she reappeared, a rope clutched in her fist and several knights at her side. She tossed down most of the line. “Tie this around my father’s waist, then we willlift him out.”
Wind-tossed snow hurled past as Rónán helped Lord Sionn secure the woven hemp. He met the noble’s pain-filled gaze. “As you are pulled up, I am going to climb outalongside you.”
The noble sucked in a steadyingbreath. “Aye.”
Once Rónán had shifted into position, he noted that Craigshyre had joined her. He nodded toLathir. “Pull!”
The line grew taut. Lord Sionn’s face paled, but thankfully, he didn’t faint.
