After another sip, Rónán set aside his goblet, recalling his friends’ shock as he’d explained how they’d snuck through the secret tunnel and rescued Lord Sionn.
After a comment to one of their fellow Templars, Stephan took a long drink of his wine, glanced over. “I pray the Earl of Torridan’sson survived.”
“As I. His marriage to Lord Sionn’s daughter will end the strife between the two realms, both of whom support our king.” A fact, regardless of the pain of letting her go,Rónán mustremember. Their realms’ stability in this time of strife, more so united to stand behind King Robert, was vital.
The entry to the keep scraped open. Snow swept inside the great hall as a reed-thin woman with scraggly brown hair pushedthe door shut.
A guard strode over.
She shook her head at the guard, then pointed toward the dais. “I must see the Earl of Dunsmore!”
Stephan frowned atRónán. “Do youknow the lass?”
“Nay.” Rónán wiped his hands with a cloth. “With your having passed word that all within are to come forward with claims against the Earl of Ardgar, I can only wonder what we will learn now.”
Frown darkening, Stephan nodded. “Since we took control of the castle, the atrocities I have learned of pile atop the other. Once charges are brought before Lords Sionn and Torridan, Lord Ardgar will see naught but a noose.” He motioned to the guard. “Bring thelass forward.”
Those seated on the trencher tables shot her a curious glance as she made her way forward.
Her face pale, hollowed with lack of food, the bedraggled woman halted before the dais, bowed. “Lord Dunsmore.”
The noble nodded. “What brings you here, lass?”
Nervous eyes lifted to his. “I–I was abducted by Lord Ardgar’s men years ago, my lord. I wish to be freed so that I can returnto my family.”
“A request I will honor,” Stephan said.
“I thankyou, my lord.”
“Your name?”Stephan asked.
“MáireÓ Conaill.”
Rónán’s hand setting aside the cloth stilled. It couldn’t be. His fingers tightened on the woven fabric. “Your husband’s name?”
“Tighearnán.”
God’s truth! “Your daughter’s name is Órlaith,” Rónán said, “is it not?”
Disbelief flickered on her face, then hope. “You know them?”
Emotion tightened in Rónán’s throat. “Aye, lass. Your husbandsaved my life.”
A smile trembled on her lips. “Tighearnán was always a good man and helpedthose in need.”
Mind reeling, Rónán glanced to the hearth, where Bran was talking with one of his men. “Bran.”
The pirate glanced over.
He waved him over. As he neared, Rónán stood. “I—”
Bran’s eyes flickered on the lass, widened. “Máire?” Disbelief, then joy swept his face as he strode forward and swept her into an embrace. “G–God in heaven, lass, we thought you were dead.” Eyes misty, he held her at arm’s length. “I canna wait until Tighearnán and Órlaith see you!”
Tears running down her cheeks, she sniffed. “As I. I miss themdesperately.”
Tenderness swelled withinRónán. “We depart at dawn for Wynshire Castle, lass, where your husband and daughter now reside. You willsail with us.”
With a shaky nod, she wiped the tears streaming down her face. “I thank you, but…” The joy on her face collapsed inmortification.
