Colyne nodded, remembering Alesia’s horror at the telling, and aching at her loss. “Aye.”
“The bastards.”
“I couldna leave her alone.”
“The blasted cur. ’Tis nae a sight for anyone to witness, much less a lass.” Logan paused. “Has she nay family nearby?”
“Her party sailed from France.”
“France?” His friend scratched his chin. “’Twill put a burr beneath King Philip’s arse when he learns of the attack.”
“If only the attack on the missionaries was the French king’s biggest problem.”
“Has his daughter been found, then?”
“Not that I am aware.”
He grimaced. “You are fortunate to have caught me in port. I would have departed yesterday, but I awaited several shipments of wool. They have arrived and my men are loading them now. I sail for Portugal with the morning tide.” He studied Colyne with interest. “And how did you know where to find me?”
“The Bishop of Glasgow.”
Logan gave a hearty chuckle. “I see I am nae the only one with his ear to the ground. So, what is it that I can do for you? That is why you are here, is it nae?”
“I need to sail to France.”
“France?” He winced. “Bloody hell, why do you need to sail there?”
“On a matter of grave import.”
“Ah . . . So you are delivering the writ to King Philip?”
Why had he believed his friend wouldna know? “So much for keeping my mission a secret.”
A wicked grin curved his friend’s mouth. “An educated guess.” Deep lines furrowed his brow. “Though I had heard Robert Bruce sent Sir Douglas for the task.”
Colyne swallowed hard. “The English duke’s men caught him. He is dead.”
“Christ’s wounds. Douglas was a decent man.”
“Aye, he was. Which is why I must depart for France immediately.”
Logan swore as he walked to the table. He turned, his eyes blazing. “If anyone else had asked me to divert the Kincaid, he could go to the devil.”
“I know.”
“What of the woman you escorted from the Highlands? Will I have a lass in tow as well?”
As much as he wanted to bring Alesia with him, travel aboard the Kincaid was too dangerous. After he’d delivered the writ, Colyne would find her. “Nay. Robert will care for her.”
“That is something, then,” he muttered.
“How many hours before the morning tide?”
A hard rap sounded on the door.
Colyne slid a questioning glance toward Logan.
The captain shook his head in silent warning. “Enter.”
