After only a moment, she gasped and pulled away.
“Fergive me, Annora.” He blustered, cursing himself for his own clumsiness. “Once again, I dinnae ken what came over me.”
She grinned at him, brushing the hair behind her ear, her cheeks flushing a deep pink. “Why Edmund, we were both bewitched. This is the place of the fae after all. They have just played a little, teasing game with us both.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
The shadows were lengthening as they came in sight of the castle. The ponies could hardly raise a trot after having ridden hard across the rough terrain for most of the day.
Edmund was lost in thought. There was so much more he wished to see of this wild place. According to Lamend, a journey along the coast would be take him further afield, enabling him to visit farms and speak with other members of the clan.
But even today’s visit to the village had given him a sense of the regard in which his father had been held. It was a thriving place, well managed, with healthy trade. Importantly, from what he could tell, the people were well looked after.
And still, there was a great deal for him to learn and he was keen to consult with Gilleasbuig to find out what he could of his mother.
Another question he had regarded the fleet. There was still a threat from the pirate raids and he’d only seen one birlinn riding at anchor as he’d arrived. There’d been no mention of a War Chief. That was something he wished to discuss with Tormod.
As they drew nearer to the castle, they slowed to a walk, enjoying the warmth of the late afternoon sunshine. A golden glow spread across the countryside, bathing them in an ambience of mellow calm.
But a warrior’s instincts are forever on alert, and despite the peaceful scene Edmund did not lower his guard. He had learned that the enemy was most likely to attack when things were at their most tranquil.
It was that second nature that had him sense a presence in the woods alongside them.
Without a word he swung his pony around, dug in his heels and headed at a gallop toward the place where he’d seen the dark shape among the trees.
As he approached, he heard a horseman thundering ahead of him, and gave chase. The fact that the man was riding fast through the difficult terrain told him that this was no friendly rider. Mayhap a bandit, ready to attack unwary travelers and rob them?
Whoever it was, he fled as soon as Edmund turned his pony and headed his way.
The forest was thick and dark and the rider had too great a lead on him, so after a few hard-riding minutes, he came to a halt. He could no longer hear the other rider.
He turned back, reluctant to leave Annora and Lamend alone for more than a few minutes. For all he knew, the man was not acting alone, and there could be others who would set upon them. Or he may circle around and approach them from another direction.
As it turned out, they had galloped off and were almost at the castle gate by the time he caught up with them.
Annora looked shaken as he rode up. “Are ye all right lass?”
“Aye.” She offered a wry smile. “’Tis more tae the point. Are ye all right Edmund? Ye startled us riding off so fast the way ye did.”
“I didnae wish tae startle ye.” He turned to Lamend. “I spied a rider shadowing us from the trees. He meant us ill, I believe. He fled with all speed once I turned intae the woods.”
“I’m sorry I didnae follow ye, lad, I was hastening tae return the Lady Annora tae the safety of the castle. Once I was certain she was out of harm’s way I intended tae rouse the guard and return tae where ye’d left us. I am pleased ye have returned tae us without mishap.”
“Ye did right. Did ye see the man?”
Lamend shook his head. “I heard ye shout but I couldnae see what it was that alarmed ye.”
As they reached the gate, Lamend waved to the guard and the heavy gate was raised.
“Have ye been troubled by bandits this close tae the castle?”
Lamend shook his head. “I’m nae aware there’s been any such trouble. Yet we can ne’er be certain the wily rogues will keep their distance.”
It was clear to Edmund that the whole affair had left Lamend troubled. His face was drawn and all the color had fled it. “Ye take ye lady inside while I speak with the guard.”
As Edmund and Annora continued into the cobbled courtyard, two grooms rushed to attend to their ponies.
After they dismounted and passed the reins to the two lads, Edmund patted both their steeds. “They’ve served us well today, never put a foot wrong and did everything we asked of them. Make sure ye give them a good rub and an extra helping of oats.”
