"We're leaving," hesaid curtly.
Ian shifted his gaze from thefire to Kartauk's face. "Abdar?"
Kartauk nodded. "Morethan likely. I sent Tamar to determine how much time we have." He went tothe armoire and pulled out Ian's cloak. "You may need this." As hewithdrew a large carpet bag he glanced at the collection of medicine vials onthe table beside Ian's chair. "We'll need a valise to put those in."
"There's a small leatherbox in the bottom of the armoire that Margaret packed them in when we came fromGlenclaren." He sat up straighter in the chair. "Bring it here. I'llpack them while you pack Margaret's things. Where is she?"
"Fetching yourbearers."
"Ah yes, even in thedirest emergency I must travel in suitable pomp and glory." He took theleather valise Kartauk handed him and began to place the vials carefully in thecase. "Be sure to pack Margaret's blue shawl. It's warm and she looks solovely in it."
Kartauk grabbed the shawl andtossed it in the carpet bag. "You're being very calm."
"Why not? When I have youand Margaret to care for my well-being." Ian smiled. "What is scumlike Abdar when one is surrounded by one's friends?"
"A threat."
Tamar burst through the door,his usual calm demeanor vanished. "Abdar! We must depart!"
"You're sure it'sAbdar?" Kartauk asked.
Tamar nodded. "Hissoldiers wear blue and white livery as you told me."
Kartauk swore. "Howmany?"
"Perhaps two hundred. Butthey carry English rifles."
Kartauk frowned. "Twohundred. Why not more?"
"It seems quite enough tome," Ian said mildly.
Kartauk nodded and turned backto Tamar. "How much time do we have?"
"Not long. The soldiersfired the docks as they set out for the palace. I ran into Abdar's forcesoutside of town and turned around and came back."
"Then he's right behindyou," Ian said. "And we have no time for my foolish bearers." Hemet Kartauk's gaze. "Margaret."
Ian was right. It would take amiracle for the bearers to avoid Abdar's pursuit down that canyon trail, and ifMargaret accompanied them she would not desert Ian even if it meant beingcaptured herself. He nodded. "I'll see to it. Finish his packing and gethim into his chair, Tamar. He's leaving immediately."
He had to step around the fourCinnidan bearers as they entered Ian's chamber. He grasped Margaret's arm asshe would have followed them. "No." He half pulled, half pushed herdown the corridor. "I'll tend to him. You go on ahead."
"Are you mad? I won'tleave without Ian."
"Someone has to warnMedford and Ruel to be ready for Abdar. Medford's camp is directly at thebottom of the canyon wall. Give him the warning and then ride on to Ruel'scamp. The last time I heard from him he was located about fifteen miles fromMedford. Tell him Abdar has a force of only two hundred and that, thoughthey're well armed, I don't think he will have any reinforcements to draw on.There's a good chance he's overstepped his power with this move."
"Yougo warn Ruel. My place is with Ian."
It was what he expected ofher, strong as gold and brave as a lion. "Are you strong enough to protecthim in battle?" He pushed her down the veranda steps toward Jock, who washolding her horse. "You have a great heart, but I am mighty asGoliath."
"Whom David defeatedwithout batting an eyelash."
"He struck a luckyblow." Kartauk grinned. "Goliath should have won." He said to Jock."Don't let her stop until she reaches Ruel."
Jock nodded. "Aye."
"I'm not goinguntil—"
"Do you trust me?"Kartauk asked. "Do you truly trust me, Margaret?"
