The man’s touch was sheer magic to her, unraveling every careful defense she possessed with nothing more than a kiss. He ended it as quickly as he’d started it, leaving her to wonder if she’d done something wrong.
Curse it, but she was so inexperienced when it came to men.
He turned back to the fire, moving the logs to speed up the flame. When the backs of her legs touched the chair, she fell into it, a bit ungracefully, but at least she hadn’t dropped to the floor.
The timing was perfect because just as she plopped into the chair, her sire entered from his bedchamber, peering at them. “Ailith?”
“I couldn’t sleep, Da.”
“Is that Edan with you?” He crossed the chamber and stood close to them. “What in blazes are you doing here, MacRuari?”
“Aye, my lord. I came early because I did not wish to miss any of today’s discussion. I also had trouble sleeping. I waited outside until Ailith came down a moment ago. She let me in, and I tended the fire for her.”
Alasdair looked from one to the other, his eyes narrowed.
“Please don’t, Da.” She set her palm up facing him. “Don’t be like Uncle Logan and Gavin. I heard all about them.”
Her father let out a deep sigh and kissed her forehead. “I won’t because I trust you, Ailith.”
Edan found a chair and leaned forward on his elbows while Alasdair started the fire under the pot on the far wall of the hut. “I’ll heat up the broth. Uncle Connor and your mother made a large batch last eve.”
When her father returned, Edan said, “I’d also like to ask your advice on how best to improve my training. I watched your warriors at the lists at Duart Castle, and I worked with Maitland a bit. My skills cannot compare. Is there someone you would recommend with the patience to teach me better skills? I fear we may come to battle with Gruin, and I am not as strong as most of you.”
Her father’s expression told her he approved of Edan’s approach. She wanted her father to like Edan, not to see him as an unwelcome suitor. If he scared him off, he might not have the strength left to fight for her. Who knew what would happen once he had Heilyn home? She might never see him again.
“I’m happy to arrange that for you. I would start with Magni or Morgan, both verra skilled. John would work with you too. Even though you are a bit taller than John, he holds a mighty sword. He’s a natural teacher. I’ll suggest it to him. Once you’ve trained more, I’d be happy to work with you.”
“I have an inkling you are one of the finest swordsmen on Grant land. True?”
“In my day, I was. I do have a question for you, Edan.”
“I’ll answer if I can.”
“What the hell is iron blood?”
He’d wondered that same question himself. “I have no idea what iron blood is. I was hoping one of you knew what it meant.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Edan
Another early riser joined them. Dyna yawned as she came down the staircase, grabbing a blanket to wrap around herself before settling into a chair.
“Why are you awake?” she asked. “We were all up late. You should be asleep.”
“Yet none of us are,” Alasdair said. “You’re no different. We were discussing the meaning of iron blood. Is that not what the banshee said to Edan? What does it mean?”
The door opened and Connor entered. “I saw the torchlight. They’re still asleep over there, and I know Emmalin and I made a delicious broth last eve.”
“Da,” Dyna said, “I cannot believe you are cooking.”
“Just using my talents wherever I can to be helpful,” Connor replied. “I have no desire to go into a faery hill or greet a banshee. I’ve fought my battles, this one is yours. Though I might wish to watch the next trip, as long as there is no screeching involved. Besides, someone has to keep Daran busy. That bairn is full of liveliness.”
Alasdair added, “And Daran loves being with you. We’re talking about last eve when the banshee told Edan he had iron blood. Know you anything about it?”
“Nay. I’m sorry but I don’t. Come with me, Ailith. We can fill the goblets.” The two moved to the far side of the gathering room, where the cooking area was.
Dyna gazed at the rafters for a few moments. As the others worked near the cooking area, Dyna let her blanket drop and asked Edan, “Did anything happen to you when you were young that you are aware of? Any major bleeding episode? Falling from a horse? Anything that nearly took your life?”
