Catrina sat, her face in her hands. “That explains everything. That’s why they stole Heilyn.”
Arne asked, “But why Milo? And why not you?”
“They wanted me in exchange for Heilyn and Milo, but as soon as I cut my hand, the Unseelie ran from my blood. The faery named Lia explained it all to me, with the seers’ help.”
Catrina stared at the cut on his palm, then reached for him. “Edan, I can’t imagine how you must feel? But Da fought for you, nay?”
“Aye, he did. Ran across to the sound, found someone to take him to Jura and never stopped.”
Roger, staring at the wall, asked, “And Mama followed later?”
“When she was able. It’s all I know. Ailith said it was my fist. It came up out of the swaddling and when the Unseelie tried to grab me, it recoiled. Somehow my blood fought so hard that it changed to iron blood, so they assume.”
Roger chuckled. “So you are as strong and special as you always tried to convince me when we were wee ones fighting with our sticks as swords?”
Edan smirked at his brother. “I told you I was stronger than you. I just didn’t know why.”
No one spoke for a long moment, the truth of so much in their lives settling on them each in their own way. A bit later, Edan whispered, “Da, all he said was true.”
Roger came over and clasped his shoulder. “It does explain Da’s odd ramblings near the end of his life, does it not?”
“It does.”
“So what will you do?” Arne asked.
“I’m leaving Islay with you, but I hope to go to Duart Castle. I have one more task, and I plan to be on the ship with you on the morrow. You and Roger go to Tristan’s, and I’ll head to Duart. We’ll be only about two hours apart, I think.”
Tears slid down his sister’s cheeks. “You love her, do you not? Ailith is a blessing, and she’s wonderful with Heilyn. Your lassie deserves a mama.”
“I do love her.”
“Then what is your last task?” Roger asked. “I can help you.”
“Nay, I must do this on my own. Will you keep Heilyn until the morrow?” he asked, standing from his seat and going over to plant a kiss on his daughter’s forehead. She smiled, but her eyes never opened. He wished to remember her face forever.
“Of course. Where are you going?” Catrina asked.
“Going to see a Grant about his daughter.”
They got up together, Arne and Roger pounding his back, grinning.
His brother said, “I hope you survive. Alasdair Grant must be quite a swordsman.”
“He is. But he also raised quite a daughter.”
Edan took his leave and headed down the path toward Loch Ardnahoe, the moon bright enough to lead the way. It was just a bit past the full moon, and he shuddered, thinking what would have happened if Heilyn had been in the hill after the full moon.She would have come back changed. She would have come back not theirs.
She would not have recognized any of them.
He hadn’t traveled far when he met a lone horseman on a dark destrier—Ailith’s father.
“I thought you might be coming this way.”
Edan was surprised to see him but decided it was a good omen. No reason to mince words. “Alasdair, I love your daughter Ailith, and I’d like your approval to pursue her as my wife. We need time to get to know one another, so I’ll not suggest we do it quickly, but I hope to announce our betrothal soon.”
Alasdair Grant surprised him, his face breaking into a wide grin. “You have my blessing and Emmalin’s. We also wish to invite you and your daughter to stay at Duart Castle. My wife and I have been speaking of it. There’s a small cottage in the bailey at Duart that would suit you and Heilyn. I’ve spoken with Maitland and Dyna, they ask that you train with their guards and also use your skills with the armorer. If you agree, the cottage is yours, if you’ll have it.”
“I accept, gratefully. I need to build my sword skills and would be honored to work with your armorer.”
