Heather stepped in front of Seamus. “He is frightened, Rhys, having seen those he knows carted off in the middle of the night to God knows where, never to be seen again. I know you would not hurt the old people or anyone you had taken away. So please, for me, tell Seamus where he is being taken so he does not worry himself sick.”
Rhys cast a stern glance at Seamus. “You are lucky to have Lady Heather as a friend. The cart takes those to their new home, though tonight Seamus and his family will join the other families, recently taken to a safe area on Macinnes land. There he and the others will remain until the winds of war die down.”
“So, you would like us to believe,” Seamus said, his voice trembling. “The cart takes us to our doom. You get rid of those who cannot serve you. Otherwise, you would be truthful with us and not sneak us off in the dark of night. And what of Glynnis? What happened to her?”
Rhys approached Seamus and he watched impressed as the old man tried to stand tall like the warrior he once was, but age refusing him the dignity. “I owe you no explanation, but I will give you the respect due a seasoned warrior and tell you that whatever I do, I do for the safety of my people. And as for Glynnis, she is safe and well. Now yourfamily awaits you and you will go with them one way or another.”
Heather turned to Seamus. “You know me, and you know my family. Know that when I tell you that my husband is a good man that I speak the truth. He will not hurt you or your family. He will see you all kept safe.”
Seamus’s shoulders slumped. “The Macinnes I trust.”
“You will see all will be well. I will visit with you when I arrive at Macinnes keep.”
Rhys noticed she did not say home and it filled his heart with joy. He was home to her now and she truly believed it.
Henry stepped out of the shadows. “Come on, Seamus, your family waits.”
Seamus looked at Heather. “I will see you soon.”
“That you will, Seamus,” she assured him.
Once they were gone, Heather stepped close to her husband, wrapped her arm around him and whispered, “How many more of your warriors lurk in the shadows.”
“Enough to stop anyone from taking you. Now what are you doing out of bed. It is the middle of the night, and you need your rest.”
“I did not know the time and I am tired of lying abed all day.”
“It is night,” he said and swiftly gathered her up in his arms, “and you belong in bed.”
“You will join me,” she said with an inviting smile.
“Are you trying to seduce me?” he asked, approaching the stairs.
Heather nuzzled at his neck with her lips.
Stop that,” he ordered sharply. “You have only been free of the fever two days. I will not make love to you until I am sure you are well enough.”
“I am well enough,” she insisted.
He gave her body a tight squeeze and a painful gasp slipped past her lips. “You are not well enough. You will rest until we leave.” He did not dare tell her it would be the day after tomorrow or she would never rest. He was grateful her sisters were there to help.
“I will rest on one condition.”
He eyed her skeptically. “And what might that be?”
“Show me what is in the locked room.”
“Then you will rest?”
“Aye, I will rest.”
Rhys carried her up the stairs to the upper floor and set her down easily on her feet.
Heather laughed lightly. “Do you know what those from the McComb clan believe you have locked away in there?”
“Women.”
Her brow went up. “You knew?”
