"You said his horse threw him off?" Gavin asked.
"Aye, it spooked and fled. I never saw the beast again. Alpin hit his head on the rocks from the crumbled curtain wall."
"Well, he had it coming to him," Gavin muttered. "He's been a thorn in our sides for years."
"'Tis true. I was in kelpie form at the time. Just before that, he had shot at me and grazed my haunch with a lead ball."
Gavin scowled. "Saints! You left that part out of the missive. Are you all right?"
"Aye. 'Twas a scratch, but he'd intended to kill me."
"Of course. He would've loved naught more than to kill all of us."
"I'll give you his weapons and extra clothing." Torr handed off the torch to one of the guards and unlocked the cellar door.
Once inside, Gavin pulled back the plaid to reveal his cousin's ashen face. He shook his head and drew the plaid back into place. "In the morn, I'll have three of my men take the body to Gormley Castle with a missive to Alpin's mother, explaining what happened to him."
Torr nodded. "I feel bad for her. I always liked your aunt."
"She's a far more noble person than her son was."
After everyone exited the cellar, Torr locked the door again.
"You said Wilona shifted into a bird and escaped?" Gavin asked as they climbed the steps.
"Aye. An owl."
"Damnable harpy. She loves that owl form."
Torr told his friend of all the forms Wilona had assumed recently, including the loch monster. "She can also vanish at will now."
"'Slud! I'd hoped she would become weaker. We must help Brodie overcome his curse. Then we will defeat her."
"I look forward to it, but I have nay inkling where we'll find a woman he can love and trust."
Gavin glanced up at the moon. "'Tis up to the fates. But we must let him know how to prevail."
"But will he listen? Brodie is ever stubborn."
Gavin laughed. "He would say the same about you."
Torr gave a sheepish grin, his face burning. He was grateful for the near darkness. "I was stubborn—I admit it. I did nay want to fall for the lass, but 'twas beyond my control."
"Who could've imagined Brodie's wee sister would break your curse?" Gavin chuckled.
Torr smiled, excitement buoying his mood. "I'm just as surprised as you are, but she's perfect for me."
Gavin raised a brow. "Will Brodie approve of the match?"
A flash of steely determination infused Torr's muscles. "He must. I'll never give her up."
"So you'll ask for her hand?"
Torr frowned. "For a certainty. Her mother and the elders are attempting to wed her to the malicious Chief MacPeter."
"Och." Gavin gave a pained grimace. "Long-nosed John?"
"Aye, the very same."
