Chapter 9
The transformationshot power and aggression through Torr. In kelpie form, he charged through the trees, his hooves pounding the ground, kicking up leaves, and digging into the soft black dirt. Seconds later, he emerged near the campfire.
Two highwaymen stood poised to grab Cat. She swung her dirk at one, but he dodged out of the way.
"Look at that white stallion!" the other outlaw shouted. "'Tis the one we want."
Torr lunged at the man attacking Cat, reared up, and flung his front hooves at his head. He would kick the whoreson down and trample him if given half a chance. The man yelled and fled. The other thief leapt onto Hercules, bareback, and managed to keep his seat, despite the horse bucking and screaming. The other miscreant swung onto the mare, and they galloped away. Torr followed and quickly caught up. Thirsting for revenge, he readied himself to clamp his teeth onto the man's clothing and yank him to the ground, but the bastard turned and struck out with a sword, missing Torr's neck by a hair's breadth.
He'd hoped the frightened horses would throw the men. Despite the bucking Hercules was doing, the whoreson hung onto his mane and clamped his legs around the horse. They were obviously skilled horse thieves.
Torr needed to reclaim their mounts but could not leave Cat alone. Another outlaw might be hiding nearby, awaiting an opportunity to attack her. Torr turned and galloped back. He would search for the horses later, once Cat was safe.
Nearing the camp, he slowed to a trot.
"Torr?" Cat inched toward him, her eyes wide and curious.
He stopped and nickered.
"They stole our horses! Can you not get them back?"
He shook his head.I am but a kelpie, nay a worker of miracles.
"What are we to do now?" she asked.
Are you expecting me to talk, then?With his head, he pushed her toward the bedroll.Go to sleep. We shall walk the rest of the way tomorrow.
He was simply thankful the brutes had not hurt her.
"You want me to sleep now? After fighting for my life. Are you daft?"
Torr snorted. 'Twas understandable that she was still upset, but 'twould be of little benefit to pace all night. She would be exhausted tomorrow.
Maddening lass.
"That brute attacked me. I shudder to think what he might have done if I had not slashed the dirk at him." She pulled the dagger from her arisaid. "I am fortunate Brodie showed me how to use it years ago to defend myself against men who would force themselves on me."
Indeed, I'm glad too.
Cat kept up her nonstop blathering for several long minutes. Apparently, she felt a companionship with horses—or a kelpie who looked like a horse—for he'd never heard her speak so many words at once. Or maybe her nerves had gotten the better of her. She told him how she felt about the damnable MacPeter, her mother, and the clan trying to force her to marry the beast.
Funny, but Torr supposed he was actually the beast, especially at the moment. Forcing himself to listen patiently, he ate tough grass while she talked. At least he could get to know her better, considering how she bared her soul. She lay down on the plaid and stared up at the stars.
"Torr is the complete opposite of MacPeter. Torr is sweet and handsome and noble."
He pricked his ears toward her.What? Has she forgotten she's talking to me?
She closed her eyes. Her words came out breathy whispers and somewhat indistinct, but he had better hearing than the average horse and certainly far better than any human.
"Torr, you will love me, I swear it. I shall make you fall in love with me if 'tis the last thing I do on this earth."
Her words sounded so determined they could've scared the wits out of a kelpie.
***
ALPIN HAD BEEN DRINKINGall evening, and now that it was growing late, the tavern was lit by the fireplace and a few candles on the tables. He had indulged in several drams of whisky, feeling he deserved it for all his hard work. Wilona had been especially ornery and difficult to get along with.
"We got your horses back."
