His scowl said he believed the man and was ready to leap forth and slay any monsters. She saw naught. But something... a massive animal disturbed the water beneath the boat, thumping and bumping against the wooden hull.
She craned her neck, trying to see over the side.
"Stay down!" Torr urged her into the bottom of the bìrlinn, withdrew his sword, and crouched, poised to thwart the beast if it reared its head.
She fisted her hand on the bottom of his plaid, determined to keep him safe. One part of her yearned to see the creature, while another was terrified of such a spectacle.
Water splashed on the right side, spraying cold droplets over them. Not wanting to distract Torr, she ground her teeth and held back a scream.
"Faster!" the ferryman shouted at the oarsmen.
"Saints preserve us," Cat breathed, observing Torr and his forceful intensity. "I had nay inkling loch monsters were real. I thought 'twas only a legend."
Torr nodded, his alert gaze scanning the murky surface of the water. "Aye, they're as real as I am. Remain where you are."
Almost holding her breath, Cat sat hunched and unmoving for many long minutes, listening to the wooden oars clunking against the hull and splashing into the swirling gloom of the water. Huffing and puffing, the men worked harder than usual, propelling the bìrlinn swiftly through the calmer water.
Had the monster retreated? She prayed 'twas so.
Half an hour later, they disembarked at the opposite end of the loch. Since there was no dock, Torr carried her through the shallow water.
"Thank the saints," she whispered once he set her to her feet. "And thank you, too. It seems that someone or ... something is against us finding Elsea."
Torr scowled furiously while considering her words, then glanced back at the loch with much suspicion.
"What are you thinking?" she asked.
"Lady Wilona MacRae." He pointed. "That could've been her in the water."
"What? The monster?" Cat asked skeptically.
"Aye. Gavin told me in a missive many months ago that she can transform herself into any animal she chooses."
Another shocking thought occurred to Cat. "The wolf!"
"Aye, the wolf, too," Torr growled. "Damnation!"
"She's trying to kill me." Cat could scarcely breathe. "Why?"
"The curse. She's found out that you're trying to destroy her curse."
Cat's mouth hung open. "Mo chreach!That evil hag."
"Come, let's get you inside Kincreag Castle as soon as possible, afore she shifts into some other dangerous beast."
***
THE THICK BLACK IRONgates that protected Kincreag Castle sent a chill of foreboding through Catriona as they approached. The top finials of the upright metal bars were fashioned like dozens of small battleaxes. She shivered. A heavy mist enshrouded the topmost towers of the castle.
"Sir Torr," the guard inside the gates greeted, his dark eyes friendly.
"A good day to you, Henry. We're here to visit with my cousins."
"Indeed." He unlocked the small side door and opened it. "Welcome. Did you walk the whole way from Castle Dubhuisge? 'Tis a long trek."
"Nay. Our horses were stolen on the other end of the loch. We took the ferry across, then walked from the village."
"Damnable horse thieves!" Henry grumbled. "I wager, when the chief catches them, he'll string them up." He glanced at her, then bowed. "Pray pardon, madam. Is this your wife?"
