"I've no doubt, but you must be most careful."
She glanced down at the long, narrow chain looped around his hand. "What's that?"
"I coated this chain in silver, and I'll instruct Torr how to bind the witch with it."
"Oh. I see." Binding the witch sounded like a brilliant but dangerous idea. Though nervous, Cat mustered her courage and confidence. They had to free Torr and Brodie from Wilona MacRay's control soon. "I appreciate all your help with this, Finnian."
He gave a slight bow, then grinned. "I relish the challenge. So... you gave Sir Torr a dose of the special potion, eh?"
Heat suffused her cheeks, but she did not back down. "Aye, and myself."
Finnian lifted a bushy, white brow and waited. He had removed his spectacles, and his piercing blue eyes surveyed her, inviting trust and sincerity.
"If Torr would love me, his curse would be abolished," she whispered.
The old man's gaze turned even more compassionate. "Do you love him, lass?"
"Indeed. I have for years."
Finnian smiled. "Well, then. I shall help you. When you return with the keek-stane, I'll see if I can use it to see your future. And Torr's. If 'tis your visage I see in the keek-stane as Torr's mate, he won't have a chance of escaping you or his destiny."
A thrill shot through her. "Oh, I thank you."
"Are you two discussing me?" Torr grumbled behind her.
Cat jumped and spun to face him, amused at his gruff expression. "Of course."
He frowned, and a muscle flexed in his square jaw. She wanted to kiss that stubble-covered spot. His throat and the upper part of his brawny chest showing above his shirt further tempted her. She wished to cover him in kisses.
With dark, hooded eyes, he searched her face, then focused on her mouth. She would love naught more than to drag him back to his bedchamber, but the evening was growing late.
"I hope you two will be most careful," Finnian said.
"Aye. We will," Torr switched his gaze to the snowy-bearded elder. "What is this you've devised?"
Finnian held up a cloth. "This is a gag for you to tie through the witch's mouth so she cannot speak her evil spells. Then, use this attached silver chain to bind her, head to knee. There's a hook at each end to secure it." Finnian handed it to him. "Wrap it around her, widdershins."
"What do you mean?" Cat asked.
"Tuathal. Counterclockwise."
Torr took the chain and the gag into his hand.
Finnian scurried across the room, then returned. "Here are the Rowen crosses I made. I had Charlie run them over to the castle with a missive to the priest. He blessed them with holy water, then the lad brought them back." Finnian handed the crosses over. "Keep them on your person at all times."
Cat took hers and examined the vibrant red woolen thread woven around the twigs.
"I still prefer you stay here, Cat," Torr said. "With the doors and window shutters locked. Once we anger the witch, nay telling what she might do."
Cat shook her head. "While you're a kelpie, I must take care of these items and your clothing. 'Twould be much harder for you to seize the keek-stane by yourself."
He blew out a breath. "'Tis true, but this will be a dangerous errand."
