Page 54 of Leila’s Legacy

Niall also was aware that no amount of protest or reasoning would alter the earl’s decision. “What are we to do with her, my lord?” A knot formed in Niall’s gut even as he asked the question.

“What one is supposed to do with witches, what the people expect us to do.” Lord Armstrong gave a maniacal grin. “We drown her.”

Niall’s stomach sank. It was exactly as Leila had said.

“This may cause a war with Lord Werrick,” Niall cautioned.

But Lord Armstrong’s dark joy did not melt away at the threat. If anything, his smile grew wider. “So be it.” He reached down and stroked the head of one of his dogs. “That’s if the earl lives. The witch isna there to get him through his illness.”

“When is her sentence to be carried out?” Niall had to work to keep his features impassive as he spoke, lest his emotions break free. His rage and disgust for the man he had once regarded with such esteem.

“The sooner the better.” Lord Armstrong nodded to himself. “On the morrow, if it can be done in time. If no’ the day following.”

Niall nodded even as he considered how he might be able to put off her execution for as long as he could. “I’ll handle the arrangements.”

Lord Armstrong sighed heavily. “Nay, Alban will see to it. I’ve no’ been giving the lad enough responsibility and ye’ve done much with the prisoner of late. Mayhap too much.” He put a hand to Niall’s shoulder and squeezed it, the way Niall’s father used to do. “Ye’re a good man, Lion. I’m grateful to have ye among my men.”

Niall nodded his gratitude at the compliment even as disgust roiled in his gut. For he was not a loyal man of Lord Armstrong’s. Not anymore. Not when the earl would so readily sacrifice a young woman’s life for the sake of slaking his people’s bloodlust.

Lord Armstrong released Niall’s shoulder. “Go on with ye.”

Niall turned at once and strode from the great hall directly toward Leila’s chamber as his mind worked through a forming plan. Brodie grinned at Niall as he approached. “Back so soon? I think ye’ve taken a liking to the lass.”

Niall edged closer to Brodie. “Dinna be here as guard tonight, aye?”

“Ye’re breaking her out,” the younger man spoke with certainty.

Of all people Niall could trust with his life, it was Brodie. But it was not Niall’s life at stake, and so he did not reply.

“She saved my sister, if ye recall,” Brodie said.

“Aye, I do.”

“I’ll be on guard tonight.” Brodie straightened against the wall with his head held high. “I owe the lass a life for saving my sister.”

“Pray God ye willna have to give it.” Niall clapped the other man on the back in silent appreciation.

“Dinna get caught,” Brodie warned. The skin around Brodie’s eyes tightened with sincerity. “Get her to safety.”

And that was exactly what Niall planned to do. He made his way up the stairs to Leila’s room to share the plan with her, for this night, Niall would be breaking her free.

Leila was glad to be back in her trews again. She was even more grateful for the belt of daggers once more secured at her waist.

The light around the shutters of the chamber indicated dusk had descended some time ago and the world was tipping toward nightfall.

With the coldest time of the year upon them, the final meal of the day was eaten just before the sun began to sink in the horizon. By dusk, everyone was in bed, buried beneath furs to ward off the pressing chill. Though the evening had only begun to stain its inky darkness through the castle, most would already be heavily asleep, lured there by drink and hearty fare. That was when Niall would come for her, so that they might leave under the cover of darkness and put enough distance between them and the castle before anyone roused to note their absence.

She strained to listen for a noise at her door, the careful pat of Niall’s footsteps as he climbed the stairs, the light jangle of keys as he unlocked her door.

Nothing.

She ran her fingertips across the worn leather belt and let them glide over the hilts of several daggers. Niall had returned it to her earlier that day in anticipation for their flight from Liddesdale Castle.

She bounced on her heels several times and moved through the steps of battle. They were motions she’d repeated time and again in her life. She had grown up learning to fight along with her sisters. The attack on Werrick Castle that had led to the rape of their mother had forced their father to make the decision to send them away or train them as warriors. Leila was glad he’d chosen the latter.

She spun about and dipped low as she slid a dagger free before leaping up as she sliced with her blade. Her invisible opponent received a mortal wound. She did not pant with her exertions. If anything, her blood sang in her veins with the familiarity of practice.

When she’d first been locked in the chamber, she’d been too resigned to her fate to continue her routine. But now, they would fight.