Page 292 of Wicked Highland Heroes

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To their surprise, the tracks turned west. When they reached Colliston Gorge, Talbot realized why the riders had gone that way. The tracks were lost amongst the rocky terrain and even Cullen couldn’t be certain which way they’d gone.

“East,” Seward said. “I feel it in my gut.”

Talbot felt the same. His instincts had served him well in the past, but he couldn’t afford to be wrong. “Cullen, you will wait here for the men Ross is bringing. Send him east with half on my trail, and you lead the other half. Study the tracks, follow the freshest trail you can find.”

Cullen nodded, and Talbot headed east with Seward and Derek.

Seward had told Talbot that Davey’s keep was well fortified and would withstand a siege long enough for Rhoslyn to birth their child. Once cornered, though, Dayton would be more dangerous than he already was. They had to catch them before they reached Davey’s home. Talbot kept his gaze on the ground and prayed they picked up the trail again.

They found tracks an hour later. Another hour passed before Talbot glimpsed a red silk half-hidden by calf-high grass. Sir Derek cursed and shot ahead. Talbot caught up with him and, together, they reached the spot at the base of a hill where Lady Taresa lay.

Talbot dropped to one knee beside her, Derek opposite, as Seward reined up beside them and dismounted. Derek slid an arm beneath her back and gently lifted her upright. That’s when Talbot saw the blood that coated the grass beneath her.

Her eyes fluttered open.

“Where are you hurt, my lady?” Derek said.

A gentle smile touched her mouth. “I knew you would come,” she whispered, her soft accent marred by a raspy breath. Her eyes shifted to Talbot. “And you, my grandson.” She lifted a hand and he took it. “Find your wife and my great grandchild.”

“I will.” Talbot’s heart thundered. “Are they well?”

She gave a tiny nod. “He has not harmed them.”

“He?” Talbot repeated. “My brother?”

“He is one. The other is Bret Carr.”

“I know him,” Seward said.

“He came to Rhoslyn’s room.” Lady Taresa swallowed. “You would have been proud. Your wife is brave.”

Talbot’s blood chilled at the thought of how Rhoslyn’s bravery must have put herself and their child in danger.

“They ride fast,” she said. “It is not good for Rhoslyn.” Taresa released a shuddered breath.

“I will take you back to Castle Glenbarr,” Derek said.

Her eyes shifted to him. “No. I will not be returning.”

“My lady,” he began.

“Derek.” He went silent and she returned her attention to Talbot. “I am so happy to have found you.”

“And I you,” Talbot said. “But save your strength. Sir Derek will take you back to Castle Glenbarr. I will find Rhoslyn. Do not fear.”

“There is a small village twenty minutes north,” Seward said. “They have a healer.”

Lady Taresa shook her head. “They are not far ahead. Find them, Talbot.” She looked at the knight. “Derek.” The word came out so weak Talbot thought it had to be her last.

“My lady,” Derek replied.

She motioned with her hand for him to come closer. He bent his head and she pulled him close so that his ear touched her mouth. Talbot couldn’t hear what she said, but Derek’s “Nay, my lady,” told him the knight was hearing the truth he couldn’t accept. Taresa released him and he lifted his head and looked down at her.

“There is a healer twenty minutes away. You are strong. I will take you there.”

She grasped his arm. “Swear.”

“Taresa.”

Talbot heard the raw plea in Derek’s voice and exchanged a glance with Seward, who gave a tiny shake of his head.

“Derek.” The strength in her voice startled Talbot and for an instant he thought she might survive her wound. Then she coughed a wet cough he knew went soul deep.

“Swear,” she insisted, then added in a gentler tone, “my love.”

Derek bowed his head. “I swear.”

Relief washed over her features and she turned her face toward Talbot. “Tell Rhoslyn I am sorry I could not see my great grandchild born.”

Talbot considered telling her all would be well, she would be there, but he saw the light dimming in her eyes and the plea that her request be honored. She did not want her family to forget her.

“She will understand, Grandmother.”

Her mouth parted in surprise, then relaxed into a weak smile. “Remember, you are my grandson. Our family does not accept defeat.”

She closed her eyes and released her final breath.