Page 42 of Fletcher

As he’d expected the revelation shocked the young men, who had been born long after the former king’s ruling forbidding the abduction of females. They also had no memory of Bered’s màthair, who in fact had been a brunette.

“We might all possess mates if ’twas the same now,” one of the older men complained. “Why cannae we petition our king end the ruling against the red-haired, and abductions?”

“Merrick deeply loved his sire, and has kept his rules the same out of solemn respect.” Bered wanted to laugh, but kept his tone grave as he added, “I dinnae wish thwart the king or turn him against me, and I ken all of you share my sentiments. If only we might show him how a female taken and changed should gladly embrace her new life, mayhap seeing her happiness ’twould change his mind. If only ’twas a way we might do thus but no’ break the ruling.”

As he guessed it took them no time at all to make the leap he wished.

“The king saved Jamaran from death by changing him,” the youngest put in eagerly. “If we saved the red-haired female from drowning by changing her, ’twouldnae go against the law.”

“We’d first need drag her out into the bay and near drown her,” another male said. “That should violate the truce, and set the MacMar against us.”

“’Tis truth.” Bered knew this was the moment to sway them. “If the clan learned we forced the female into the water, then ’twould go as you say. Doubtless she would point the finger at those who abducted her.”

The youngest shook his head. “If we took her from behind and covered her head before putting her in the bay, she wouldnae ken those to blame. Indeed, we’d look the heroes for rescuing and changing her so we might save her life.”

It always amused Bered to see how easily he influenced the younger males. “How shall you decide who changes her? And who should be brave enough mate with a forbidden female?”

The men all looked at each other before bowing to him.

“Och, you lads truly ken how to show respect to an ancient like me,” he chided, hiding his distaste. As if he would ever touch a woman with red hair. “’Tis true as the eldest unmated I should be granted first claim, but I reckon that should seem suspicious to Merrick. Your ruse shall work only if ’twould seem by chance, according to the circumstances. Who among you moves swiftest?”

All of the males glanced at the youngest, who ducked his head in embarrassment.

“Tethys outswims us all, my prince,” one of the other males said.

“’Tis likely you should first reach a mortal in danger,” Bered said, nodding. “You also proposed how you may take the female without revealing yourself. If the others agree, then I see no reason why she shouldnae become yours. Of course, I cannae advise you do such, for ’twould violate the truce. You understand me?”

As the rest of the males exchanged knowing looks, Tethys’s expression grew uncertain. “’Tis only that I cannae enter the stronghold, or ’twill give away my intent. All the mortals, they’ve been warned away from the shores.”

“Mayhap a friend among the MacMar may aid you.” He cuffed the young male on the shoulder. “I shall persuade one come and speak with you.”

Fletcher had arranged for a hot bath for Lark in his bed chamber, and told her to take her time before he left to meet Shaw down in the great hall. Nyall and Duncan soon joined them, and the chieftain led them up to the watch tower’s roof.

“Since I couldnae join the search I took the place of a watcher,” Shaw said as he led them out toward the curving battlements. “’Twas just before sunset when I saw them emerge from the bay, and gather. There, you can yet see the sneaky bastarts now.”

The full moon bathed the island and the sea with ghostly white light, revealing more details than could ordinarily be seen after dark. That allowed Fletcher to spot the cluster of Finfolk males on the shore of the Islet of Death.

“’Tisnae forbidden for the males to gather,” Duncan said mildly. “’Tis likely they’re planning where to search on the morrow, Chieftain.”

“Merrick called off the search for Freja and Duxor. They never step foot on that islet, save to die or collect the bones of their dead.” Nyall peered at the Finfolk group. “That’s Bered there in the midst. I can see the pearls glowing round his neck.”

“Bered braced me over Mistress Ambrose, and insisted he had prior claim,” Shaw said. “He hinted we might do well aiding each other with other matters.”

Fletcher didn’t want to lose his temper, but he could already sense it starting to shred. “He plots against Merrick so he may seize the throne.”

“No’ in so many words,” his brother admitted. “Yet ’twas what he implied. By aiding each other he may depose Merrick, and I Connal.”

That made Fletcher laugh, for Shaw’s devotion to their older brother was such that he would end himself before allowing harm to come to the laird. “Fool. Summon Merrick and tell him all.”

“We cannae accuse a prince of scheming a coup without proof,” the captain said, his tone dour. “’Twill only anger the king, and damage the truce.” He thought for a moment. “We need speak with Jamaran. He witnessed what happened at the labyrinth, and he doesnae trust Bered. He may advise us on how we may proceed.”

“Can you summon him now?” the chieftain asked.

“I’ll kill any of them that dare lay hand on my woman,” Fletcher said, his voice strained. “So do your best and keep them from her.”

Nyall nodded, and Duncan sighed. Shaw gave him a narrow look before he went off with the captain.

Fletcher saw how the healer was watching him and threw up his hands. “Fine. I share my bed with Lark. She calls me her plaything. ’Tis no’ even a flicker of love between us, I vow.”