Page 77 of Highland Flame

Cam led the way out the door, and the others followed. They were getting ready to leave when the man ran out of the house to stop them.

“What is it?” asked Cam.

“I’m sorry,” said the peasant named Abe. “I can’t even imagine what my wife and I would do if someone took away one of our children.”

“It wasna yer fault. Thank ye for sayin’ that though. Let’s start back,” Cam told the others.

“I don’t know exactly where he took the girl, but I do know who probably has her.”

“What?” Cam spun around on his heel. “Then tell me, please.”

“There is a man, a border lord, Lord Robert Clifton, who comes through Naward often. I’ve heard talk that he’s been wanting a Scottish child for a long time now.”

“Why?” asked North.

“I’m not sure. I am guessing that since the lass was Scottish, Brother Gillies might have taken her there.”

“Where is this man’s castle?” asked Cam.

“I don’t know. All I know is that it’s on the border.”

“Well, thanks anyway,” said Cam, turning to go.

“They won’t be there yet. Brother Gillies just met with the man not fifteen minutes ago. You might still be able to catch them on the road if you hurry.”

“Which way are they headed?” asked Gavin, causing the man to point in the right direction.

“Do ye have horses we can borrow?” asked Cam. “We’ll never catch them on foot.”

“I only have the one, and it is a plow horse, but you’re welcome to use it.”

“Well, a lot of guid that does,” spat Gavin. “Mayhap we can steal some horses from another family down the road.”

“Not many peasants have horses,” said Sister Edna. “And I don’t want to be a part of stealing anything.”

“Of course, no’,” said Cam. “Neither should ye have to. We’re already so grateful for all yer help, Sister.

“I agree,” said Gavin. “Nash and North will escort ye back to the priory through the catacombs. I’ll ride double with Cam on the horse to get the girl.”

“Nay, I’ll go alone,” said Cam. “Ridin’ double will only slow us down. I might miss the chance to save Avianca.”

“Then, if ye’re sure, I’ll go back with them,” said Gavin. “Mayhap I can help keep the peace since Brathair Gillies is bound to be upset with Sister Edna for helpin’ us.”

“Aye,” said the nun. “Thank you.”

“Well, since the nun has the food, I willna complain.” Nash smiled and looked at the basket. “Mayhap a little snack on the way back is just what we need.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to leave the basket of food with the Woods family for their children.” Edna handed the basket to the father.

“Thank you. We appreciate your generosity,” said the man, nodding and heading back to the house. “I’ll get the horse saddled for you right away.”

Not five minutes later, Cam sat atop the horse as his friends and Sister Edna headed back to the catacombs.

“Thank ye, once again,” said Cam. “I’m sorry if we scared yer wife and children.”

“Good luck,” called his wife from the door, holding the youngest of their children in her arms. “I hope you find your daughter.”

“Thank ye.” Cam turned the horse, and looked down at the father of the family once more. “Tell me, why did ye help the monk to begin with?”

“He offered us money to hold the girl until he could set up the meeting with the permanent family,” the man replied. “I feel ashamed to have done it now. I didn’t know the child was anything but an orphan. I only agreed for the money to feed my family. I’m sorry.”

“Dinna be,” Cam replied with a smile. “If I had children to feed, I would have done the same thing. Thank ye, and guidbye.” Cam nodded and headed down the road to try to catch Lord Clifton, and to find his daughter. He missed Avianca with all his heart. After seeing the Woods family and how close they were although they had very little, it made him think what a fool he’d been. All he wanted to do was to hold Avianca once more and, this time, he’d never have another doubt about wanting to be her father again.