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He barged through a clumping of bushes onto a large boulder and as he did he saw one of the two soldiers land a punch to Tara’s jaw, snapping her head back and knocking her unconscious.
A feral snarl started deep in his chest, and as he launched himself off the boulder, sword in hand, it burst into a spine-chilling roar.
The soldier paled as the mighty Highlander came hurtling through the air toward him. Shock and fear froze the soldier, and, with one forceful swing of Reeve’s sword, he was dead. He turned to dispose of the other soldier, but he was gone.
Reeve kept his sword in hand as he hurried to Tara, draped over the horse on her stomach. She was still unconscious and a bruise was darkening her chin. If he could kill the fool soldier all over again, he would, he was so furious that he had hurt her.
It would be a while before she regained consciousness, and he intended to take advantage of that. After sheathing his sword, he mounted the horse and hurried them away from the carnage and possible further attack.
In no time they would be on Pict land, and the soldiers would dare not follow since the Picts blended with the land and one never saw them coming until it was too late. He and Tara, however, were expected, Bliss having sent one of Roan’s men with a message days ago, having sensed that someone would need sanctuary though not knowing who.
They crossed the border though no line of demarcation could be seen; it was simply known. This was the land of the Picts. The land of the old ways and old beliefs, and one trod with respect or not at all.
Reeve brought the horse to a stop as soon as he heard Tara groan. He was off the horse and had her in his arms just as her eyes struggled to open.
“You’re safe,” he said, and his heart ached as she struggled to fight through the haze that engulfed her. He continued to encourage. “You were so very brave, and I am so very proud of you.”
Her eyes finally opened, and a full smile bloomed though it turned to a quick wince, her bruise having worsened considerably. “We survived?”
“We did.” He grinned. “But then I would have it no other way.”
“You are an obstinate one.”
“I will take that as a compliment since it comes from someone with the same quality.”
She laughed, but a painful grimace soon stole it.
“No laughing,” he ordered, her pain bringing him pain.
She lifted her hand and tentatively touched his face.
He knew what disturbed her. “I told you the curse can’t affect me.”
Her look asked, are you sure?
“No curse will touch me,” he said, and gave her a gentle kiss.
She, in turn, gave him a weak smile, and he laughed, saying, “You don’t believe me, but just wait, you’ll see I’m right. I’m always right.”
She almost laughed but stopped herself, the slight crease of her mouth causing her to wince. The lack of a smile didn’t prevent her merriment from showing, for it danced boldly in her lavender eyes.
Reeve felt a catch to his heart. Never had he seen someone as beautiful as her. He had gazed upon her many times, but not until this very moment did he see her true beauty, and it astounded him. And he felt it, actually felt her beauty. It seeped slowly and steadily into him, and as it took firm root, he knew it was life-sustaining and that never, ever would he be able to live without it. Never before had he experienced such an overwhelming sensation, and he knew then and there that he loved Tara with a deep abiding love that he had never known existed until now.
He kissed her gently. “We need to find shelter for the night.”
“What of Bliss’s cottage?’
“It is too far. If we get an early start tomorrow, we’ll reach it before nightfall. Bliss made mention of a run-down croft just over the border.”
“Then let’s find it,” Tara said, struggling to sit up.
Reeve got her to her feet with ease and held her firm until he was sure she had steady footing. And even though she insisted that she was fine, he scooped her up, carried her to the horse a few feet away, and lifted her to the saddle. He swung himself up, coming to rest behind her.
His arms went around her, and she snuggled against him as he took the reins in his hands.
By the time Reeve found the dilapidated croft, Tara was asleep in his arms. Exhaustion had finally claimed her, and he wished he didn’t have to disturb her. His worry was for naught since when he dismounted, she barely stirred in his arms.
The cottage had a partial roof left, and one wall had crumbled in half. It would be more like sleeping under the stars, though the remaining walls would keep the wind from whipping at them. And the fireplace appeared intact, so they would have a modicum of warmth for the night.
