Page 11 of The Burden of a Scottish Chieftain
They divvied up the paths nearby, hoping they’d cover the entire area. Lennox was sending Taskill to his assigned area with ten guards. He also assigned ten guards to go with Thane and ten to go with Dyna. That left thirty to protect the castle.
He was headed across the sound with a creeping suspicion who was causing all the problems. A man named Egan who was still haunting him, even in his sleep.
Chapter Seven
Magni
Magni glanced from Rowan to Lia, wondering how they were going to get out of this locked chamber. He had no idea where they were, and neither did the others.
The door opened, and another bairn was tossed inside before the door closed behind her. Now who?
“Tora? Is that you?” Lia asked.
“It is Tora!” Magni had never been so happy to see someone.
Tora ran straight to Lia and hugged her. “Gweetings, Lia. Why are you hewe?” Then she hugged Magni before turning to Rowan and said, “I’m sowwy you were taken away when you were hunting with your uncle.”
Rowan cast a suspicious look at her. “How did you know I was hunting? I don’t even know you.”
“Because I saw you hewe.” She pointed to her forehead.
Magni grabbed Tora and pulled on her hands. “Will we get away?”
She shook her head and answered, “I’m not suwe.”
“Why not?” Magni asked.
“We go away.”
“What? Where are they taking us?” Rowan’s eyes misted.
“I not suwe, but I know we will leave hewe,” Tora said, making a spot to sit down. She pulled out a chunk of dried meat and shared it with the others. “Fiwst, we go to the chuwch.”
“What church?” Rowan asked. “I want to go home now.” His lips puckered as if he were about to cry.
Lia said, “I have faith that we will be saved in a short time. Not right away, but in a wee bit.”
“Are you certain?” Magni asked. “If they come eventually, I’ll be able to handle this.” He chewed on the dried meat. “Even if I am scared.”
Tora said, “When I see it, I will let you know. Do not wowwy, Magni.” She tipped her head down and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I think someone will save us.”
“Eww,” Magni whined, dragging the back of his hand across his cheek. “No kisses.”
Tora giggled.
Lia said, “Magni, think about it. Where are we from?”
“Clan MacQuarie,” he replied, giving her a puzzled look. He had no idea where she was going with this.
“Rowan, where are you from?”
“Clan Rankin.” He stood up with a bit of excitement and said, “I get it. Tora, where are you from?”
“Clan Gwantham and Clan Gwant.”
Rowan shook his head. “You can’t be from two clans.”
“Aye, I am.”
