Page 27 of The Burden of a Scottish Chieftain
He couldn’t help but smile. If no one had told him, he would have known her to be Dyna’s daughter.
“Then I’ll ride with Meg and, Lia, you may ride in front of Meg to help keep her steady. You lads will walk with Tora, please.”
“We will,” Magni said, his expression growing serious as he stepped closer to Lennox. “Do you promise not to let the bad men take us back?”
“I do, Magni. Fear not. I’ll have you back at Duart Castle by dark. I’ll send a messenger to your uncle, Rowan. I think perhaps it will be best to have Eli treat Meg.”
Meg lifted her head, stared into his eyes, and asked, “Who the hell are you?”
Tora ran over and put her hand on Meg’s forehead to soothe her, and said, “He’s bwinging us to Oban and my gwandsire. Do not wowry.”
Lennox said, “I’m Lennox MacVey, chieftain of Clan MacVey. I came here looking for four bairns, so I promise to get you all to the Isle of Mull safely. Then their parents will come for them after I send messengers. You will see our healer.”
Her eyes misted and she clutched his arm. “Promise? I’m too tired to go any farther. Please get them safely home.”
“I promise.” Her eyes were a shade of the forest in early spring when the buds were just beginning to break out. “Meg, I’m going to help you get on the horse, and I’ll mount behindyou. You can lean against me. You’re not strong enough to ride on your own.”
She grabbed his hand and said, “Nay, I’ll walk. The bairns can ride.”
Three voices shouted, “Nay. We wish to walk.”
Lennox smiled and said, “They are anxious to get to Oban. It’s not far, and better to release their wiggles before we get on the ship. They’ll be fine. Lia will ride in front of you, so if you must grab on to anyone, grab her.”
“Magni, please get my axe.”
“I have it, my lady.” He grinned and held up her carrying case.
Lennox managed to get the two on the horse and mounted behind them. It wasn’t the best arrangement, but he thought it would work. “That way on the path, lads. If you hear anything unusual, you will get behind the horse. Understood? You too, Tora?”
The three nodded and they were off.
Lennox had to admit that he was drawn to this lass. He couldn’t think of one other female he’d like to ride a horse with, but she fit against him quite well. He’d noticed that she was quite tall, her head nearly even with his. Long legs that went on forever made him envision things he shouldn’t be considering with a sick lass and four bairns in his present company, so he had to chastise himself.
He had four important people counting on him to get them home. He’d better be more attentive.
They’d traveled for about two hours when Magni let out a whoop. “There it is! I see it! There’s the sea. We’re going home. Really going home.”
Lia said, “Thane and Tamsin will be verra glad to see us.”
Meg sat up and said, “Tamsin? That’s my sister’s name. But she’s not married to anyone named Thane.”
Lennox had to admit that thought gave him a jolt. Could Thane’s new friend be Meg’s sister? He’d have to find out later.
She fell asleep again, occasionally moaning from bad dreams or the fever, he wasn’t sure which. “Stay close, Magni. Please do not run ahead.”
They continued for another hour before the dock and multiple boats became visible. In fact, there were more birlinns and large galley ships than he’d ever seen. Lines of men in red plaids with their horses stood around, making an unusual crowd for the wharf area. What was taking place at the ferry to cause such crowding? He couldn’t help but wonder why there were so many men needing to ferry to the isle.
And now he was worried they’d not get boarded before it shut down for the evening. But the heavens were watching over their wee group, because Tora came over to him and said, “Up, Chief, pwease?”
“I can’t lift you, Tora. Not with Meg here.”
Lia said, “I’d like to get down, if you please, to move my legs. Tora may come up.”
With Magni’s help, they switched the lasses, giving Tora the chance to peer into the crowd. Moments later, she yelled out, “Gwandpapa! I’m ovew hewe!”
Within seconds, every horse around Lennox moved enough to turn toward them while each guard in red plaid unsheathed their swords in unison to point at him. He froze, unsure of what was happening. “Lads, Lia, stay close to me. Do not move.” The bairns backed up, holding hands on one side of the horse.
The sea of animals parted before him, and a large black warhorse came toward them, the rider dark-haired with broad shoulders. The intensity of his gaze was one that could intimidate many, but not Lennox. Whoever the hell this man was, he was not going to take any of the bairns away.
