Page 76 of The Anguish of the Scottish Lairds
Sloan said, “Off we go.”
Connor came abreast of the two. “I’m to meet Logan on your land. He was bringing Magni with him.”
Sloan said, “I have to say I love seeing Magni with his new adopted grandsire.”
“Logan wants to find out the truth about Magni’s sire. What think you about this man K who got away?”
Eva said, “K definitely got away. I think he was the one who operates from Kilchoan.”
Sloan agreed with a nod. “He’s the one in charge, so they say. They’re all afraid of him. It all fits with what Lia learned at Drimnin with Lennox.”
Connor nearly snorted. “Neither Logan nor I are afraid of a cruel man at Kilchoan.”
They moved ahead, Connor bringing a score of Grant guards with him. Sloan had left without any of his guards because he’d followed Eva.
“Sloan, you’ll tell me if you see anything unusual?”
Sloan glanced over at her and said, “Do not worry. I’ll protect you forever, Eva. No one will hurt you.”
She wasn’t worried about herself. “But I don’t want you hurt either.”
Connor laughed and Thane said, “I wouldn’t worry about Sloan, Eva. After the way he tore across that clearing and lifted D like he was the size of a squirrel and pummeled him, no one’s going to hurt either of you.”
“But the prediction? Do you all believe it?” Eva asked. “It was Sylvi’s comment about the alleged attack, was it not?”
“Aye, but I’m still doubtful,” Sloan said.
“You believe Tora after that hint about the orchard, do you not? The lass was correct, Rankin,” Connor said.
“She was. Who is left to attack my castle? We just took out five of the evilest men around. Who is left beside K? He’s going to have to reassess and get more men. If there is any truth to it, he’ll have to delay his plans.”
Eva said, “I hope you’re right. I’ve had enough battle for a time.”
Sloan moved his horse closer to Eva’s as a few horses approached them. She recognized the first to be Logan with Magni in front of him, and the two behind him were Lennox and Miles.
Logan stopped and Sloan moved ahead of Eva’s horse, but she could still hear everything. “All is well with you?”
“Aye, more than well,” Sloan said.
“How many did you take out?”
Thane said, “Odart, along with his two friends, and the man who attacked Eva will never attack another, thanks to Sloan and Eva.”
Lennox said, “I’d like to hear those details.”
“We’ll fill you in over an ale,” Sloan said. “But first, please apprise me of all that has happened in my absence. Is there any truth to the attack?”
Logan said, “I have a score of men planted in various locations, all checking for anything different. Nothing seen yetexcept for a big ship readying to leave Kilchoan, at least I think it’s loaded with men.”
Lennox said, “We have seen a few men about who we don’t recognize. I’ve sent them away, but your brother has been uncontrollable in the courtyard. Your sire is there with both of your sisters, trying to calm him. He’s afraid you’ve been hurt. But …”
“But what?”
“Sloan, he’s doing his best to act like the usual Rinaldo, but he’s different. I can feel it, yet I can’t explain it. Go see him for yourself.”
Logan said, “Do not trust him, Rankin. He’s a liar.”
“Rinaldo? I doubt it, but I’ll go see what he is doing.” He reached for Eva’s hand, but then said, “Eva, I do not want you next to me. I have a sudden inkling too.”
