Page 59 of The Defiance of a Scottish Heart
“It might help to talk about it.”
“I don’t see how that could help. Besides, I’ve had odd feelings that someone has been watching me,” Sheona explained. “I woke up last night and had this feeling. The same feeling I had over the last fortnight at home. And once in the middle of summer, I felt like someone was following me. I’m too afraid to go home.”
How could she explain that the person she hated more than any other had told her that he promised her to someone? Not to marry, but for another purpose.
She should say something.
Nay, she couldn’t. They’d think her foolish.
But then again, how could she say anything when she had no idea what her brother had promised? What exactly had he meant that one of his friends would “teach” her something?
What exactly?
Brynja got up and paced, then stopped at the end of Sheona’s bed, crossing her arms. “I didn’t wish to tell you this, but there was a boat here last eve. They were looking for someone.”
“Who?”
“I don’t know exactly. They never said. Can you tell me more about who you think is following or watching you?”
“Nay, I have no idea. I never saw anyone. I just felt it. It was like a chill on the back of my neck whenever I thought someone was hiding near me. Watching. Just watching.”
“Well, you need to think on it. It’s important that we uncover who they were looking for. I hit them each with a dagger, so they left, but I also heard them say they planned to return in two nights.”
“On the morrow?”
“Aye, but there’s a storm coming, so mayhap they will be delayed by another day.”
Her father would be here in four more days. She had to get away. But where? How? With whom? “I don’t know what to do,” she whispered.
Hildi came over and gave her a warm hug. “Don’t worry. We do. We’ll take you to the angel at Ionaland. She’ll know exactly what to do.”
“An angel?”
“Aye, that’s what she calls herself. Her name is Lia, and she knows things that are going to happen before they do. She mostly spends her time with Magni.”
“I’ve heard about Lia, but I’ve not spoken with her before. I didn’t see anyone with Magni when we were there the other day.”
“She must have gone somewhere for a short visit.”
“What does she look like?”
“She’s six.”
“An angel who is only six? I heard she was a lass, but I didn’t realize she was so young. And how can she help me?”
Hildi giggled. “She looks six, but she talks as if she’s older than Mother Mary. She knows everything.”
Brynja said, “Hildi’s right. We need to speak with Lia. If she doesn’t already know who came here and who is after you, she’ll be able to find out. Are you willing to listen to her?”
“You truly believe she’ll know who those men were?”
“If not, she’ll find out.”
Sheona sighed. She had to trust someone.
“Let’s go.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
