Page 81 of The Defiance of a Scottish Heart
Tristan stoked the fire and pointed to the sideboard. “Grab a bowl. There’s enough left for three.”
Taskill said, “Are we eating everything you have? We had food last eve, but not yet today.”
“Nay, we have plenty. Help yourself. I have cheese and apples yet.” When he finished banking the fire, he moved into the kitchen and came out with a platter of cheese and fruit.
Sheona moved over to the hearth, shivering as the warmth hit her. “It is cool, but better than the water.”
“What happened? Everyone is looking for you both.”
Sheona glanced at Taskill, who explained, “We headed back from the nunnery just before the storm hit. We were in the middle of the sea when the worst came upon us. The squall came up so quickly and we had no idea. The sheeting rain, the wind, the rolling water was too much. The boat eventually broke apart from a rough wave. I’m sorry, but we have no boat to return to you, Tristan.”
“No worries. I’m just glad to see you survived. The boat was one I found here when I arrived. We have many more and can build more too. But how did you make it through? That storm was rough.”
Sheona took a goblet of wine and sipped it, taking a seat close to the fire. “I thought we were going to die. It was only because of Taskill that we survived. I swam for a while, but I lost all my strength. That odd thing in the water kept me afloat while Taskill tugged on my tunic and swam.”
“Odd thing?” Tristan asked.
Sheona glanced at Taskill, making Tristan wonder exactly what had happened. Both were quiet, then Taskill sat forward, setting his bowl on a table and clasping his hands together. “Look, Tristan. I doubt everyone will believe us, but some odd object helped us stay afloat, and when we finally made it toshore, that lass, Lia, was waiting for us. Told us she knew where we could ride out the storm.”
“Lia? The one known as the angel?”
Sheona nodded furiously and then stopped, her hand covering her mouth. “Taskill, I just thought of something. It didn’t dawn on me before because I was so grateful to be onshore I didn’t notice, but …” She glanced over her shoulder as if someone were there.
“But what?” Taskill asked. “Just say it, Sheona. There were many odd things about our experience.”
She glanced over at Tristan, so he nodded, hoping she would speak her mind.
“Lia … She wasn’t wet. Did you notice? She stood in the rain, yet she was completely dry. Or was I seeing things?”
Taskill closed his eyes, then rubbed them lightly with both palms. He let out a huge breath and said, “You’re right. I didn’t notice either. She led us to that cottage on Erraid, and she was dry as could be while we were soaked through.”
Tristan thought he heard wrong. “Cottage on Erraid? There are no cottages on Erraid.”
Taskill said, “We know that now. It disappeared in front of our eyes. Never mind. I don’t wish to talk about this anymore. Tell me about my mother. Has she been found? Or Dermot?”
“I have not heard anything, but I saw them run across the beach and get on my uncle’s boat that was heading back to the mainland. I’m quite certain it was them. They looked hale.”
“My sire was with Rut? And they went together?”
“Aye. Merryn and Broc just headed that way. They’re going to Clan MacLean on the mainland to visit our aunt and uncle.”
Taskill glanced at Sheona, then subtly nodded to her. “Shall we?”
Sheona nodded. “We must follow them. When’s the next ship arriving, Tristan?”
“Probably within the hour. My uncle was sending four boats within a short time because he had so much furniture custom-made for the keep now that it is completed. He wishes to beat the winter.”
Taskill asked, “May we jump aboard on the return trip of the next boat?”
“Of course,” Tristan replied. “But I need to make you both aware of something.”
“What?” Taskill asked, Sheona also giving Tristan her full attention.
“Be careful. Merryn suspects one of the men involved with Kelvan may still be out there, and I’ve heard some suspicious conversations between my guards. I hate to admit it because some have been with my uncle for a long time, but one is not to be trusted.”
Sheona stared at her hands, looking guilty.
“What is it, Sheona? This should have naught to do with you.”
