Page 31 of The Defiance of a Scottish Heart
“Damn it,” she muttered, waiting for Miles to chastise her for cursing, but he just arched a brow at her. “Have you seen Marta or Gideon?”
“Aye, they left for a quick boat ride. They took the wee Margret with them.”
“Nay …” Sheona closed her eyes and said a quick prayer. “Miles, please don’t let him take me to the abbey.” Her voice came out in a whisper. “Not until my brother or sister is here. Please?”
“Sorry, lass. He’s already chosen his guards for the journey.”
“You? Ingelram?”
“Nay, Fitz is leading. He said it was just for a visit. Don’t panic. I’ll let Sloan know when he returns. He said it’s for asennight, possibly. It might be good for you to take some time away after all that has happened between you and Taskill.”
“Naught has happened between Taskill and me! I wish people would stop talking about us. Da wished to order him to marry me. Taskill refused, as I did. End of story. We are not betrothed.”
Miles gave her a weak grin and said, “It might be good for you to visit Iona. It’s a lovely isle so they say. It’s said to be full of sandy beaches and grassy knolls. Artan lives there with his wife, Simone. Have you met her? She’s an archer. Look for her. She’ll help you if you ever need it.”
“Who is Simone?”
“Logan Ramsay’s adopted daughter. An exceptional archer who only wears the leggings like Dyna does.” He leaned forward to whisper, “They say she killed Glenna of Buchan with an arrow in the middle of her eye. Dropped the wicked bitch to the ground so fast that some never saw her hit until she landed on her back, the arrow sticking straight out of the center of one glowing orb.”
Sheona shook her head to rid the image from her mind but considered that perhaps the woman could assist her if she needed it. Asking Marta was impossible. “What is her name again?”
“Simone. Married to Artan, Thane’s second.”
Her father appeared out of the stable door. “Sheona, I’m ready. Get over here or I’ll have Miles carry you over his shoulder.”
“Can you not stop him, Miles?” she begged, grabbing his hand.
“Nay, he’s the old chieftain. We must do as he says. I promise to tell Sloan and Marta when they return. Enjoy your journey. The isle is beautiful, as you know.”
Sheona let out a deep sigh and trudged forward, knowing her path was now set.
She didn’t speak to her father, instead bringing out her horse, attaching her bag to the saddle, and retrieving another axe from the stable and hiding it in the bag. She needed all the weapons she could find.
Fitz hurried over to her side. “May I assist you, lass?” He gave her a wide smile and held out his hands as an offer, but she shook her head as she climbed onto the mounting block.
“I can manage.” She was in no mood to speak with anyone.
Her father had already mounted and headed past her, pausing for a moment. “Move out, lass. Time is short, as you know, and we have much land to cover.”
She moved her horse, four guards surrounding her as they headed across Mull to the opposite side where the MacLean holding was.
Fitz asked, “Did you have a good time at the festival the other day, lass?”
Her father said, “Do not talk to my daughter. She’s a lass and not worthy of your time. You should be thinking about battle tactics, Fitz. You have much to learn.”
Sheona wished to throw an apple and hit her father in the face.
But she didn’t.
She always did what she was told.
Chapter Twelve
Taskill
“Just go with them,” Lennox said, standing by the gates of Dounarwyse Castle. “You need to relax a bit.”
It was two days after the festival and the big argument that everyone was still talking about. Jasper said, “Come with me, T. I hear they have a slab of venison all smoked and lots of ale.”
