Page 77 of The Defiance of a Scottish Heart
“Nay. That was the worst outburst I’ve seen anywhere. It shook our rafters, and Duart is soundly built. That thunder frightened all our animals. We had to leave several men in the stables to keep the horses calm when the thunder got so close. But you need to ask the Rankins and MacVeys. They’ve been here much longer than I have,” Broc reminded him.
Tristan kneaded his hands in his lap, shaking his head. “Taskill took a boat to Iona to look for Sheona. That’s all I know. I’ve not seen anything since then,” Tristan said, approaching the sideboard and bringing a basket of apples and cheese over to share. “I hope he made it, though the storm was a few hours after he left, so he should have made it across to Iona. They sent you to search for them?”
“There have been patrols before and after the squall. Rut and Dermot are also missing. Lennox and Sloan went to MacQuarie Castle, but they’ve not seen anyone there. They’re not on Iona as you know. This afternoon, Lennox is planning to head to MacKinnis land while Sloan will travel to Mingary Castle, hoping that no one has taken up in Kelvan’s place,” Broc explained, chewing on a hunk of cheese that he’d broken off toshare with Merryn. “They were headed here until we told them we were coming.”
Merryn added, “We volunteered to come here and go to the mainland. I’d like to visit Uncle Neil and Aunt Alma to make sure they are hale after all Kelvan did. I feel better knowing that Aunt Alma sent the cushions. I’ve worried about them so. After all, what happened to his men?”
“Many died at Ardnamurchan. You know that.”
“But not all. There were some I wondered about. The one who barked orders during the attack on our village is still walking free. He was not at Mingary. I looked for him.” She stared at the flames in the hearth. “I’ll never forget the coldness in his eyes.”
“He could have been killed at any of the other minor battles. You know that’s possible, Merryn. How is Shealee?”
“She’s fine, Tristan. She has no memory of all that happened. It saddens me, yet I know it’s a good thing.”
“It is. We’ll help her remember her mother.” Tristan patted her forearm. “You’re taking good care of her.”
“I’ll feel better after I speak with Uncle Neil and Aunt Alma. While we’re crossing, we’ll check along the way for anyone who may have seen Rut, Dermot, Sheona, or Taskill. I cannot believe they are all missing at the same time.”
The three munched on the food for a bit, all lost in their thoughts. Finally, Tristan sighed and said, “I have to ask. Everyone I speak with is all upset and on edge, just as they were when Kelvan was about. As far as we know, other than one man who Merryn remembers on the mainland, Kelvan’s group is gone. Why are so many acting oddly? There must be something I’m not aware of yet.”
Broc looked at Merryn and gave her a small nod. Then she added, “It’s Tora. You know how she has consistently proven to be a seer.”
“Aye, with amazing accuracy,” Tristan agreed.
“She’s been telling Dyna’s father that bad men are after Sheona.”
“Oh, heaven above us,” Tristan whispered. “Hell’s fury find them first.”
“And worse. During the storm,” Broc said, taking Merryn’s hand, “Dyna and Avelina had horrible headaches. They are both seers. They claim Taskill and Sheona were in a boat that broke apart. Please keep an eye out for any survivors or pieces of boat onshore.”
“I’ll say my prayers that they landed safely. That’s a tough swim, though I imagine they’re both strong swimmers.”
Broc nodded. “We hope to find good news in our travels.”
“May God be with all of them.”
“Dyna is staying at Duart while the rest of us search for the four or any news of the evil fools after Sheona. Have you heard anything at all of some questionable men? Have you noticed anything unusual across the water?” Broc asked.
“Nay, naught. But now that I know, I’ll start asking more questions when the boats arrive. The one for you should be here shortly. Once we unload the goods, it goes right back. I’ll ask the men what they know or what they’ve seen, and then you can see what you learn from Uncle Neil.”
“Many thanks to you, Tristan. What goods are coming this time?” Merryn asked.
“Linens, I believe. And we’ve been promised smoked beef too. When you return, I hope you’ll see if you can land me a pheasant or two with your bow. Have you caught any yet, sister? You’ve done so well with archery.”
“Nay. Shealee keeps me busy. I’ve practiced, but I’m not skilled like Dyna and Eli yet. Mayhap I can send them this way before Yule for you.”
“That would be wonderful.”
The door opened, and one of his men shouted, “Ship is nearly here, Chief.”
Broc said, “We need to ready our saddlebags, Merryn. You’ll take care of our horses while we travel, Tristan? We should be back in a sennight.”
“I’ll take good care of Midnight Majesty, I promise.”
“You may ride him, but no one else, if you please,” Broc said with a grin. “He is verra special to me.”
“My thanks to you for all you’ve done for Merryn and for me,” Tristan said with a small bow. “I’ll care for him myself.”
