Page 26 of Highland Queen

A moment later, he sat back on his heels.

“I know where he is,” he said, his voice soft.

“And?” Madelaine asked. “Is he…”

“He is injured, Lady Madelaine,” he said, gently touching his side once more. “I…I just hope we can reach him in time.” Banquo rose and turned to me. “I’ll send riders at once. He is not far from your old keep,” he told Madelaine. “There are some soldiers amongst my men who follow the old path. They will understand,” he said, touching the tattoo on his forehead. “I will go to them now.”

“Thank you, Banquo,” Madelaine said, tears trickling down her face.

Banquo passed me a look. I could read the words behind his eyes. It might already be too late. With a nod, Banquo left.

Exhaling deeply, I closed the door behind him.

“Oh, Corbie. Whatever would I do without Tavis?”

I shook my head. Having been separated from Banquo, I knew well the pain. But I could not imagine Banquo dying. If Banquo died, I would lose my mind. It would be the very end of me.

“Don’t think like that,” I whispered. “Have faith, not fear.”

Madelaine nodded mutely but said nothing more. In the face of uncertainty, fear is a monster that’s impossible to slay.

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