Page 60 of The Fierce Highlander

“It was my failure not his. I should have known.”

“It is impossible to know everything,” she said.

“I lead. I better know or I put my men and now my clan at risk.”

Noble… his name suited him so well, Leora thought and placed a restless Chief on the ground.

Chief remained at Leora’s side as they walked but when he realized the kitchen was their destination and not the keep, he took off yapping all the way there.

“They give him endless treats. It is no wonder he grows strong so fast,” Leora said, watching the pup disappear through the open kitchen door.

“I am glad he has taken to you. He will protect you with his life.”

“And I will protect him as well,” Leora said, realizing how much the pup had come to mean to her and finally understanding her sister’s love of animals, and eager to have Chief meet Sky.

The kitchen staff froze when Noble followed his wife through the door, though not Chief. He was too busy lapping up a bowl of food he’d been given.

Noble spoke before Leora could say anything.

“Where is Adele?” Noble asked.

“Gathering wild onions for supper tonight,” Emma said and took a slow step back.

Noble pursued her with questions. “Did she go alone? How long has she been gone? Was she instructed not to waste time?”

Leora saw the alarm on Emma’s face and no doubt she worried that something was amiss. But questions had to be asked before the news was delivered, or the shock of Adele’s attack might have them too upset to answer.

“Aye, she went alone, sir. She has been gone a while and should be returning soon. Is there anything I can help you with, sir?” Emma asked, a tremor of fright in her voice.

Noble’s glance fell on each of them as he asked, “Did Adele say if she was meeting anyone?”

Heads shook except for one plump lass. Her head remained still.

“You, lass,” Noble said with a nod at her. “What do you know?”

The lass paled, worry filling her eyes.

“Speak up, you have nothing to fear,” Noble urged.

Her hands gripped her apron as she hurried to speak. “I heard her tell Calla that she hoped to see Wendell today.”

“Did anyone see Wendell?” Noble asked.

They all shook their heads.

Emma finally got the courage to ask, “Is Adele all right, sir?”

“Unfortunately, she isn’t, Emma,” Noble said. “Adele was attacked and left badly wounded in one of the barns. She now fights for her life.”

“Good Lord,” Emma gasped while most cried out in shock and others froze at the terrible news.

“Mother Abbess and the novice are with Adele and doing the best they can to save her life,” Leora said, hoping it would help them to know that everything that could be done was being done to help save their friend.

“That is a relief to know, mistress,” Emma said through her tears, and the others nodded.

“If any of you recall anything Adele may have said to you this morning or yesterday that you feel may help us find out who did this to her, come to me or Mistress Leora immediately,” Noble ordered, knowing they would more likely be willing to talk with Leora than with him.

His hand went to his wife’s back to nudge her out of the kitchen, eager to find Calla and discover what she knew. It didn’t take a nudge since her steps were quick. Chief, having finished eating, hurried alongside her.

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