Page 89 of The Fierce Highlander

He grinned. “It is the very reason I will take foolish chances, so I make certain I return home to you.”

She poked him again. “I forbid you to take any foolish chances.”

He glared at her, though kept grinning. “You dare command a Gallowglass warrior?”

“I command my husband,” she shot back. “And you will obey me on this or else!”

“Or else what?” he challenged and laughed. “Do not think to say you will deny me the pleasure of intimacy with you since we both know that will never happen. You favor your wifely duties far too much to threaten that.” He continued, a chuckle in his voice, “And do not bother to say there is always a first time or that miracles do happen, for those words are worthless in this situation.” A tear trickled down her cheek and Noble’s grin and laughter faded. He brushed the lone tear away. “Leora—”

“I cannot lose you,” she said and grabbed his hand to kiss his palm. “The strength of my love goes with you so that you have the power to conquer all foes today.”

He cupped her chin. “You will not lose me today. You have my word on it.”

Chief barked impatiently.

Leora turned to the pup. “I’m coming, Chief.” She turned back to her husband. “Go and be done with it.” She was about to turn and race up the steps when Finley came running toward them.

“Signals were received from two tree perches,” Finley said, when he got near. “Two sizeable troops of mercenaries approach from two different directions. And Ross’s troop was spotted returning.”

“Ross must have found Mother Abbess. He and his men will be caught unaware,” Noble said.

Finley nodded. “And far too outnumbered and though Ross sent word to Lord Slayer, his warriors have not yet been spotted. They will attack from two sides as we leave the village.”

“While a smaller troop attacks the village to fight less-skilled men,” Noble said and thought a moment. “We remain here. Send a man to warn Ross and another to Lord Slayer, letting him know we need more warriors, though hopefully they are already on their way.”

Finley ran off to see it done.

Noble turned to his wife. “You need to go into the keep and prepare for the women and children to shelter there, and you are not to leave until I come for you—me—no one else. Now go.”

She nodded and turned, racing up the steps, Chief running right alongside her yapping all the way. She had no time to linger on thoughts of her husband, though he flitted through her mind, worry for his safety never leaving her. She called out to Calla, and they were soon busy settling the women and children as they entered the Great Hall. It wasn’t until nearly all were settled that Leora realized that Lady Elizabeth was not in the room. She knew she was to come there, it had been part of the plan she agreed to, so where was she?

“Calla,” she called out and the young woman hurried to her. “Have you seen Lady Elizabeth?”

“Nay, mistress. I have not seen her,” Calla said and gave a hasty look around.

Leora did the same though she had checked twice already and had not spotted her. She would go look for her herself, but she had given her husband her word about not leaving the keep.

“Is something amiss, mistress?” Novice Angelica asked.

Leora was grateful for the novice and nuns’ help with the women and children. Some women even took the opportunity to speak to them about wellbeing concerns.

“I wonder what is keeping Lady Elizabeth. She should have been here by now,” Leora said while she continued to glance around the room, hoping she had missed spotting her, though that was unlikely.

“I can go see what is keeping her and escort her here,” Novice Angelica said.

Leora was relieved to hear that. “I would be most grateful and no matter how difficult please do not let her refuse to take shelter here.”

“Worry not, mistress, I will return with her.”

“She is a formidable and fearless young woman,” Calla said as the novice hurried through the room and out the door. “And from what many say, an exceptional healer. All are amazed at how well Adele has recovered.”

“Mother Abbess has taught her well,” Leora said and silently recited a prayer for the woman’s safe return.

A horn suddenly sounded, echoing through the Great Hall, announcing that the attack had begun.

Leora worried over the novice and Lady Elizabeth. They could very well not make it back to the keep or they could be harmed trying to get here. She grew even more concerned when Novice Angelica returned not alone, but with an injured clan member.

“Forgive me, mistress, but I could not find her,” the novice said, “and the fighting worsens and the injured need help.”

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