Page 90 of The Fierce Highlander

Leora had no time to worry about Lady Elizabeth. She quickly began clearing an area in the Great Hall for the injured to be treated. She could not stop Novice Angelica and Sister Benedetta from repeatedly going out into the fighting to help the injured back to the keep. She actually envied them, wishing she could do the same but knowing it would upset her husband if he saw her. So, she kept her word, difficult as it was, and remained in the keep doing her part, confident in her husband’s skills as a Gallowglass warrior.

The nuns kept returning with injured clansmen, all remarking on the bravery, skills, and fierceness of their chieftain and the Gallowglass warriors. Though there were some who feared there were not enough warriors to stand against another wave of mercenaries and that frightened Leora knowing more than one troop of mercenaries was out there.

Leora did her best not to worry, keeping herself busy so she did not know how much time had passed when she spotted Simmons, his glance hurrying over the room and his eyes going wide when he saw her.

They both hurried toward each other, Chief following along with her.

“You must come quick, Mistress Leora. Lady Elizabeth has been injured,” Simmons said, clearly upset.

“I will go and help you bring Lady Elizabeth here,” Novice Angelica said, having heard and offered her help.

“Nay, it may already be too late, and Lady Elizabeth begs to see Mistress Leora. Please, there is not much time,” Simmons pleaded.

“I will not let you go alone. I will go with you,” Novice Angelica said, stepping closer to Leora.

“Then come, we must go now,” Simmons insisted anxiously.

The foolishness of rushing off with Simmons was not lost on Leora, so to be cautious she asked, “How do I know this is not a trap?”

Simmons’s eyes widened. “She said you might say that and that I should remind you that the only thing important to her is your safety and she would never put you in harm’s way. I can assure you, Mistress Leora, that she waits in a safe spot.”

Leora remained skeptical, something not seeming right to her, and then there was her word to her husband that she would not leave the keep until he came for her—him—no one else.

Simmons glanced down at Chief. “You should leave the pup. It is safer here for him.

His remark added to her unease and made it less difficult for her to decide. “Tell Lady Elizabeth I am sorry, but I gave my husband my word not to leave the keep until he comes for me, and I intend to keep my promise.”

“She thought you would say that as well,” Simmons said.

The next thing Leora knew, the tip of a blade poked at her side.

“I fear you have no choice,” Simmons warned. “You are coming with me and you as well.” He nodded at Novice Angelica. “Say a word and it is not a light poke she will feel.”

“Stay, Chief,” Leora ordered, fearing for the pup’s safety.

He protested with a bark and a growl, sensing something wasn’t right.

“Wait for Noble, Chief,” she ordered, the pup barked, not at all pleased with her command and prayed the pup would not follow but instead go find Noble.

Leora did not know if anyone paid any mind to their departure or even noticed, but what would it matter with the fighting going on? She would not waste time and worry over what awaited her. She needed to think of ways to survive whatever awaited her until her husband came for her. Was this a plan of Lady Elizabeth’s to whisk her away to the Lowlands? The woman would have to know that Noble would follow along with the Gallowglass. She could not be that foolish, and if that was so then it would mean Simmons betrayed her. Was he the spy in her clan and she never knew it? And who had he joined forces with?

There could be only one person—Hedley.

He could have escaped during the fighting and now would see Lady Elizabeth and her dead, then leave for the Lowlands, but never make it there. Noble would surely hunt him down. She was thinking too far ahead. She had to concentrate on surviving and escape.

Simmons hurried them behind the keep and from there into the woods. It was a disheveled Lady Elizabeth they came upon and her troop of men and mercenaries.

“Forgive this foolish, old woman, Leora,” Lady Elizabeth begged. “I found that wealth truly can buy anything, and my wealth seems to have bought a mutiny.”

Simmons pushed Leora toward Lady Elizabeth and Novice Angelica was quick to stop her from stumbling, and they walked together to the elderly woman.

“Have done with it and let’s be on our way before the fighting ends,” Simmons called out, impatiently.

“I want my revenge and there is no revenge or pleasure in ending it fast.” Hedley stepped from behind a tree. “I want the old hag to suffer for what she’s put me through. I want her to watch her granddaughter die slowly from the wounds I intend to inflict on her before I take her own life.”

“And the novice?’ Simmons asked.

Hedley grinned. “She can entertain the men on our journey home.”

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