Page 10 of Highlander the Conqueror

“Good to hear,” Ross said. “I hope the men you sent to make inquiries concerning your da and Warrand return soon with news that will help us find the culprits. So that someday you will smile again and maybe even laugh.”

“That would take a miracle,” Slayer said.

Sadly, Ross knew his friend hadn’t meant it to be humorous.

“I cannot make sense of their murders,” Slayer said, shaking his head. “Why would anyone want them both dead? If I can find the answer to that question, I believe it would be easier to find the person responsible for their deaths.”

“We will find them, and they will pay for the evil they have done,” Ross said.

Slayer was glad for Ross’ longtime friendship, though he was more like a brother than a friend. He, Warrand, and Ross had spent endless time together when they were young, so he took Warrand’s death as badly as Slayer had. And he wanted to avenge Warrand’s death as badly as Slayer did.

Ross was the only close family he had left. His mother had died a few years ago, and no grandparents were left. He had joined the Gallowglass with him and had fought endlessly by his side, and by his side was where he would stay and serve the new lord of Clan Ravinsher.

Slayer turned, seeing Sky stir awake and stretch her arms lazily about her head.

“Her problem is going to be a problem, Slayer,” Ross warned.

“At first, but I will see that it does not take long for her to be accepted.”

“Accepted or forced?”

“Whatever it takes,” Slayer said. “Now wake the men. The sooner we leave the better.”

CHAPTER4

Sky watched the activity with interest and concern. The troop was being divided in two groups, one smaller in number and the other larger, and she wondered why. As she expected, the warriors avoided looking at her and she did her best to avoid looking at them. Hoping it would alleviate senseless blame if one or more of them were harmed or took ill and claimed it was because she glanced upon them.

Ross had taken the folded blanket from her but left her with the cloak, and she was glad he did. There was a chill in the air, the sun not having shown itself this morning, and the ever-present chill she had suffered in the cell continuing to linger in her bones. She bounced on her feet lightly, her need to see to her morning duty growing stronger.

Slayer had yet to speak with her, busy with his warriors, and there was no reason to bother him. All she needed was a few minutes alone in the woods. This was one time she was glad no one paid her any mind. She turned and slipped into the woods.

It did not take her long to see to her morning needs and was on her way back to camp when she spotted two frisky red squirrels at play. They chased each other up and down around a tree trunk. She stopped and smiled at the familiar scene, having witnessed it time and time again in the woods and enjoyed it every time. Sky had never felt more grateful for standing here right now after having been locked away in a dark, damp cell. The confinement had been horrible, and she never wanted to be forcibly imprisoned and robbed of the beauty of the forest ever again.

How she wished she could linger and visit with the animals, or simply sit and inhale the numerous lovely scents the forest had to offer. But she had been gone long enough and she did not want to do anything that might cause Slayer to forbid her from going into the forest alone. The forest was where she found solace, a peaceful heart and mind, complete contentment. She could not lose that, especially now that she was deprived of seeing her family.

“SKY!”

Slayer’s powerful shout echoed through the woods sending the two squirrels fleeing in fright and having Sky ready to flee as well.

She took two calming breaths before calling out, “I am here!” Then she retraced her steps back to the camp, though it was not necessary since instinct served her well in the woods.

She heard rushing footfalls and a tingle of fear raced through her. He would be angry, and she had seen for herself the consequences of his anger at the abbey. She continued walking. This time in the direction of the rushing footfalls.

Sky almost stumbled when she halted abruptly after catching sight of Slayer’s face and worry knotted her stomach. Anger contorted it and, for a moment, she thought a demon possessed him. It was only when he got closer, and she surprisingly caught a spark of concern in his eyes that her worry eased. At least she thought it was a concern that she saw there since it was gone so fast, she could not be sure.

His hand closed around her arm as soon as he got close enough. “Never. Not ever, do you go off by yourself again.”

“You were busy?—”

“Then you wait.”

“I waited as long as I could. I did not think?—”

“About that you are right. You did not think. You were foolish,” he admonished, and keeping a firm grip on her arm, headed back to camp.

Sky wanted to defend herself, but she was too fearful.

“I gave you no permission to leave camp,” he snapped, and quickened their pace.

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