Page 92 of The Winter Laird

“Which I stitched for you,” James cut in before continuing his lecture to Bri.

“Are they going to argue like this the entire time?” Colin asked Brianagh.

She shrugged, amused.

“…and really, Bri, once you get into the second trimester, stay off any horses,” James advised.

“This is the most ridiculous ride I’ve ever taken,” Brianagh announced.

“…sometimes morning sickness returns in the third trimester, but it should be temporary.”

“My horse has the good sense to keep me on his back until we arrive at a safe place!” Aidan exclaimed.

“Is anyone else hungry?” Colin asked.

Brianagh hoped one of them had brought aspirin. It was going to be a long journey—and she didn’t mean the time travel.

Eventually, they piled out of the car like clowns in a circus and James immediately wrapped Bri in a bear hug. “Be safe.” He smiled at her, then ruffled her hair. “More importantly, be happy.”

She felt the tears threaten.

“First trimester emotion,” James said knowingly. She smacked him on the shoulder, and he grinned. He kissed her, promised to send her love to his parents, then said his goodbyes to the others.

Brianagh made her way to the rocks for what she hoped to be her last time. She was ready to save Nioclas and get on with the rest of her life. She wanted that happily-ever-after.

Chapter 27

Donovan’s men were waiting for them when Bri, Aidan, Colin, and Reilly made their way toward the MacWilliam castle. After a grueling two days of travel on foot, the horses and additional men provided not only relief, but speed. Instead of going to the MacWilliam hold, however, they turned to the Maguire one.

Brianagh was grateful for both, but she was anxious to get to Nioclas. She paced Donovan’s hall, listening intently as the four men discussed the events. After a few minutes, Erin joined her silently, linking her arm through Brianagh’s.

“Burke is focused on finding Brianagh.” Donovan scratched his chin. “I believe he thinks Nick knows but isn’t talking.”

“You think he’s torturing him?” Colin asked.

“Without a doubt,” Aidan replied grimly. “If Burke’s had him for the two weeks we’ve been gone, I’m unsure as to how we’ll find Nick. He’ll be alive but perhaps not for long.”

Reilly held up his hands. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Start at the beginning, Maguire, and tell us what you know.”

“When I first returned to the MacWilliam castle, I realized no one had heard from Aidan or Nick,” Donovan said. “I knew you were in some trouble then, if you hadn’t been able to send a missive. Erin and I made haste for here so I could gather my men to retaliate. But then I received word that Burke arrived at the MacWilliam castle more than a week ago, with Nick bound and gagged. Burke claims he had all Nick’s guardsmen killed, and as we haven’t seen them, despite our scouting, he may be telling the truth.” Donovan shook his head in disgust. “Burke claims he left the bodies where they fell because there was no clan to send them to, as the MacWilliams were now Burkes.”

“Let me guess,” Reilly said. “He then made the remainder of the clan swear fealty or die?”

Donovan nodded. “Most of the elders are dead for that reason. Some of the villagers as well.”

“Bloody business,” Colin muttered. “So what’s in it for him? Why is he so bent on getting Brianagh, now that he has his power and clan back?”

Donovan shrugged. “Burke is not a stupid man. Everything he does is for a reason—but he may well be the only one who knows what it is.”

“I know what he wants.” Brianagh swallowed hard and stopped pacing. “He wants the power of the legacy. He wants control not only over a clan, but over time itself.”

“The havoc he would wreak upon history…” Colin said. “That would be the ultimate power, wouldn’t it?”

“He knows that I can move time,” she continued. “If he only knew that I couldn’t do it unless it was to save the line, to save my future children…well, perhaps it’s a good thing that he believes that. It might be the only thing keeping Nioclas alive.”

“You don’t know?” Erin asked suddenly. She turned accusing eyes on Reilly. “She doesn’t know?”

“Know what?” Aidan and Brianagh chorused.

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