Page 25 of The Trials of Neilina MacKai
“How?”
“Because I will approach the Abbess with a request for sanctuary from my horrible MacFearann husband.”
Sir Dougal smiled.
Rhuad glared at him.“She’ll not trust you no matter how badly you claim I treat you.”
“I will not say to whom I am wed, and if pressed, I will lie.”
“Use the name Angus MacFearann.He is elderly and is known to beat his wives.He has buried three.”
“And you allow this?”
“It happened before I became laird.Since then, I have forbidden him to marry.”
“Is this widely known?”
“Nay.He promised to do as I told him if I would not announce my orders to the world.Since MacFearann custom requires that any of the clan who wish to wed must gain the laird’s approval, I have no qualms in keeping my silence.”
“That is reassuring.”
“Which is neither here nor there, as I will not permit you to risk yourself.”
Sir Dougal placed a hand on Rhuad’s shoulder.“Have we any other choice?”
Rhuad stared at him a long while before shaking his head.His shoulders slumped.“Nay, I can think of no other way to be certain my mother and sister are free to be rescued.”
“Another advantage of sending me to the abbey is that I may be able to lead the hostages to the seaward cave entrance.We may be able to avoid a fight completely.”
“That would be too bad,” Rhuad said.“I’ve long wanted to fight those who, to gain their own ends, use defenseless women.”
“But if you could avoid bloodshed, you would do so, would you not?”Seona queried.
“Aye.Especially if it lowered any risk to my mother and sister.”
“Good.Now I will need at least three days to seek sanctuary and gain the abbess’ trust.”
“You cannot do so faster?”Rhuad asked.“I’ve waited too long to see my mother and sister safe.”
“You can wait a few more days,” Sir Dougal said.“Believe me, I know how difficult waiting can be when you want something dearly.”
“You are thinking of my sister, Maeve,” Seona said.
“Aye,” Sir Dougal confirmed.“Does she think of me?”
“Daily.Sometimes we sisters tire of her constant speaking of you.‘When Dougal comes.’‘When I wed Dougal.’Your name is nearly every third word from her mouth.”
The former captain of the MacKai guard grinned.
Rhuad jabbed Dougal in the ribs with an elbow.“You and Maeve MacKai are well matched for you are nearly as bad.Not a day goes by without you reciting some tale about Maeve’s wisdom and beauty.”
Dougal blushed.“We should focus on refining our plan to breach the abbey defenses and rescue the MacFearann ladies.”
“Aye.”Rhuad agreed.
“Good, this is how we can best implement the deception I propose.”Seona commanded their attention.
The fire had burned to embers before the men were content with the details.
