Page 29 of The Trials of Neilina MacKai
He would have preferred to keep her at MacFearann Castle where he knew she would be safe.However, the logic of her plan was inescapable.Stealth and information would gain better results than a blunt, direct attack, especially since he only had twenty men at his command.His opponent’s guard numbered upwards of forty experienced men at arms.Lord knew how many others at the abbey might be able to supplement that guard.
“My lord?”Dougal’s voice sounded in Rhuad’s ear.
Seona was beyond sight, but Rhuad could not bring himself to stop watching.
“What is it, friend?”
“The maid, Eibhlin, wishes to speak with you.”
“Very well.”Any distraction was welcome.“I’ll see her in the great hall.”
“She’s waiting there now.”
“Then let’s get this over with.”So I can go back to worrying about my wife.
But Eibhlin’s news gave Rhuad a host of new worries.
***
SEONA AND HER COOKrode into Baile Iasg as dusk faded into night.
“The earl’s squire said we should ask for a room at the tavern,” the cook reminded.
“Let us first find shelter for our mounts.”
“Oh, I didn’t ask about that when you told me to question the squire about this village.”
“It’s not that difficult.Most villages have someone who would like to earn some coin by caring for strangers’ horses.”
“As you say Lady Seona.”
They approached the tavern together.
Seona noticed some men sharing a drink on a bench beside the tavern door.“Good even, good yeomen.”
They nodded in response.One of them stood.
“Be ye th’ visitor to th’ abbey as what’s expected?”
“Reverend Mother Eadbrugh Huelgas of Selby invited me to stay at the abbey.”Keep it simple, Seona reminded herself.The more complicated a lie, the more likely it will be discovered.The statement about the invitation was true, as far as it went.
“’Spect she’ll send sum’un fer ye in the morning.”
“That is my understanding.Do you happen to know a person who could care for our horses?”
“I’ll do it for one French mark each for a day,” he replied.
“I don’t know how many days I will be at the abbey.However, I can pay you for a full week in advance, if you’ll return to me any coin owed for days I don’t use.”
The man nodded.“’Ats fair.”
“I’d like to see where they will be kept and what you plan to feed them.Your price is high.I had hoped to pay a half a mark each.”
“Follow me then.I’ve a place at the other end of the village with a shed and a pasture out th’ back.”
When she saw the pasture and the shed, Seona was satisfied.She planned to be at the abbey less than a week.However, she might be in a hurry when she left and unable to retrieve any money owed.The money was MacFearann’s, and Rhuad had assured her that loss of such a small amount would not strain the clan’s coffers.
In short order, she and the cook were back at the tavern with their saddle bags negotiating with Mr.Clyne for a room.
