Page 45 of To Wed a Witch
"But this plan shows a certain...creativity," Lileas mused."Using people's superstitions against them instead of brute force.It's almost clever."
"Clever enough to work," Sìne said quietly."Some of the clan are already turning against me."
As they settled around the table with cups of mulled wine, Sìne found herself relaxing despite her earlier fears.The MacNeils were genuinely interested in helping.And to think their alliance had developed from a kidnapping was a surprise to her.There was certainly no animosity between them.
"So," Ewan said after they'd recounted the events of the past few days, "Sutherland disguised himself as a traveling healer, declared a sick child incurable, then fled when ye cured the boy anyway.Now he's trying to undermine yer position and cause discord in the clan."
"That's our theory," Bhaltair confirmed.
"'Tis a good theory.Fits with everything we ken about Sutherland tactics," Ewan replied.
Lileas drummed her fingers on the table, her expression thoughtful."But proving it will be difficult.We need to catch him in the act."She fell silent, her eyes growing distant as she worked through some internal calculation.
"The question is how to draw him out," Ewan mused."He's been careful to work from the shadows so far."
"We need something that would force his hand," Lileas replied."Something he couldn't resist."
The chamber fell silent as they all considered the problem.Outside, the wind rattled the windows and a strange mist seemed to press closer to the glass.
***
Chapter 11 - The Trap Springs
The following morningafter discussions with the MacNeils, Bhaltair had doubled the guards and posted sentries at every entrance.No one was to enter or leave without his knowledge.
"I want to ken every person who sets foot on our land," he told Dugald firmly."Sutherland's growing desperate, and desperate men make dangerous choices."
By midday, reports had come in of strangers seen near the village borders, and Bhaltair could wait no longer.
"We ride out," he announced to Ewan."If Sutherland is skulking about, we'll flush him out."
"I'm coming with ye," Lileas declared, already reaching for her cloak.
"Absolutely not," Ewan replied."It's too dangerous."
"Which is exactly why ye need me," Lileas shot back, her eyes flashing."If there's trouble, ye'll need every advantage."
