Page 15 of Pretty in Plaid
Sorley glanced toward her, and she suspected he was surprised. “Good. Do let me know the first time ye dinna.”
“Aye.”
They kept at their balanced pace with the horses until the sun made itself known.
“We need to find shelter,” he said. “Off the roads during the day. It would be best for us and will allow the horses to recover.”
“An inn?”
He shook his head. “There’s an abandoned croft no’ too far from here that Mistress J recommended to me, and I’ve used it before. We should be safe there. ’Tis well hidden, and if anyone comes upon it, most likely they are a rebel. Even still, I’ll be prepared to defend ye.”
“And I ye.” She patted her hair where her dagger was still firmly in place.
Sorley chuckled. “I almost wish we had an assailant so that I could witness ye using it.”
“Do no’ wish for such, for there are plenty around to see your wish granted.”
* * *
The croft was well hidden indeed, coveredin crispy, dried brush and dead tree limbs. It looked as though it had been rotting there for some time, but the inside of the small hut was clean, and there were a few cots pushed against the wall with blankets neatly folded on top. A table with four chairs, set with bowls and cups, appeared as if it had been waiting for the next occupants.
A brazier held three fresh logs that had never been lit.
“Looks like someone just left and is expecting to come back,” Kenna said.
“Aye, but it always looks like that.” Sorley set his satchels down near the door in case they needed to make a hasty exit.
“On purpose?”
“Part of the rules if ye stay. We’ll leave it as we found it tonight.”
Kenna smiled, impressed with the close-knit underground rebel organization. “That is lovely.”
“Mistress J’s thought of everything.”
“I can see that.” She pinched one of the wool blankets between her fingers, rubbing back and forth. They were of decent quality. Thank goodness because it was freezing out.
“Are ye hungry?”
“Aye, but I didna bring any food.”
He winked at her. “No’ to worry, I did. I’ll see to the horses and then to your stomach.”
“Allow me to help. ’Twill go by faster. And Iamhungry.” She grinned.
“All right.” They walked through the adjoining room that had been converted into a stable to keep the horses hidden from anyone who came through. It, too, had been cleaned and prepped for the next occupants.
They found the well and filled the trough with water for the horses, and then Sorley gave them oats and hay he had in one of the satchels he’d removed from the horses. They brushed them down, checked their hooves, and then left them to munch while they went back into the main room.
“I hope ye like jerky and bannocks.”
“My favorite,” she said with a laugh.
“I’ve some whisky, too.”
Kenna shook her head. “I’d better no’. Uncle Duncan did no’ believe lassies should have spirits, and so I am no’ accustomed to drinking it, I’m afraid.”
“’Tis a bit chilly in here. Ye may change your mind.”
