Page 11 of Taken By her Highland Enemy

Chapter Six

Dirk and Errol returned from their most recent watch, and they rushed into the camp, their daggers at their sides. “Three riders approach now, men. Go we tae meet them?”

Eamon stood. “Aye. Come, Sean. We are well-prepared against three if they are our foe.”

All of them trod away from the fire towards the tiny group and noticed the shadows waiting in a small group on the road. He pushed his brother slightly behind him, but Sean burst forward. “Nae, I shall nae be pushed aside, brother. I am a better fighter.”

“But I have naught tae lose,” Eamon said, but he allowed Sean to come forward. When they came upon the men, he laughed in relief. He saw the tired faces of Donovan, Gareth, and the boy. “God in Heaven, ye made it! I confess I am surprised. Come tae the camp.” He lowered his voice even further. We must get off the road.”

He looked around, and the men scrambled up to the enclosure, their horses following behind them. “Lukas and Harold, it is yer turn on the watch.” Without a word, the men left with their weapons in hand.

Gareth began, “Sean, Eamon, we spread the word throughout the surrounding towns, and even sent a young boy tae Cutler’s men tae alert them.”

Eamon smiled. “Boy, ye have risked a lot tae come tae us. We thank ye.” The boy smiled back but was attempting to remain in the shadows.

* * *

Isabelle cowered back. She knew that if the men got a good look at her face in the light of their fire, they might see her for what she truly was. She didn’t know these other men. She wanted them to have their freedoms, and she didn’t believe her father should tyrannize them as he did, but she didn’t know what they would do if they found out she was a woman.

She hung back and clutched tightly to her horse. Gareth and Donovan had been kind enough when they’d first spotted her, and while they waited, they tried to question her about what she was doing in all this, but she had remained vague, wanting to speak to Eamon alone.

Now, with all these men before her, she didn’t think that would be possible. “Sir, should we speak privately?” Her voice was low and soft. She had risked a lot to be there, and if it was all to go to waste, she wasn’t sure what to do.

Eamon looked around at the men for a moment. “Aye, we can, lad, but my brother joins us. He is The Wanderer.”

Isabelle nodded, amazed that she was in The Wanderer’s presence. Just imagine if Father knew where I was! She left her horse to follow them deeper into the woods away from the light of the fire and the listening ears of the other men.

Her heart was fluttering madly at the sight of Eamon again. He was tall and imposing, but while his eyes were deep and dark, she found a kindness in them that touched her. She only wished that she could be alone with him, although she wasn’t totally sure why. She felt lightheaded, and she inwardly scolded herself for being a ninny.

Eamon said, “What is yer news, boy? Ye can see that we didnae go tae fight taeday. We lost the number we’d planned tae have.”

Isabelle said, “And for that, I am glad. Your men have done a good job spreading the word throughout the surrounding towns of how you’re on the move. My fa—master knows, but he has moved onto Drumnadrochit. There has been a situation with the villagers there, and some of the soldiers from Fort Augustus are dead. Lord Cutler goes to punish them, and so will be distracted for a time, but I do not know for how long.”

Eamon rubbed his hands, and Sean grinned. “We are saved! At least for a time. Drumnadrochit is nae too far. We will have tae get on the move. Perhaps we can meet him there? He willnae have the numbers now, at least nae for a bit. We could surprise him?”

Isabelle nodded. “It is true. Many of his other men are injured, too, so he would be less armed. But I have a better idea if it is fine to express it?” She glanced at both of the tall, strong Highlanders. The two of them truly did look like brothers, but to her, Eamon was by far the handsome one, with his rough features and growing beard. He looked like he was one with the forest, while his brother was a bit lighter and cleaner. “I think you might call upon the villagers to aid you and add to your number? Drumnadochit is no mere village. There are many there who could fight. I am certain of it.”

Eamon glanced at Sean, and Sean’s eyes narrowed as he watched Isabelle. She swallowed, afraid he might step forward to pull at her cap. “Why do ye do this, boy?”

“Why do I do what?”

“Give us information about your own master?”

“I have told yer brother that I do it for The Scots.”

“There must be more tae it. Ye are nae a member of The Scots, for my wife is their leader. What is yer name?”

Isabelle stepped back a bit. “I cannot say. It would endanger us both. My master is very cruel. I wish only for your people to be free.” Sean did not appear satisfied, but he said nothing more.

Eamon said sharply, “Brother, dinnae question him thus. He has done great work in supplying us with all the information we need. We dinnae wish tae scare him away and lose all connection tae Cutler.” He turned back to Isabelle, his eyes warm. “Ye have given good advice, boy.”

Isabelle blushed, and she was grateful that the shadows hid it from her audience. “I must go now. I must return to the town, or else the master may question me.”

Eamon moved a step closer and placed a strong hand on her shoulder. Her heart beat even quicker. He was so close, she could smell the deep earthiness of him. It made something in her ache, and she knew she needed to rush away before she began to tremble under his grasp. “Good ride, boy. I wish ye safety as ye travel back. Ye take risks coming tae us. Of that, I know. Thank ye for the information.” He placed a coin in her hand once more. “We will meet ye on the morrow in Drumnadochit.”

“Thank you, sir. Yes. If you need to send word, send it by way of the tannery. There is but one in the town. I have given strict instructions to the tanner that I will come for messages, and he must tell no one.”

Eamon’s eyebrows lifted, and his mouth parted slightly. He is impressed, Isabelle thought with satisfaction. She stared into his eyes for a little before leaving hurriedly. “Goodbye. Best of luck to you on your journey.”

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