Page 13 of Highland Hearts

Beast let out a bark from where he stood a few feet from Dawn.

“He is impatient to return to the children,” Lila said.

Dawn agreed with a nod.

“I will leave the parchment and charcoal in the Great Hall for you,” Tate said. “I go and explore the area to see what I will draw. Though I am hopeful Lord Cree will allow me to draw his family.”

Dawn’s only response was to wave before she turned and walked off with Lila, Beast running ahead though glancing back now and again at Dawn.

“Is it true? Has William and our warriors been abducted? That is why Lord Cree and a troop of warriors ride off?” Lila asked anxiously.

Dawn nodded, worried what the dire situation might bring.

“Have demands been made?” Lila asked, resting her hand on her slightly rounded stomach.

Dawn’s eyes turned wide with concern for her friend, and she pointed to Lila’s stomach.

“The bairn is good, already making himself known, I but worry for William and the warriors. William has so many more plans for the village, good plans that many look forward to seeing implemented. All were pleased when he accepted Lord Cree’s invitation to become part of the clan and make his home here. He has not even gotten a chance to sleep one night in his new cottage. He has been too busy traveling to secure the material needed for other projects. I pray Lord Cree can bring him and our warriors home safely.” She smiled. “Though, perhaps I should pray for the men who abducted William and the others after Lord Cree gets done with them.”

Dawn smiled as well and nodded.

“Lord Cree’s reputation as a fierce warrior is known. Why would anyone chance going to battle with him?” Lila questioned as if only the unwise would do such a foolish thing.

Dawn shrugged and shook her head. She did not understand it herself.

“There is also worry about King Alexander and the King of Norway being at odds over the Hebrides again. The clan does not want to be dragged into their feud for fear of the lives that could be senselessly lost.”

Dawn nodded, again agreeing with Lila.

“I know how we can ease our worry,” Lila said excitedly. “We will visit Old Mary and see what she can tell us.” She tugged at Dawn to hurry along with her, then stopped, her enthusiasm deflated. “Knowing you, you probably have already spoken to her.”

Dawn nodded as she gestured quickly.

“I suppose things could have changed since last you spoke,” Lila agreed, her eagerness returning and once again tugged Dawn along as she resumed her hurried pace.

* * *

Cree calleda halt to his troop of warriors when they were not far from where he was to meet with Cavell. He had sent his tracker Henry ahead to scout the area and see what he could find. He was the best tracker Cree ever had, sneaking into places without ever being detected and returning with vital information.

He turned to Gerald astride a horse beside him. “You say he had about thirty men, but you cannot be sure if there were more?”

“Aye, my lord. They circled us quickly and disarmed what few warriors we had just as quickly. Reed was wise to call a halt, realizing we were outnumbered and while the mercenaries could have easily killed the men they had disarmed, they did not.”

Reed was one of his top warriors, a trustworthy man and he must have ascertained that Cavell and his crew were not out to harm them. His quick and decisive action had saved the warriors’ lives.

Henry suddenly appeared from behind a large pine tree and hurried toward Cree.

“There are men well-hidden in the woods along the way to the campsite. Cavell has split the troop into groups. Reed is in one group and William is in another. I counted twenty-five but Gerald said there were thirty, so I moved beyond the campsite.” Henry paused a moment. “There is another campsite not far beyond and there are at least twenty men there.”

“So, he has close to fifty men,” Cree said, and Henry confirmed with a nod.

Cree had brought a troop of about forty men, and he had no doubt his warriors could win a battle with Cavell’s men, but there would be heavy casualties. That was not something he wanted, and he did not think Cavell wanted it either or he would have done so when he first attacked the troop.

Cree summoned Dylan, a warrior who had proven himself time and again, and waited now for his orders.

“Henry will detail where the warriors wait along the way. You will take twenty men and remain where they cannot see you. If you hear my signal, you will take those men out before reaching the camp I go to,” Cree ordered.

“Aye, my lord,” Dylan said and dismounted to walk off and speak with Henry.

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