Page 21 of Highland Hearts

“Three days? Did Lord Cree dictate the time?”

Dawn shook her head.

“So, Lord Cree has three days to meet the mercenary’s demand?” Tate asked.

She nodded.

“And if he doesn’t?”

Dawn smiled and nodded.

“You are confident he will?” Tate asked and was glad for another nod. “I cannot imagine the courage it takes to deal with so much turmoil. On my way here, I heard people expressing their concern over the tension between King Alexander and the King of Norway. They worry it will lead to battle and some question what side they will fight for since they have family on the isles in dispute.”

Dawn gave him a solemn nod and gestured as they entered the village.

“You must go?” he asked, and she nodded. “We will talk again.”

Dawn smiled and hurried off.

It was not lost on Tate that she did not acknowledge him with a nod.

* * *

“I tellyou Cavell has eyes on us,” Sloan said as he left the woods with Cree.

“You cannot be sure it was one of his men a sentinel spotted,” Cree said.

“Who else would chance spying on you?” Sloan argued. “Besides, he knows our ways well and would do what you would do… make sure to spy on your foe. Learn all you can.”

“Cavell already knows all he needs to know. He is not out to battle with me. He knows he would face defeat. He wisely chose another course.”

“Then who does spy on us?” Sloan asked.

“And why?” Cree added. “Change when and where the sentinels are posted daily. It is likely the spy watched the area to see where the sentinels were stationed. However, he did not watch long enough to learn that the sentinels’ posts are changed every few days. That should enable us to catch him.”

“Unless he got what he wanted,” Sloan said.

“If that is so, Henry will let us know. He has already picked up his trail,” Cree said and turned to a different matter. “Tell me of Tate.”

“He talks with everyone and roams the area drawing whatever catches his interest.”

“What catches his interest most?” Cree asked.

“That is difficult to say,” Sloan said, scrunching his brow and scratching his head. “Lila has seen him drawing bairns at play as well as villagers. He even sketched the garden outside the kitchen of the old keep. He also continuously asks about William. He is very worried for him.”

“Continue to keep a close watch on him, but do not let him be aware of it,” Cree ordered.

Sloan nodded and walked off to carry out Cree’s orders.

“You feel well, my lord?”

Cree turned with a start to see Old Mary. “I believe you are the only person who can approach me without me hearing you.”

“How strange since my old age has me shuffle more than walk,” she said with a grin.

“How old are you?” Cree asked, realizing he did not actually know her age.

“Too old to count the years,” she said, brushing off his question. “You did not answer me, my lord. Do you feel well?”

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