Forged in Dreams and Magick (Highland Legends #1)(99)

Under the cover of the forest, I opened my senses, amplifying every sound that wasn’t generated by the horse as she unleashed her pent-up energy. The sun’s bright beams pierced ample light through the sparse canopy, giving us plenty of visual warning of any danger ahead. I felt Sunshine’s power traveling with me in some manner. Together, our energy resonated outward.

I had no idea where we needed to go, but some inexplicable sense told me it didn’t matter. My internal compass had pointed us in the direction we headed, and I felt we were expected.

I smiled broadly. Fine. Go ahead. Think you know what to expect. Underestimate me. Please.

The usual forest chatter quieted, an eerie absence of sound filling the space thicker than the surrounding dense brush.

We’d arrived.

Without any indication of whether those that surrounded us were friend or foe, I proceeded forward. Cockiness born of rage made me believe no enemy of Iain’s would harm a woman, even a well-armed woman. In fact, shock at my unusual appearance might give them pause—hesitation would become opportunity in disguise.

Through the broadcasted silent treatment, I sensed an approach long before I saw or heard the rustle of leaves. With a firm squeeze of my thighs, the well-trained Solus came to a stop, her ears switching back and forth at the sounds closing in on us.

Robert appeared from the brush, flanked by Duncan and Calum. I exhaled a held breath and dismounted, jumping down to the ground. I stood before the threesome who stood as an imposing wall of broad chests and massive legs spread in wide stance.

“M’Lady, why are you here?” Robert’s gaze traveled from the Pict paint on my face, across to the sword on my hip, and down to the ax strapped above my right foot. He folded his large arms over his chest, nodding understanding, if not agreement.

“Robert, who the f*ck has him? Tell me where to go.” I kept my voice low and steady in an attempt not to belie my thundering heart.

Robert’s jaw dropped. “Nay.” He shook his head. “You’re not goin’ in there.”

“I am. Where are they? Camped somewhere?” My gaze flicked behind them, but all I saw was the green of the forest.

“Aye. They’ve dozens of tents lining the inlet below. We’ve sent emissaries to negotiate, and they’ve seen Iain. He’s alive”—his voice dropped—“barely. We’ve tried everythin’. They only want one thing: the one thing Iain cannot relinquish and swore his life to protect.”

His meaning dawned on me. “The box.”

“Aye,” Robert grumbled. “Not that we’d give them a single stalk of wheat.”

“Well, they’ll be given something more valuable than the box. In exchange for Iain, I’m offering myself.”

“Och, Isobel. I’ll never agree to that. Iain would rather die than allow such a thing to pass.”

I smiled, arching a brow. “Robert, trust me. They have no idea who I am. Not one of those poor souls has any clue what I’m capable of. By the time I’m through with them, my name will be whispered in their legends.”

He glared at me. “Nay.”

I walked up to Robert and patted his forearm in reassurance that I knew wouldn’t be received. With arched brows and a pointed look toward his two men, I dismissed them. At Robert’s imperceptible nod, they disappeared back into the brush.

With a voice as smooth as spun silk, I said, “Robert. You either point the way, or I will wander about in the open. Don’t see my defiance as insubordination; I’m not one of your soldiers. It is my responsibility—as much as it is yours—to keep the clan safe.”

Robert growled in frustration. He lowered his head and shook it slowly as if he thought he’d gone mad for even listening to me.

I whispered the clincher. “Besides, you do know where I go when I disappear, right?”

Robert sighed. “Aye.”

He didn’t clarify. I didn’t ask.

“Then you also have no idea what I’m capable of, do you?”

Robert looked down at me, straight in the eye. “Nay, M’Lady. I do not. I’ll tell you all you need to know and protect you as best I can.”

He turned around and parted the bushes, waiting for me to pass through.

A message boomed into my head, and I jumped.

“Impressive, Ms. MacInnes.”

I laughed at Sunshine’s rare compliment as I followed Robert through the woods to strategize—first for a rescue . . . then for an annihilation.





CHAPTER Thirty-four





Beyond the Forests of Clan Brodie—Thirteenth Century



Dozens of white tents stretched across an open field beyond the protection of the forest. Men ambled about carrying out tasks as if today were any other day. Smaller copses of oak and pine dotted a trail to the enemy camp.

Enemy camp.

What a joke compared to what I’d witnessed. After provoking an entire legion of Roman soldiers, the handful before me? Child’s play.

“Stay to the shadows.” Sunshine’s reminder filtered into my mind.

Not one stubborn cell in my body questioned the commanded suggestion of my backup that would be instrumental in my risky endeavor. The eyes of hundreds of my restless Highlanders watched through the trees as I embarked on a mission that I’d insisted upon and that they’d vehemently balked at. “Suicide,” Robert had whispered with such anger he’d nearly shouted.