Harlequin Historical August 2018--Box Set 2 of 2 by Kathryn Albright

Author:Kathryn Albright
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2018-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIX

That evening, the men gathered in the centre of Killalough for the competitions. Three of the Ó Neills had been chosen to compete as chieftain. Ronan sat beside Joan, who had been quiet most of the day. He was pleased to see her wearing the wooden cross he’d carved, yet he sensed that something was troubling her. Even her brothers had been evasive.

‘Are you all right?’ he asked.

Joan nodded, but he noted the flush on her cheeks and the tension in her stance. For a time, she didn’t speak, but kept her attention upon the contests. At last, she ventured, ‘Who do you think will win the contests?’

‘Possibly Bertach. He won the wrestling match earlier.’ Ronan’s interest was not on the competitors but on Joan. He didn’t like seeing her so troubled.

‘Strength doesn’t always make a good leader,’ she remarked. ‘Wisdom is better.’

‘It can be,’ he agreed. Though Bertach had seemed intelligent enough when he’d spoken with the man. ‘But the people will not respect a man who cannot fight.’ She said little, and he could tell that she was distracted this night. ‘Which of the men do you prefer?’

At that, her gaze shifted to him. There was a flare of interest in her eyes—almost as if she was thinking of him. Then abruptly, she masked it. ‘I don’t know. They are all strangers to me.’ She thought a moment and added, ‘You should ask them questions to test their knowledge.’

It was a sound idea, and he agreed with her. ‘I will ask the brehons to give them a series of tests to determine which man can make sound decisions.’

She nodded, but it still seemed as if her mind was preoccupied. Although her brothers had drawn up the betrothal agreement, she had delayed in signing it. Ronan understood her reasons, but time was running out.

He took her hand in his and said, ‘I intend to return to Clonagh to speak with Odhran. I will ask about my father and negotiate for his release if he is still alive.’

She appeared uneasy by his declaration. ‘Do you think that’s wise when you were wounded the last time? It will be dangerous.’

He agreed with her, but he had no intention of going alone. ‘I will have a dozen men with me. We will not attack, unless there is a need.’ Though he had wanted to attack Clonagh with full forces, her brothers had cautioned him against it. They had advised him to seek help from his loyal kinsmen and try to free the hostages first. Else, Odhran would likely kill every prisoner.

Joan paled, and she shifted her gaze towards Rhys and Warrick. ‘You’ve only just recovered from your wounds. How can you leave so soon?’

‘I must know why my own people are being held hostage.’ There were too many questions, and he needed to understand what control Odhran held over the Ó Callaghans.

‘I don’t want you to go back.’ Her voice was soft, laced with fear.

‘I have no choice, Joan.’

She closed her eyes and nodded.

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