The Highlander's Reluctant Bride by Aileen Adams

Author:Aileen Adams
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: AilAd

15

Morning light filtered into the tent, catching on the dust motes floating in the air. Connor had tied the tent flaps open in hopes that the sunlight would cheer him up, but so far, he’d had no such luck. He’d been studying his ledger and was nae impressed by his findings. Most of what they’d managed to scrounge had gone to supplies for the winter, leaving very little that could be used to fund a mercenary army. He eyed the small crate of Caitlin’s silver under his bed. Selling that might make enough to pay off the Iron Wolves.

Soft knocking caught Connor’s attention, pulling his thoughts away from numbers and supply lists. He looked up from the ledger spread open before him to see Matthias in the open doorway.

“Look who finally showed up,” Connor said, standing as he plastered a smile onto his face upon seeing his old friend.

The bard had been traveling outside the valley at Connor’s request, ever since they found out who Caitlin really was. The hope was that he could spread confusing rumors that would steer inquiring eyes away from the valley while gathering information of his own.

The two clasped arms in greeting. “I could nae verra well miss out on the Martinmas activities, could I? I hear Nellie and Caitlin are really putting an effort in.”

“So it seems,” Connor said, a noticeable lack of enthusiasm in his voice. “Speaking of which, any new information on our... Hell, I dinnae even ken what to call the lass anymore. Captives are nae typically this useful.”

Matthias chuckled. “I wager if she cannae leave, captive is still appropriate. To answer the question, indirectly, aye.”

Connor looked back at his ledger, dismayed. He needed fresh air.

“Let’s walk and talk.” Matthias always had a knack for reading his mind. “I believe they are holding a tourney at the arena this morning, if ye want to head in that direction?”

Connor nodded, and the pair began to walk slowly in the direction of the training area. Shouts and the clash of steel on steel echoed through the valley. Connor pushed away his concern for keeping a low profile. No one would be hunting for them today of all days, and the men deserved some merriment.

“The good news or the bad news?” Matthias asked.

Connor scoffed. “There’s such a thing as good news?”

Matthias smiled. The sounds of the tourney were growing louder. “The people—particularly the yeomen and lairds—are terrified of the brigand lord. Most dinnae even believe the band is made up of McArthur refugees anymore. Rather, they believe pirates have settled inland, looking to retire in the forests. Yer reputation has grown.”

Connor didn’t know how to feel about that. He didn’t much like pretending to be something he wasn’t, even if he rationally knew it was better for the group in the long run. As long as no one knew he was alive, the easier it would be to ambush Greig and his men. Assuming they ever had enough coin to hire help. “And the bad news?”

“It concerns the lass.

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