Patient caught up with Ewan as he approached where Una sat with her son and a stretched out Beast by one of the three campfires. “A moment of your time, Ewan.” Her firm tone let him know it was not a request.
He obliged her, slowing his step. “What can I do for you, Patience?”
“You can tell me why you lied to me?”
He turned a perplexed look on her.
She stopped, forcing him to do the same. “Spare me more lies. I followed you into the woods yesterday morn. The ghost warriors are not the only ones who know how to tread lightly on their feet so no one hears them.”
Ewan seemed reluctant, but said, “I did what the Dark Dragon asked of me.”
“And what was that?’
“Help prevent a clan war in this region of the north.”
“Yet he abducts my sister and thinks nothing will come of it?”
He was quick to reply. “I know not of his plans and intentions when it comes to your sister.”
Patience shook her head. “Why do I not believe you?”
“I can understand why you doubt me, but I speak the truth when I tell you that I know not why he took your sister or where he keeps her. I would dare not ask him, since he is not a man you want to anger.”
Patience took a sudden step toward Ewan and he fell back a step or two. “Were you the reason the ghost warriors appeared today?”
Ewan shook his head. “The Dark Dragon has kept a keen eye on this region, knowing war has been imminent.”
“How do you send news to him?”
“Through his warriors as you saw for yourself.”
She took another step toward him, a slow, though determined one and brought her face close to his. “Next time you meet with one of his warriors, tell him I want a meeting with the Dark Dragon.”
Ewan placed a gentle hand on Patience’s shoulder. “I understand how difficult this must be for—”
Patience shoved his hand off her and turned furious eyes on him. “You understand nothing, old man. Is the Dark Dragon fool enough to believe that the Macinnes will not fight to get Heather back?”
“You cannot win against him.”
“I will not leave my sister with that evil man.”
“Do you truly have a choice?” Ewan asked.
“We all have choices, though most choices are not favorable ones,” Hunter said.
Patience turned to her husband standing behind her. Once again he had been so light on his feet that she had not heard him approach.
“Your wife wants a meeting with the Dark Dragon,” Ewan said as if it explained it all.
“You are his uncle,” Hunter said as if her request made sense. “And with his warriors making an appearance today, I would say you are a favorite one.”
“I was not the reason for their appearance. War in this region bodes well for no one, and the Dark Dragon knows it and does what he can to prevent it.”
“Yet he abducts my sister and thinks the Macinnes clan will not go to war with him to have her returned home.”
“I know not his reasoning behind his actions.”
“Then get me a meeting,” Patience demanded.
Ewan sighed in defeat. “I will try.”
“Then you will stay with us until it is done,” she said.
“It sounds as if I have no choice.” Ewan turned to Hunter. “Did you not say there is always a choice?”
“I did, though I also said that most choices are not favorable ones. Your choices being; remain here until you see the task done or be taken prisoner until you see the task done.”
Patience smiled. Her husband understood her well and made her intention quite clear to Ewan.
Hunter placed a firm hand on Ewan’s shoulder. “The Dark Dragon may prevent a war here, but if he does not answer for the abduction of Heather Macinnes and return her home, then he will chance a war with the Macinnes clan and their allies.”
Her husband had not raised his voice or threatened, yet he had spoken with an authority that could not be denied.
“No one has seen victory against the Dark Dragon,” Ewan reminded.
“Victory often comes with a steep price, which I am sure the Dark Dragon has paid many times over,” Hunter said. “If he does not wish bloodshed spilled on his land, why would he want to spill it elsewhere?”
“Sound reasoning, though you forget one thing. The Dark Dragon is not a reasonable man. He is a fierce and fearless warrior who enjoys the taste of victory.” Ewan gave a nod to Patience. “I will let him know you wish to meet with him, but I would not hold out hope that he will agree.”
“All I ask is that you send the message,” Patience said. “I expect nothing more from you.”
Ewan walked off to join Una at the campfire, and Hunter turned to his wife. “And what do you plan to do if he gets a meeting for you with the Dark Dragon?”
“I will do whatever I must do to get my sister back.”
Chapter Fourteen
Night fell on the camp, but Patience found no sleep. Her mind would not stay still. It jumped around with endless thoughts, not settling for a moment. Too much had happened since her arrival here, not the least being her marriage. She also was no longer upset with her father for having thrust this mission on her, not after having learned that this was the Dark Dragon’s domain and meeting up with his uncle. It had been a lucky turn of events. Or had it?
A previous conversation with Hunter had placed a nagging thought in her head. What if Heather’s abduction had been planned by someone she knew? It certainly would not be of her father’s making, but if not him, then who? And more importantly why? Abductions were made to benefit someone. How could Heather’s abduction benefit anyone? It made no sense and yet the idea had taken root and she could not let it go.
Patience sighed in frustration, though silently, as she walked the perimeter of the camp. It was best she remained quiet so that she could hear if anyone approached. That was why she was startled when her husband suddenly stepped out of the night shadows.
“Cannot sleep, wife?” he asked, walking over to her.
“You are light on your feet,” she said, though sounded as if she accused.
“A skill that can prove useful.”
She shook her head. “I am not going to ask how you acquired such skill.”
“Good, for there are some things better left unspoken.” He reached out and ran a gentle finger along her cheek. “Now tell me what troubles you so much that you cannot sleep.”
His touch, though light, felt good. It was not at all intimate, but rather one of concern, and it touched her heart. She let herself enjoy his warm caress, feeling more relaxed with each tender stroke. She would answer him, though not just yet.
She did not know when she had rested against him or if he had eased her to rest against his solid body, but then what did it matter? All that mattered was that it felt good to be there, his one arm wrapped around her, while he continued to stroke her soft cheek.
“I would love to caress every naked inch of your beautiful body,” he whispered near her ear before giving her cheek a gentle kiss.
His remark produced an image in her mind that sent a rush of ripples running through her.
“And kiss every inch of you as well,” he whispered, following it with another kiss to her cheek, and an ever so gentle one to her lips. “Now tell me what troubles you, mo chridhe.”
My love. Would she ever truly be his love? Did she want to? Too many questions. Too many thoughts. She would never rest this night. And as much as she enjoyed being in his arms, it left her with a sense of vulnerability. And that would not do.
She reluctantly stepped away from him, though he tried to stop her, holding her around the waist a bit tighter.
Hunter loved having her in his arms. She nestled there perfectly and her body felt so good against his. He learned more and more about her with each touch and response, and by the time they made love he would know her well. That was why he had not wanted to let her go. He h
ad felt a change in her just before she slipped away from him and he was not sure what had caused it. And he would not rest until he did.
“What is wrong?”
There wasn’t much of a moon tonight, though the campfires cast a soft enough glow so that his face was somewhat visible. Concern was there in his blue eyes and even written in his knitted brow. How did the man care so much for her when he barely knew her? And how did she explain to him that he made her feel vulnerable and she could not allow that to happen?
“Your hesitance in answering me tells me that you are not sure what to say. The truth would be the easiest and wisest answer.”
She was not ready to admit that he had made her feel defenseless. She did not know if she would ever be ready.
Before she could answer, he spoke. “I do not think you are ready to tell me the truth.”
He was much too perceptive. It was no wonder why he could charm women so easily, charm them vulnerable so that they could not resist him.
“I see doubt in your lovely eyes, mo chridhe. Why?”
“I do not truly know you.”
“And it frightens you that you can feel for someone you do not know.”
How did he know he caused feelings to stir in her for him?
“Your response to my touch tells me much more than you know and your eyes are quite expressive also.”
She shook her head. This man, her husband, was seeing things in her that no one ever had and it made her feel even more susceptible.
“Believe me, wife, when I tell you that you can trust me. I will not hurt you and I will always be there for you. I will repeat it as often as you need to hear it and my actions will confirm it as well.” He reached out and took hold of her hand. “Come with me and let my chest cushion your head, my arms keep you warm, and my tender caresses lull you to sleep.”
She almost surrendered to his tempting invitation, but instead took a step away from him, her hand falling from his. “I need to make sure of our safety.”
“Our safety or yours?” he asked with a tilt of his head.
“Go sleep, I will join you later,” she said annoyed that he sensed her unease.
“I will wait right here for you.” With that he folded his arms across his chest and kept a firm stance.
Patience walked off, shaking her head at him or herself, she was not sure.
He was still there waiting when she made her first round of the camp and there again when she came around the second time. The third time she came upon him, he held his hand out to her.
“You need rest for tomorrow.”
She could not argue with that. The day had finally caught up with her and weariness was creeping into her bones. And seeing him extend his hand to her, offering her comfort was something she could no longer resist. She reached out to him.
Hunter took hold of her hand and stepped close to her, his arm going around her waist. He was relieved that she had finally surrendered, not to him, at least not yet, but to the fatigue he had seen grow heavier on her with each step she had taken.
Once on the blankets he had spread out for them, he took her in his arms, and he was pleased that she snuggled close against him, her head resting on his chest. He stroked along her arm up over her shoulder and drew soft circles on her neck. In minutes, she was asleep and he followed soon after, pleased that his wife slept comfortably beside him.
~~~
Hunter woke from a restless dream to find the spot beside him empty. He rolled his eyes and shook his head. In his dream he had been frantic, unable to find his wife, and what did he find when he woke... his wife gone.
All women he had spent the night with had always woken beside him and, of course, they would make love again even after a long night of lovemaking. He wondered if it would be the same with his wife once they made love. Would she then be reluctant to leave their bed?
He stretched himself fully awake and sat up, glancing around to see if he could catch sight of his wife. He spotted her talking with Edward and another warrior. The three were engrossed in conversation. Now was a good time to do something he had been planning to do.
After a good stretch of all his limbs, he got to his feet and went to find Ewan. He spotted him just coming out of the nearby cropping of woods.
“Did you pass on Patience’s message?” Hunter asked when he got near.
“I have not had the opportunity as yet, but I will do as she asked when the chance presents itself.” Ewan lowered his voice to a whisper. “It is a useless request. He will not meet with her.”
“I feared so, though it is a foolish decision on his part.”
Ewan looked at him oddly.
“My wife is relentless and will not give up. She will hunt the Dark Dragon down and find him and rescue her sister.”
Ewan shook his head. “His skills and power far surpass hers.”
“He forgets one thing.”
Ewan once again looked at him oddly.
“The love Patience has for her sister. It is more powerful than any weapon.”
Ewan stared at him a moment before he responded. “Love itself is a powerful weapon. It can topple kings and kingdoms. It can turn men weak and foolish.” He paused a moment and cast a glance at Una. “Or it can be unselfish and prevent wars and make men stronger than they ever thought they could possibly be. Aye, love is the most powerful weapon in the world, but it depends on how one wields it.”
“Is that a threat I hear?”
“More caution, and it would be wise to pay heed to it.” Ewan stepped around Hunter, though paused a moment and placed a strong hand on his shoulder. “Especially since I see the love growing in your eyes for your wife.”
Hunter grabbed Ewan’s arm when he went to move away. “I will do whatever it takes to keep my wife safe and if any harm should befall her, I will seek revenge. Pass that message on to the Dark Dragon as well.”
“He does not take well to threats,” Ewan cautioned.
“Either do I.” Hunter turned and walked off, annoyed that Ewan was not only much more involved with the Dark Dragon than he allowed anyone to believe, but that there was much more to Heather’s abduction than anyone realized.
Hunter made his way toward his wife, his mum stopping him for a moment.
“Ewan is a good and honest man,” she said with a gentle smile that quickly tempered his annoyance.
“A bit of a disagreement between us, nothing more,” Hunter assured her, not wanting her to worry.
“He has been a good ally to our family through the years and will continue to be if you let him. He has kept me from harm on more than one occasion.”
“I did not know that. How so?” Hunter asked concerned that his mother had been in harm’s way and he had not known about it.
“Stories better left for another day,” she said, patting his arm. “Just promise me that you will trust Ewan, for he is a good man.”
“As you wish, Mum,” he said, though he would remain cautious when it came to Ewan. “Now are you well-rested and ready for another day’s journey?”
“Aye, that I am and looking forward it to it as is Beast,” she said, giving the dog a good rub behind his ears. He leaned against her, enjoying the attention.
“So, Beast, what do you say to a quick walk in the woods before we take our leave?” Patience called out as she approached.
The dog’s head shot up and he looked to Una as if asking permission.
“Go on with you,” Una said with a smile and Beast trotted over to Patience.
“I will go with you,” Hunter said.
“It is privacy I want, not company,” Patience said, coming up alongside him. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and walked off, Beast trotting eagerly beside her.
“She is strong-willed,” Una said as if her son needed reminding.
Hunter leaned down and gave his mum a peck on the cheek, then smiled. “That she is, Mum, but if there is one thing I know best, it is how to handle women—all kinds.”
U
na laughed. “You may be in for a challenge with this one.”
“Yea of little faith, Mum,” he said with a laugh and followed after Patience.
~~~
Patience saw to her needs quickly, knowing her husband would not be far behind her and because she wanted some time to scout the area. Something did not feel quite right to her. Her scouts had reported that they had spotted no signs of anyone following them, but for some reason Patience thought otherwise.
She looked around for any signs that might be present. It was the reason she had brought Beast with her. He just might be able to detect something.
The dog’s head popped up from a spot he had been sniffing intensely and he stood perfectly still gazing straight ahead.
Patience hunched down and looked to where the dog had focused. Something had caught his attention. It could be a small animal roaming about or a creature out of its element.
Beast turned his head, his eyes searching the area behind Patience and she knew the animal had heard Hunter’s approach. She kept her eyes straight ahead, concerned that Hunter’s steps had interrupted Beast’s attention to another’s presence. But the animal quickly shifted his attention back, and Patience was quick to once again follow where his eyes went.
She caught the quick movement, then the glint, and she did not waste a minute, she ran toward Hunter, and Beast charged the intruder.
The arrow flew before Beast could reach the man and Patience flung herself at Hunter, knocking him to the ground with her one shoulder and her other shoulder feeling a searing pain as she went down on top of him, though not before another arrow barely missed her head.
An anguished cry echoed through the woods and Patience was quick to get to her feet and after a brief glance to see that Hunter was all right, though a bit winded, she took off. She came upon Beast attempting to tear the assailant apart. She ordered him off the man and he obeyed without question, coming to stand by her side, though on alert if he should be needed.
The man writhed in pain, holding his arm that Beast had badly mangled. “Help me,” he begged.
“Are you alone?” Patience demanded.
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