Page 34 of Keepers of the Highland Crown
“Well.” Callum laid one hand behind his head, titling his brow higher so he could lean closer. “We have been chasing Hiss then the Benefactor which led us here. Always one step behind.”
She tilted her skull slightly, not in care for her instinct but curiosity. “Rather than defending the attack, you seek to challenge the enemy straight ahead in a counter siege?” He nodded. “Tell me your thoughts regarding a fresh plan.”
“Well, we know of Lord Kolson’s intent.”
She snorted. “Aye, straight to Dundee seeking Hiss.”
“The smith which vanished.”
“Same as the other two who you declared missing at court in Stirling.”
“Aye,” he explained. “What if it is all connected?”
She moved the finger which circled Callum’s taut nipple to tap her lips a moment. “Follow the weapons, find the enemy?”He is brilliant.
“Aye, that was my consideration.” He grinned. “My lady, I love your mind.”
She smiled. “This is a grand compliment. One I am most pleased to hear as you are now stuck with it and me, Callum MacCade.”
His grin broadened. “Promise?”
Her word was iron. “Aye.” Then she questioned, “Are we to search trade routes for vast amounts of ore being sought by a lone clan or lord?”
“This is one choice but there perchance is another.” She cocked a brow at him in silent inquiry. “In Dundee there should be a Spaniard captain. He supplies the finest blades second only to German. The crown has many a weapon by way of his Spanish steel, which is how I know he is present on Scottish soil during certain tides. If this Benefactor needs to arm a vast number of warriors in haste, seeking blades as well as smiths is a practice I would call upon. Your thoughts, my lady?”
“’Tis a bit of a challenge to determine which I love more. Your mind” – her lips raised for a long kiss – “or your lips. Both are grand, my knight.” She smiled again. “Onto Dundee and findin’ this Spaniard.”
Chapter 18
Wrong.What was wrong with Nella?
Callum tightened his grasp on her as she squirmed on the saddle before him again. “Nella?”
“All is well,” she whispered for his ears alone. “I am simply a wee bit sore. You are a grand size, my knight.” Hell,he had devoured all of her with a ravenous appetite like a Scotsman starved for centuries.
“Forgive my greediness, my lady,” he murmured in her ear.
“There is nothing to forgive, my knight.” She placed her hand over his on her waist to quip, “I believe ’twas two in that bedchamber and not only one?”
He would have chuckled at her jest if not for the matter about to unfold in a mere moment. They would be nearing the ridge of hills surrounding Dundee. Already the scent by roast and fish and wool regarding the largest day of market trade fumed the forested air.
Nella hadn’t told Brayden about her instinct in senses.Don’t press her.The fact she had considered the reveal it… it what? Stunned him. After all the false cruelties thrown at her by her misguided sire. Aonghus had told him once Keirah had lost her sire at a young age, but he had cherished the thought she would possibly carry on her line’s element belonging to being a fate-seer. A complete reversal on what had happened herewith Nella. She’d also struck him as nervous the whole ride, looking frequently at the gray clouds overhead on the dreich day offering mist off and on.
“Callum?”
“Aye?”
“We are near I take it? The sounds of wee ones running along with the clamor by those bartering fill my ears.” All he heard was the wind along with the pounding from Luss’s hooves on the terrain.
“Aye, my lady, over the next hill shall be Dundee and the port.”
“Then ’tis past time I tell Sir Brayden.” Her spine straightened against him. “Take us alongside our friend.”
After a few strides at a gallop, Brayden appeared closer, or what one could see. The chamberlain had done a fine job. All three cloaks covered over everything with the large hoods, making their faces look like night had come early by the shadows it cast.
“Sir Brayden.” Nella summoned the knight.
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