Page 68 of The Ruthless Laird's Virgin
Callum moved like a storm, his movements fiery, calculated, and precise as he cut a path through the throng of men. Two fell at his feet, forcing Eleanor to quickly step aside as they fought their way to the thicker of trees just inside the castle walls.
They moved in unison with each other, each anticipating the other’s thoughts as if they had practiced the skillful dance all of their lives. It was almost as if she had seen Callum fight before, as she moved when she had to and stayed when necessary.
Bran barked and snapped, biting any man who came in her direction. He moved just as fiercely as his master, making sure that Eleanor was never beyond his reach. They fought their way together, three of them anticipating the others’ moves asEleanor kept a safe distance while trying not to lose sight of Callum or even Bran.
“Where have ye been?” Iain suddenly cried out as he fought his way to Callum’s side, his eyes widening when he caught sight of Eleanor and Bran just behind their laird. He slashed his blade through the air, cutting down a man who came from the side. He seemed unharmed save for a few splatters of blood and small cuts on his arms and face.
He doesnae ken what has happened to Marion.
Eleanor’s heart broke for the people she had come to care for, but she quickly stepped aside again, ensuring that she was not in the path of the blades as both men swung in defense.
Callum fought to his side, parrying a man away just as Eleanor and Bran caught up again. “I will handle the battle out here. Ye take the women and children into the inner hall and bar the doors. There are too many distractions goin’ on out here.” His voice was strong and commanding, undeniable like the steel of his blade.
Callum wants him to assist Fiona with Marion.
A wave of gratitude washed over Eleanor.
Iain looked as if he were about to protest, but his words were cut short when several men ran toward them, their battle cries piercing the air with chilling ferocity.
Eleanor quickly stepped back, keeping her eyes on the battle while Bran took down the nearest man to her, jumping on him while biting his arm until the swords clattered to the ground.
The man cried out in pain and attempted to fight the dog off, but Callum was faster and slashed with his blade just as the dog jumped back. The two were like an unstoppable force of nature, moving together as one.
Eleanor was about to move with Callum again when her body suddenly froze.
“Eleanor!” a hoarse voice cut through the chaos of battle, unmistakable and sharp.
It cannae be…
Her breath came out in quick succession as she slowly turned her back on the battle. She had heard his voice; she was sure of it. It called to her and pulled her in like a wound being opened. It had been months since she had heard the voice, but it was unmistakably his.
“Eleanor!” It rang out clearer this time, filling her senses with an undeniable truth.
Andrew.
Tears stung the back of her eyes as she began to move toward the trees in the distance. Whoever had taken him knew very wellthat the thicket hid a hidden path that led to a clearing. Her mind told her that it was a trap, yet her heart moved her forward as if her legs possessed a life of their own.
She could not leave him, not after she had spent two weeks searching high and low for even a trace of his presence.
“Eleanor, where are ye goin’?” Callum called to her, but she kept her eyes on the line of trees and ran as fast as her legs would carry her.
I have to find him. That is why I was here.
She turned to Callum and mouthed the words, hoping that he would understand before she left the battle far behind, lifting her blood and mud-soaked hem from the ground as she ran. There was nothing and no one that could hold her back as she left the sounds of battle behind.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Shite!
Callum swore under his breath as he watched her run toward the line of trees bordering the inner castle walls. If she followed that path, it would lead her to a glen where there was no mistaking what could possibly happen to her.
Nowhere in the castle was safe, but it was even more dangerous the further she got from his side.
Looking back at the battle, Callum saw his men fighting for their lives. His clansmen were doing well, as was Iain. They stood their ground and fought the line, pushing back the enemy with trained precision as they had been taught. Steel clashed against steel as the sickly sweet smell of iron filled the air. They were winning, but there was no telling how quickly a tide could turn in the throes of battle.
I cannae leave them.
His fingers gripped his sword even tighter until his knuckles began to turn white. He had a duty to his clansmen and to the families who relied on him. There was no possible way that he could leave them all in the lurch and go after one person.
