Page 22 of The Bells of Triumph
“Good to see ye, Cookie.” Connor stood to shake the older man's hand. “Allow me to introduce ye—these are Seamus' Rebels.”
“Rebels, aye?” Cookie raised an eyebrow at the group. “It is about time the lad did something about what is happening to his clan. And it is good to ken he has the right people on his side.”
“We were hoping that ye would ken of more of these ‘good people’ who can join us,” Brid explained.
“Are ye here to make trouble?”
Cookie crossed his arms over his swollen belly and big arms. Brid couldn't help but swallow after seeing the displeased expression on his face.
“We are here to try to lessen the blow as much as we can,” Connor answered quietly but just as sternly.
“Och, I was hoping for trouble. Things need to be shaken up around here.”
Brid let out the breath she had been holding as she returned the older man's toothy smile.
“Our forces will be marching here within the next few days. We hope to drawhimout of the castle and into the field between here and there. But we want to give the village plenty of time to prepare. This war has already taken too many innocent lives. We dinnae want to add to the list if we can help it.”
“So,” Brid chimed in, adding to Connor's explanation, “we want to warn those who need warning and ask for help from those who are willing.”
“Aye, I ken a few names who would be willing to join ye. I think ye will be surprised to find it is more than ye imagine. Though, I am sure the mothers will be glad of the warning so they can ensure the bairns are safe.”
“Can ye point us in their direction?”
“Nay.”
Brid blinked as her mouth dropped open.
“Ye six get settled into rooms upstairs. I only have three to spare, but there is space enough for all of ye. I will get the word out and have those interested gathered here tonight for those who can be trusted. Dinnae fash, we will be ready when Seamus comes to reclaim his clan.”
