Page 110 of Bound to a Warrior
What if they never were?
No. She would not let herself think that way. Duncan was her destiny and she would have it no other way. She would believe no other way.
She would stay strong for them both. He had his mission for the true king of Scotland and she had her mission. Once done, their lives would be theirs.
But for now she simply wanted this one night.
She had until just before dawn and then she’d have to leave. She laid there awake, sleep unable to tempt her and the hours ticked away.
Chapter 32
Duncan stood with his brothers and father on the battlements and watched the flickering lights in the woods.
“What do you think the soldiers are about?” Duncan asked.
“We don’t know,” Reeve said. “We’ve watched them for the last hour, since a sentinel reported their obvious movement, but we’ve still to figure it out.”
“Their movement makes no sense,” Trey said. “It’s as if they move from here to there for no apparent reason.”
“They do it to distract,” Bryce said and the others stared at him. “It’s the only sensible reason. They want our attention focused on their actions while something takes place elsewhere.”
“But where?” Carmag asked.
“That’s just it,” Bryce said. “With all the activity, where is the spot that we should know about.”
“We’ll need to send men—”
Bryce interrupted Reeve before he could finish. “Where? Where do we send them? “He pointed at the woods. “They look as busy and numerous as bees.”
“Keeping anyone from discovering their hive,” Duncan said.
“Then what do we do?” Trey asked. “There certainly aren’t enough sentinels to keep watch over all of them.”
“We wait,” Duncan said. “We know they haven’t the men to wage a successful attack against us. Besides, the king isn’t foolish enough to attack us just yet. He’s gathering support and warriors just as we are.”
“So we hold firm, wait and be ready?” Reeve asked.
“It seems the wisest choice for the moment,” Duncan said, a feeling of unrest churning in his gut. Something wasn’t right, he could feel it. He stood with his brothers and watched the woods sparkle with light as though hundreds of stars had dropped out of the heaven and sprinkled across the forest.
It was a strange sight to look upon and even more so because he knew it wasn’t an attacking army that approached. It was a diversion. And he worried over the reason for it.
After several hours past, Mercy left the bed and dressed quickly. She sensed that Duncan wouldn’t be returning to bed this night. And she intended to find him and at least kiss him good-bye.
As soon as she entered the great hall she knew something was amiss. Warriors were coming and going after filling themselves with food and drink that the women kept rapidly replenishing.
Mara burst into the hall directing the women behind her to keep the warriors’ tankards full. When she spotted Mercy she hurried forward as did Mercy.
“There is much movement amongst the soldiers in the woods. We don’t know what is afoot, a diversion of sorts or so it is believed, and we must remain alert for any possibilities. Everyone is on guard and prepared to fight if necessary.”
“Where is Duncan?” Mercy asked.
“On the battlements with his brothers.” Mara took hold of her hand. “Do not disturb him now. He needs his wits about him.”
Mercy felt her heart plummet. She had so wanted to see him one more time.
“Later, child,” Mara said. “He will need you later, be there for him.”
Mercy knew her disappointment was obvious and that Mara tried to ease it for her.
