Binding Vows(34)

“The same way I came.”

All right, that’s a bit cryptic. “Do you have your own plane or something?”

“Something such as that.”

A rustle in the bushes in front of them stopped them in their tracks. Duncan whistled a low hum, met with one from beyond the trees. “’Tis Fin.”

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Fin was atop his horse, with Durk’s reins in his hand.

“Where’s the truck?” Tara asked surprised to see there wasn’t one.

Brother glanced at brother. Neither spoke.

“Okay, what’s going on? I’ve come along this far, but until I hear more I’m not budging another foot.” To make her point Tara sat on a rock and crossed her arms around her chest. “Give!”

Damn! I’d hoped this could wait until we made our journey.

“Damn is right.” Tara voiced his word to make sure he knew she was listening. “And I would appreciate a better explanation as to how we can do that.”

“Do what?” Fin asked, obviously confused.

She eyed Duncan. You tell him.

Duncan cleared his throat and turned to his brother. “It seems Tara and I have the ability to talk to each other in our minds.”

Tara waited for Fin to laugh and ask for details.

She waited in vain. “Oh,” was all he uttered.

“That’s it? Your brother says he can read my mind and all you can say is oh?”

“It isn’t uncommon amongst our people, Tara,”

Fin told her. “Our own parents have the ability to do it.” “You’re kidding.” Tara could tell by his look he wasn’t joking. Her unease elevated.

“We can’t stay here.” Duncan tossed her belongings on the back of his horse. “Grainna will soon notice our absence and send a search party after us.”

“Why exactly is that?”

“I told you she was evil, lass.”

“I agree she gave me the creeps at first, but why would she care if we are gone now?”

“We don’t have time for this.” Duncan almost 99



Catherine Bybee



barked his response. He took her arm only to have her pull it away.

“That’s too damn bad. You can make time, because without an explanation I’m not moving from this spot.”

“Think, My Lady. Why would Grainna single out a virgin amongst everyone else? Why would it matter to her that you are one? No one would be the wiser if you weren’t.”

True. “Go on.”

“Don’t you think it strange she kept you away from all the men, only to thrust you and me together in the end?” Duncan looked her in the eye. “Your room screamed out for us to be together tonight.”

True. “Why?”

“Grainna is a very powerful...person. She’s very old.” Duncan shot his brother a look, as if asking for his support. “She needs you, or what it is you are, to give her the ability to gain more power and strength.”

Tara chuckled, “Are you saying she’s some kind of a witch?”

“Aye, something like that.” Duncan bent down on one knee and took her hand. “Now, we have to keep moving.”

Tara snatched her hand away. “She’s a witch and she wants to what, sacrifice a virgin? Me?”

Again, brother looked at brother with sober looks.

“You know something? I don’t think it’s me who’s crazy.” Tara stood up and started backing away. She mumbled a disbelief in magic and witches. “I think you are the ones who are nuts! So I tell you what. You two just go on your merry little way and I’ll go mine.” Tara tripped on a fallen branch in her haste to get away. Duncan caught her arm and kept her from tumbling.

“I can’t let you do that.”

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“I don’t see how you have a choice. This has all been fun and exciting. I appreciate the good time, really I do.” She attempted to pull away. This time he didn’t let her go.

“This isn’t getting us anywhere,” Fin spoke up.

“If we could prove to you magic exists, would you wait to hear the rest of our tale once we are out of harm’s way?”

Her nervous laugh echoed off the valley walls.

“Okay, prove it.”

“Not here. There’s a place a few miles away that will help us prove magic exists.” Fin pulled up the reins on his horse, signifying he was done talking.

Could they be luring me to a private spot to kill me? Tara asked herself.

“We won’t harm you. Look at me,” Duncan demanded when she refused. “Look through me. Tell me what you see.”

Because she was scared and angry at herself for being so gullible, Tara did look into him. In his heart, she felt his fear for her safety. She saw his visions of the two of them kissing, felt the heat of the cord, which bound their wrists together during the handfasting ceremony.