The Angel and the Highlander(11)

The brothers all agreed that there had to be something that kept Ronan from returning home. Though they didn’t believe him chained or sequestered in a cell, somehow he remained a prisoner. But to whom?

Lachlan hoped the band of mercenaries might have some knowledge about his brother. Cavan had made certain that Lachlan had enough coins on him to buy such information, or if he was lucky and Ronan was among them, he could buy his freedom.

The warriors were aware of this and were prepared to battle if necessary to free Ronan. Lachlan’s one concern was the nuns. If things didn’t turn out well, they could suffer for his actions, which was another reason he was sending a message to church officials. Surely when they discover only five survived these past five years and were living more as peasants than nuns, the church would recall them home.

Besides, they should all be in the safety of a proper convent, clothed in proper garments. He couldn’t understand how they had survived, actually thrived, this long on their own. With claims of mercenaries in the area, how had these women avoided being attacked by them?

He scratched his head, thinking there were many questions he needed answers to.





Chapter 4


Late that night the women once again sat around the table to discuss and plan.

“Evan is attuned to the secrets of the woods. If we are not careful he will learn of our activities there,” Piper said.

“He may be attuned to them, but you know the secrets. And you know how to cover our tracks,” Terese encouraged. “And with vigilance we can succeed.” She looked from one woman to another. “These men respect our status as nuns. We need to use that to our advantage.”

“I agree,” Megan said. “It is that very status that has kept us safe so far, and when I informed the farmers of our situation, they were deeply concerned. They do not want us to leave here, and they eagerly offered their help.”

“It is good to know we can count on them,” Hester said. “Good to know we have friends.”

“That is all well and good, but what if the church recalls us home?” Rowena asked. “I, for one, have no plans of leaving this area. This is my home.”

Each woman echoed the same sentiment.

“I feel the same as all of you,” Terese said. “This is my home now and I don’t want to leave it, but as Rowena has suggested there is always that possibility. In fact, it is inevitable. This land belongs to the church, not us.”

“Just as these men are temporary residents here, so are we,” Megan said.

Hester was the first to say what all the sisters felt. “What we need is a permanent home.”

They all looked to Terese.

She smiled. “Then it is a permanent home we will find.”

The women smiled and laughed with joy and soon were chatting about finding the perfect place and what would be needed and how it would take hard work.

The sharp rap at the door startled them all silent.

Terese felt for the dirk she kept in a sheath strapped to her leg before she stood. Satisfied that her weapon was handy if necessary, she signaled the women to remain quiet as she went to the door and asked, “Who’s there?”

“Lachlan.”

“Is something wrong?” Terese asked. “Is one of your men ill?”

“No, everyone is fine,” he answered. “I am concerned about you.”

She opened the door, “Why?”

“I heard raised voices,” he answered, stretching his neck to peer past her into the room.

“We were praying.”

He smiled, but it wasn’t his smile that caught her attention. It was the dark shadows that cautiously moved around outside. He obviously had brought a few warriors with him.

“Isn’t it a little late for prayers?” he asked.

“Are you accusing me of lying?” Too late, Terese let the biting tongue of Alyce Bunnock slip.

Lachlan took a step back and graciously bowed his head as if apologetic. “Not for a moment, Sister Terese. The sounds are what made me wonder if something was amiss, and I only wished to make certain of your safety.”

She had warned the others to use their ruse to protect themselves and here her thoughtless action was placing them in jeopardy.

“Forgive my thoughtlessness,” she said. “It is just that you interrupted a rousing vigil of prayer.”

“I’ve never heard of a rousing vigil of prayer,” he admitted.

“It works well for us. Now if you will excuse me, we must resume the vigil,” she said, easing the door closed on him.

“Sister Terese.”

She almost had the door closed and had to open it a bit to address him. She didn’t like the glint in his dark eyes or his smile that suddenly looked ready to charm. “Yes?”