“Septimus knows we are not nuns.”
Piper was full of questions, but Terese was eager to have done with this meeting and promised later she would tell all. They left without waking anyone and traveled a shorter distance into the woods than Terese had expected.
Septimus stepped out of the dark, the full moon spotlighting him. “You’ve had time to heal. Now I want answers.”
Terese nodded to Piper and she moved away, swallowed by the dark shadows to wait nearby.
“First I have something to say,” Terese said sharply and didn’t give him a chance to argue. “Your leader knew from the time I entered your camp that I was no nun. He knew Everagis was no true convent. He was also aware that the clans had sent scouts. What is going on?”
Septimus smiled. “And what makes you think this?”
“You said it yourself when you mentioned the game I played. Your leader has known all along. How long has he kept a watchful eye on Everagis?” She held her hand up when she saw that he was about to argue. “Don’t waste my time denying it, or I will take my leave and you will be left to explain to your leader why you returned with no answers.”
“He was right,” Septimus grinned. “He said you’d be either a formidable adversary or worthy friend.”
Terese nodded. “So, your leader wisely decided I would make a better friend.”
“He felt you would serve him better that way.”
Terese stepped forward and with nostrils flaring and her tone sharp as a sword she said, “I serve no one. You tell your leader that it will be a partnership we share or nothing.”
Septimus chortled. “I don’t think you’re in the position to bargain.”
“Oh, but I am,” Terese assured him with a chilling grin.
“And why is that?” he asked still amused.
Terese stepped closer, her whisper harsh. “I know your leader’s secret.”
Septimus startled, though quickly recovered. “That might prove a problem.”
“Not so,” she disagreed. “We both have much to gain by our silence.”
“That is true.”
Terese turned around slowly in a circle as she spoke. “I know you are there. I know you can hear me. We share a camaraderie few understand. Let our original agreement stand and our secrets will forever remain buried.”
“So be it,” said a deep voice from the darkness.
“When do the warriors leave?” Septimus asked.
“When the messenger who was sent returns.”
He nodded. “We will keep a watch over Everagis and if you are in need—”
“I will reach out to you,” Terese said with a promising nod. “One more thing.”
Septimus waited.
“What of the warring clans?”
Septimus grinned. “That will be settled in the next few days and will be a problem no more.”
Terese understood. “If your men should need care—”
“I know where to bring them,” Septimus concluded and after a slight bow disappeared into the dark.
Piper was at her side before she summoned her and wisely she remained quiet until they were a distance away.
“I don’t understand,” Piper finally said, slowing the pace.
“You don’t need to,” Terese assured her.
“You spoke of a secret.”
“It is between the leader and me.”
“Does it place you in more danger?” Piper asked anxiously.
“Any secret has its danger.”
“You do not intend to share, do you?” Piper asked.
“I cannot, for I gave my word, as you all did to me,” Terese reminded.
“I understand,” Piper said. “But I fear the danger this will place you in while trying to protect us.”
“It is necessary.”
Piper merely nodded. “We better hurry. The sun will rise soon and Lachlan will expect to join you on the hill.”
No more words were necessary between them. Terese knew that Piper would say nothing of this meeting. It would be Terese’s decision when and what she shared with the other women.
It wasn’t the women Terese was concerned with; it was the secrets that she continued to accumulate. Sooner or later, secrets had a way of being discovered.
As much as she didn’t wish to see Lachlan leave Everagis, she knew it would be safer for all when he did. The thought had her hurrying her pace even more and when she and Piper approached the edge of the woods, the sun was just about to break on the horizon.
Terese left Piper and sprinted across the field and up the hill where Lachlan was waiting. He turned and smiled.
And she ran into his arms.
Chapter 13
Lachlan hugged her waist and felt his heart swell with the kisses she lavished over his face. But it was a twist to his gut that he got when he saw the look of sorrow in her blue eyes, and he felt a sudden sadness as if she were saying good-bye to him.