“And a brother knows his sister just as well,” he said, and rubbed his chin before letting his frustration lose. “Damn it, Rissa, you’re not leaving with us, are you?”
That brought Septimus to his feet. “That’s not a wise idea.”
“Let me explain,” she said, standing though feeling small in front of the two men. Strange that she didn’t feel that way with Ronan, though he was similar in size.
“Will it matter?” Dykar asked, annoyed.
“I think it will,” she said, and continued, “Ronan has learned the truth about Hope.”
Both men shook their heads.
Dykar turned to Septimus. “We need to get her out of here.”
“I think not,” she said sternly. “I have a chance to clear myself and be free of the Sinclares.”
Both men looked at her with raised brows.
She recounted her discussion with Ronan.
“What if Cavan decides to imprison you?” Dykar asked.
“I have done nothing to justify imprisonment other than being Mordrac’s daughter.”
“Some would believe that crime enough,” Septimus suggested.
“A chance I must take to be free.”
“I don’t like this,” Dykar said.
“I didn’t expect you would, though I knew you would understand it.”
Dykar nodded. “I know how badly you yearn to be free.”
“Then you know I must try.”
“We will keep close eyes on you,” Dykar said like a stern parent. “If things don’t go as you hoped—”
“I’m not counting on hope,” she said sadly. “I’m counting on Cavan’s seeing the truth of the situation, being fair, and releasing me.”
“But will he see it that way?” Septimus asked.
“There’s only one way to find out,” she said. “And now you both must go. The air has chilled since morning. If you leave now, you could possibly reach the village Black just after nightfall and have warm shelter and hot food.”
While Septimus started extinguishing the campfire, Dykar took her arm and walked a distance away with her.
“You take a dangerous chance entering enemy territory,” Dykar said. “It could be a trap.”
“A chance I’m willing to take. Just think how wonderful it would be to not have to look over my shoulder to see if the Sinclares chase me.”
“They aren’t the only ones who cry for your blood.”
“But if the Sinclares free me, the others will surely think it’s not worth coming after me.”
“As you say, it’s a chance you must take. Though I don’t favor it, I do understand,” Dykar said, taking her hand. “You helped me to be free, and I would never want to live any other way. Besides, there’s no stopping you, but you will at least listen to some reason.”
“I’m all ears.”
“Hagen stays for a time at a croft on Sinclare land. He fancies Addie, the late laird’s widow.”
“Does she fancy him?” Carissa asked with a smile.
“She seems to, though I think them both foolish and too old for such nonsense. Her sons would never allow such a match.” Dykar shook his head. “Enough of that; if things should not go as you hoped, then you must alert Hagen so that we can get you out of there before it’s too late. We have a large contingent of warriors, but not enough to combat the Sinclare clan and the friendly clans they would surely call upon for help.”
“I know,” she said with a nod. “I will keep in touch with Hagen and let you know of an escape plan I will ready in case things go wrong.”
She shivered.
“You’re cold. You must go back to the cottage.”
“I’m more worn-out than anything. A good night’s sleep should see me fit,” she said, and gave him a hug, then turned to Septimus. “Take care of him for me.”
“I always do,” he said. “And you take care of yourself.”
“I always have, and I always will,” she said, and after a quick kiss on Dykar’s cheek, she took her leave.
She was gone longer than she intended and prayed that Ronan had remained asleep. She quietly opened the door and cringed when it creaked. She peeked in before entering and when she heard him snoring louder than before, she sighed softly with relief.
She shivered as she hung her cloak on the peg and went to sit by the hearth to get warm. She took off her wet boots and realized her stockings were wet, so she stripped them off and placed them near the fire to dry.
She held out her feet to the fire to get warm, but she shivered again and decided to tuck them beneath her instead. A double yawn attacked her. She felt sluggish and so tired, not only in body but of mind. She told herself to be angry with him. How could he so easily disregard his love for Hope? How could he think all that she had said to him was nothing but lies? How could he not have faith in their love?