Ronan was surprised to find the village in the throes of preparing for battle. He was quick to dismount and leave his horse waiting outside the keep as he rushed inside. The great hall was a scene he had once been familiar with, clusters of warriors waiting for orders while the laird conversed with the leaders who would command each troop.
He was surprised to see Alyce, Lachlan’s wife, huddled with his brothers, but then he recalled her acute awareness of the situation when they had first met and realized that Cavan would certainly put her unique abilities to work for him.
Before he could approach them, he heard a scream and didn’t have to look to see who it was. His mother rushed to him with outstretched arms, and he welcomed her with a tight embrace.
“Finally,” she cried through tears, though she wiped them away and, clasping his hand, raised it high. And with a distinct, clear voice she shouted, “Ronan of the clan Sinclare has come home!”
A cheer rang out so loudly Ronan could have sworn the rafters trembled. His mother escorted him to the table in front of the hearth. The table the laird of the clan occupied with his family and the one that now belonged to the new laird, his brother Cavan.
Artair and Lachlan were quick to give him welcoming hugs, and his sisters-in-law sent smiles to him. Beside Cavan, there was a beautiful woman, with long black hair and lovely violet eyes, whose smile could melt the coldest heart.
She greeted him before they could be introduced. “I’m Honora, Cavan’s wife, and I have so looked forward to your return.”
“My brother is a lucky man,” Ronan said.
“I often remind him of that,” Honora said with a soft laugh.
Ronan had to smile. Honora was simply delightful. And he was so pleased to see that his brother had found such a wonderful woman. He wasn’t surprised to see Cavan wrap a strong arm around Honora’s waist and draw her near to him.
“Honora is a precious gift I will never stop appreciating,” Cavan said.
“That’s so romantic.” Zia sighed.
“Now see what you’ve done,” Artair said, pointing an accusing finger at Cavan. “Our wives are going to expect the same romantic gestures.”
“My wife gets them all the time,” Lachlan boasted with a grin.
“Morning, noon, and night,” Alyce said teasingly.
Ronan’s smile grew. “It’s good to see that some things never change. You still tease each other, and your wives now join in.”
“And with great skill,” Addie said proudly of her daughters-in-law.
A sprinkle of laughter circled the group, and Addie had her son sitting with food in front of him before he could finally ask, “What goes on here?”
“We received word that two groups of mercenaries are gathering on the fringes of Sinclare land,” Artair said.
“How did you learn of this?” Ronan asked.
“One of our regular scouts informed us,” Lachlan said.
“Do you know who leads each group?” Ronan asked, wondering if either were the group he had fought alongside.
“We believe we know one group though we don’t know the leader,” Alyce said. “We only know the man the leader sent to speak with us, Septimus.”
“I know him,” Ronan said, not surprised since the mercenary group was a strong force with an imposing reputation. “I rode with the group. A courageous and skilled warrior called Dykar seemed in charge.”
“But didn’t lead?” Cavan asked.
Ronan shook his head. “I don’t truly know, since there were times he would disappear for days, and upon his return, new plans were implemented. I must say though that whoever is in charge of the group, he is an exceptional leader. He knew how to foster not only camaraderie in the men but an honor that was rare for mercenaries. And these men would do anything for him.”
“I’d like to meet this leader,” Cavan said, and his brothers agreed.
“He would be a good one to forge a friendship with,” Artair said.
“I agree,” Cavan said, and looked to Ronan. “Do you think you could speak to Septimus and arrange a meeting with his leader?”
“I haven’t seen Septimus in some time, but I can try.”
“Hagen can talk with Septimus. He can leave right away,” Addie said.
Ronan noticed that his three brothers instantly bristled.
“Alyce can see to it for us,” Lachlan said.
“I know Hagen,” Ronan said. “He’s a good man—”
“Yes, yes, he is a good man,” Addie said, looking to each of her son’s with a stern eye.
“And respected by the group,” Ronan finished, wondering what perturbed his mother. “I’m sure he’ll speak to Septimus on your behalf.”