Hagen nodded. “I will show you the way.”
Cavan then looked to Lachlan and Alyce. “You will both remain behind to see to the safety of the village and keep. This may be a ruse, and I want our home well defended.”
They nodded. “You need not worry,” Lachlan assured him.
“I know. That’s why I leave you both,” Cavan said. “Now for a plan of action.”
Carissa rode alongside Septimus, six mercenaries behind them and a troop of thirty spread throughout the area. The remainder of men had not joined them. From the scouting report, the other troop totaled twenty and was a ragtag bunch that appeared thrown together with no clear leadership.
While it might appear an advantage to most, Carissa knew it was more a danger. Not one of them truly cared what happened to the other, and if one should fall, another one would step on him to get the prize, which was…her.
She wanted to be mad at Dykar for not informing her of the reward on her head. Septimus had explained that Dykar didn’t want her to worry. And she certainly would have when she learned that it was Cavan Sinclare who had offered the reward.
While she was grateful for the one night with Ronan and the beautiful memories it had left her with, she feared it had only made matters worse. And she wondered if she was wise in returning to Ronan or better off simply fading into oblivion with the mercenaries.
She didn’t want to cause Ronan any problems with his family. Her father had done enough to them. She didn’t want to injure them any more. And with the mercenaries wanting her surrender in return for Dykar’s life, it was obvious they intended to claim the reward. Though she didn’t doubt she would suffer at their hands before they gave her to Cavan.
Once Ronan discovered that she was leader of the mercenaries, any trust they had been developing would be destroyed. He would not want to listen to her, just as he hadn’t wanted to when he had first arrived at the cottage. He had trouble believing her then, and he would have even more trouble believing her now.
Her wisest choice was to disappear within the safety of the mercenaries and forget about Ronan. Her heart ached at the thought of never seeing him again, of never having him hold her again, of never making love, of never sleeping safely beside him.
She sighed and spilled not a tear. Her hurt felt like a knife to her heart, but then she had suffered many times throughout her life and had learned to survive. She would survive this though she couldn’t help wondering how.
“Once you’re alone, they will attack,” Septimus said. “And they will not spare Dykar’s life.”
“I didn’t believe they would though they will keep him alive until I see him.”
“I agree,” Septimus said.
“Are the bowmen in position?” she asked.
“They lie in wait according to plan,” Septimus said. “The idiots don’t even have sentries stationed near their camp, and such stupidity worries me.”
“I agree,” Carissa said. “They probably have no organized plan and intend to kill Dykar as soon as I make myself known to them.”
“And you will have mere seconds to reach him if you are to save his life.”
“I know,” she said. “I will need to keep them distracted long enough to reach him.”
“How do you plan to do that?”
“My cold heart and sharp tongue work magic,” she admitted.
“But that isn’t who you are,” Septimus said.
“How long did it take you to realize that?”
“Longer than I care to admit,” he said, “though I credit that to your ingenious ruse.”
“I lived it every day,” she said sadly.
“So I realized,” he said. “We’re almost there. Are you ready?”
She smiled. “I’m always ready. I won’t let Dykar die.”
“I know,” Septimus said. “He told me how you saved his life once before, and he had no doubt that, if necessary, you would do it again, as he would for you.”
“He knows me too well.” She brought her horse to a halt. “We leave each other here.”
“I won’t be far.”
“Keep your distance until Dykar is safe and—” She paused for a moment and shut her eyes, then opened them, strength and courage shining brilliantly in them. “If a choice must be made, you will save Dykar. Do you understand?”
Septimus looked ready to argue.
Carissa held up her hand. “I have no time to argue with you. You will follow my orders.” Her horse pranced impatiently, and she easily controlled the skittish animal and looked once more to Septimus. “It’s for the best, so please give me your word.”