They had reached the end of the valley when the groom reined in, staring at the distant hillside. Ban frowned.
‘What is it, Callum?’
‘I’m no sure, my lord. I thought I saw movement up yonder.’
All three remained still, their eyes straining to see, but the hillside seemed deserted.
‘It might have been a deer,’ said Ban.
‘Perhaps,’ Callum replied. The tone suggested he was unconvinced.
‘What else? Surely no one would ride into Glengarron uninvited?’
‘They’d be wiser not to, my lord.’
Ashlynn’s gaze searched the scattered rocks and clumps of rain-darkened heather but could detect no sign of movement. She decided it must have been an animal of some kind which, startled by their approach, had made off through the undergrowth. All the same the stillness felt suddenly eerie.
‘I think we should go back now,’ she said.
Callum nodded. ‘A good idea, my lady.’
Ban eyed them both thoughtfully and then glanced once more at the silent hillside. ‘Just as you wish.’
They turned the horses’ heads and began to ride for home, picking up the pace a little. Once Ashlynn glanced over her shoulder, but there was nothing to be seen save the hill and the shrouding mist above.
* * *
The others returned some time later, all mud spattered and all in high good humour after the fresh air and the exercise. Iain rejoined his wife by the hearth and sliding an arm about her waist, kissed her soundly. Ashlynn smiled.
‘I take it you enjoyed your ride, my lord.’
‘Indeed I did, though I missed your company.’
‘Liar. You were far too busy talking about horses and hunting if I know anything about it.’
He grinned. ‘Not so busy as to put all thoughts of you out of my head.’
‘What thoughts?’
He bent and whispered in her ear. Ashlynn blushed scarlet.
‘You are incorrigible.’
‘So I’ve been told.’ He paused. ‘All the same, your guess about hunting wasn’t so far wrong. The next suitable day we get, we’ll take the hounds for an outing. Will you come?’
Her eyes brightened. ‘Can you doubt it?’
He looked at Ban. ‘How did your excursion go today?’
‘Well enough, my lord,’ he replied. ‘The shoulder is mending apace. It won’t be long before I’m fully fit again.’
He made no mention of what had passed earlier and Ashlynn decided he was right. What was there to say after all? It was suspicion only. They had seen nothing.
‘I’m glad to hear it,’ Iain went on. ‘The rain will clear soon enough. Then we’ll see some action. In the meantime a little sword practice wouldn’t come amiss. What say you to a short bout?’
‘I’d be honoured.’
Ashlynn darted a glance at her brother. ‘Are you sure about this?’
‘Why not?’ he replied. ‘I won’t overdo it, but I need to start some time.’
She looked from one to the other in disbelief. ‘In this weather?’
Iain grinned. ‘I’m not such a martyr to the art. We’ll use the barn.’ Then, seeing his wife’s anxious expression, he continued, ‘Have no fear, my lady, I will return him safe and sound.’
She sighed and watched them go. In a few weeks Ban would indeed be fit again. After that he would leave. It was time to face the unpleasant truth. Her brother had his own life to lead and she had no right to expect him to remain at Dark Mount if it was his inclination to go. Their destinies lay along different paths for a while at least but perhaps, if the fates were kind, they might overlap from time to time. Besides, she too had duties and responsibilities now and must face up to them.
* * *
Out in the barn the two men moved through the warm-up routine and Ban was cautiously optimistic. As he had said, some of the strength was returning to his shoulder. Daily exercise would re-educate the muscles and help him build up the stamina he had lost erewhile. From time to time he glanced at his brother-in-law but if Iain noticed he gave no sign, his concentration entirely on what he was doing. It was habitual with him. Whatever he undertook he did with commitment and attention to detail. It occurred to Ban then that he could learn a great deal from a man like that. When he remembered his initial doubts he felt foolish. Iain MacAlpin might have his faults but he was also a man to respect. Would he find another such among the lords at Dunfermline? He hoped it might be so. All the same he knew he was going to miss Dark Mount for in the few weeks he had been there it had become like a home to him, a home he had never thought to have again. Leaving Ashlynn would be hardest of all, like losing her anew. It was comforting to know at least that she would always be safe, safe and loved.