“I would like a couple of daggers with sheaths like the ones the women wear hidden under their skirts. One for Hunter and one for myself.” She gestured toward the child. His eyes reminded her of a baby owl’s, they’d grown so large with wonder. “I also need two eating knives, and a few dozen arrowheads to be delivered to the cooper.” She pulled the pendant Giselle had given her from her pocket. “I wish to use this as payment if you will accept it.”
The blacksmith took the charm from her and moved to the door to study it in the light. “Milady, you could arm the MacKintosh garrison with the emerald alone. I cannot accept this.”
“I want to be rid of it.” She took a step back when he reached out to return it to her.
“True, you cannot mean it.” Elaine took the golden effigy from the smithy. She handed it to her mother. “Let us pay Thomas. Keep the piece. ’Tis quite valuable.”
“No. Will you take it or not?”
“Aye, I’ll take it.”
Snatching the dreaded reminder of Giselle’s manipulation from Lydia, she placed it back into the hand of the blacksmith.
Malcolm rode into the village, glad to be home at last. The past two days had been busy, and he still had much to do. He’d ridden several leagues with his father’s party before turning back toward home. He glanced at the sun. ’Twas past the hour of Sext. He dismounted at the stable and turned his mount over to one of the stable lads.
As he approached the ferry, he caught a glimpse of the blacksmith chatting with the ferry master. The two sat companionably on the bench next to the landing, sharing a flagon of ale. “Thomas, Arlen, good day to you both.”
“My lord,” Thomas said, rising from his place and removing his cap. “I’ve been waiting to speak with ye.” He glanced at the ferry master and back at Malcolm.
“Come. Walk with me, Thomas.”
“Aye.” Thomas gripped and twisted the cap in his hands as they walked, and his tension set Malcolm on edge. “What is it?”
“My lord, your mother and sister were by to see me and the cooper yesterday. They brought the outlander with them.”
“Aye. Young Galen and Robley accompanied them, did they no’?”
Thomas nodded. “Lady Alethia placed an order for a number of weapons.”
Malcolm stopped walking. “Did you fill the order?”
“Aye, with what I had to hand, and I promised to have the rest delivered. The cooper is crafting a bow for her and one for the lad in her care.” He turned to face Malcolm. “Were we wrong to do so?”
“Nay.” Malcolm placed his hand on the smith’s shoulder. “I did no’ think to tell you otherwise.”
“Her order is no’ what I wish to talk with ye about.” He reached into the pouch at his waist. “She paid us with these. Connor and I both told the lass ’twas too much, but she insisted we take them.”
Malcolm took the chain and pendant from the blacksmith’s hand. The knotted crane was the mate to his ring. He’d expected as much, yet seeing it sent a chill down his spine.
“The lady said she wished to be rid of it.”
“Mmm.” Malcolm studied the necklace in his hand as if doing so would reveal its secrets. “What do I owe you and Connor for the weapons?” While the blacksmith named the price he and the cooper had agreed to, Malcolm’s mind reeled with this new piece to the puzzle. Why would she wish to be rid of it? “I’ll have the coin sent to you both once I reach the keep. My thanks.” He grasped the smith’s forearm and shook his hand. “I am glad you both came forward with this. Lesser men would have kept the goods without a word. You are both a credit to our clan, Thomas. Tell Connor I said so.”
“I will. My thanks, my lord.” Thomas bobbed his head and took his leave.
Anger at Alethia’s disobedience and worry for her safety grew beyond reason on the ferry ride to the island. He took the ring and pendant from his sporran, opened the clasp of the chain and slipped them onto it before tucking them safely away.
He couldn’t wait for the ferry to land and leaped to the beach. Striding toward the keep, he scanned the bailey for any sign of Robley. Though he could not be angry with the villagers, he had spoken to his cousin about his concerns. Robley knew better than to cross him. Pushing wide the doors to the great hall, he spied Beth coming down the stairs. “Where is Lady True?”
“Milady is in your mother’s solar.” She took one look at his face and scurried away.
Climbing the stairs three at a time, he ate up the distance to the solar with his strides. He shoved the door open so hard, a resounding crack echoed through the room as it hit the wall. “Alethia.”