As her feet scraped the sandy seafloor, she tried to stand, only her legs wobbled and—
“I’ll carry you.” Duncan swept her up in his arms, slogged up onto the beach then collapsed onto his back with her sprawled over top of him, the sand wet and mushy underneath them and the rain pelting endlessly down.
Ivor stumbled in after them, his leather pants plastered to his legs and his war coat drenched. He flopped down onto his back next to them, his exhaustion clearly as complete as theirs.
“I owe you my thanks.” Duncan eyed Ivor. “For saving my wife. I’ll ensure you’re well rewarded for what you’ve done this day.”
“Nay, my laird, there’s no need for a reward.” Ivor heaved up into a sitting position, water dripping from his hair. Such torment flashed in his eyes as he slid his gaze to her. “I apologize, my lady.”
“For what exactly?”
“I have a confession. I first believed you to be our enemy, couldnae understand why my laird would bring you on board following the fires at Inverarish. You hold the skill to compel, commanded us during the battle at Dunscaith and sent us fleeing. Even though you claimed to have no voice, I still feared you’d use your ability against us. At any time, you could have sent us all to our deaths, and with naught but a single word. I ask for your forgiveness. I was the one who tossed you overboard, and never have I regretted a decision more.”
“I would never harm anyone, Ivor.”
“Aye, I’m aware of that now.”
“You’re the one who tried to kill my woman?” Duncan gritted his teeth and pinned her behind him as he shoved to his feet, his low and deadly tone sending shards of ice skittering down Ella’s spine.
“I am, and acted wrongly, very wrongly.” Ivor stood, withdrew his sword and handed it hilt first to Duncan. “Seek the punishment you please.” He slowly lowered to one knee, head bent.
“Nay.” She pushed past Duncan and gripped Ivor’s hands. “You just saved my life and I willnae see it lost right here on this beach. So many fear my skill, Ivor. You arenae alone in that regard, but once people come to know me, they soon learn I would never bring any harm down upon another’s head, no’ even that of my enemy. I forgive you, Ivor.” Holding her breath, she snuck a look at Duncan over her shoulder. Fury slashed his face, his hand fisted around the sword hilt. He wanted to kill Ivor, but she couldn’t allow it. She faced the man who’d made a bad decision and had no need to pay with it with his very life. “You made a deadly mistake that night, but from this moment forth you will never judge another so unwisely. I want your word that you’ll never attempt to harm me again.”
“Aye, my lady, I would never lay a hand upon you, no’ now, no’ ever again. My laird has taken you to wife and my service extends to you, but more than that, I’ve seen your true nature and will gladly do all you’ve asked of me. Unfortunately, though, my punishment is still necessary.”
“Since ’tis me you harmed, then it should be me who decides your punishment.” She needed to show Duncan how very much she needed Ivor to remain alive, which meant she had only one choice. “I will hear your oath of protection. I wish for you to be my personal guard during this mission.”
“Pardon?” Something flickered within his green eyes—hope? He glanced over her head at Duncan and that hope flickered straight away.
“Ivor, I shall no’ be an easy mistress to protect. I can be feisty and stubborn, and at times I can act without thought for my own welfare. You’ll be hard-pressed to keep me out of trouble, but I believe you’re the most suitable for the position.”
“I would be honored to give you my oath.” He dipped his head toward her. “My lady, I give you my vow of protection. Never will I allow another to set a hand upon you with the intention of doing you harm. I will be your servant, from now until the end of my days. Will you accept my oath?”
“I will.” She squeezed his fingers. “Rise, Ivor. I already have a request of you.”
“Speak and ’twill be done.” He stood, firm resolution in his gaze.
“I am freezing cold and have no wish to remain this way.” She held out her hand to Duncan for Ivor’s sword. “My guardsman will require that.”
“I would rather still have his head.” Through gritted teeth, Duncan snarled at her as he handed it across.
“Thank you.” She handed Ivor his sword, shivered and rubbed her chilled arms. A hundred-foot high cliff curved around the bay, the odd clump of scrub protruding from the cracks. A cliff that appeared very familiar. “Oh my. I know this place.”
“You do?” Duncan wrapped his arms around her from behind and tried to buffer her from the fierce wind and rain. “How exactly?”
“My grandpa brought my brother and I here to scale this cliff. Three and ten I was at the time, Ethan eight. Grandpa harnessed a rope around my waist then secured it to the lone pine tree towering at the top. Both Ethan and I descended then climbed back up. ’Twas such fun.”