“What day have we arrived?” Finlay asked.
“’Tis June the first, the year of our Lord, twelve-hundred and ten, and you’ve arrived at a time when the MacKenzies are about to descend on us. Their intention is to destroy all that we are, to take our land and the lives of our people, possibly even your mated ones. I’m unsure.”
“The village falls on June the eleventh.” Isla stepped up to Nessa. “The full moon won’t have risen before then.”
“Aye, I’m aware of the difficulties that will cause.” Tears shimmered in Nessa’s eyes. “I give you all my word, that I will remain diligent and watchful. If I see aught more, I shall tell you.”
“We can’t allow the village to fall.” Isla shook her head at Nessa. “Too many innocent people will die.”
“I’ve pleaded with all those at the village to seek shelter here within these walls, or even to move deeper into the sanctuary of the forest, but they are convinced now they’ve heard my warning they can adequately prepare for an attack and ensure with the use of their skills that they’ll be saved.” She lowered her head. “I cannae fail my people and I will remain with them in the days ahead. On the morrow, with Gilleoin and Sorcha, I shall return to the village. Even Kenneth has pleaded with them. He holds the ability of death-warning. Of those who live but are soon to die, he receives a vision and with his skill can save those who perish unjustly afore their time. He travels to the village daily and walks amongst them, cautioning and imploring all.” She lifted her head. “When I saw your arrival earlier this eve, my vision was strong and provided me with a clear path of understanding. If we wish to win this coming war, then ’tis the ‘power of three’ that we shall need. The MacKenzies are coming and they are strong.”
Finlay growled under his breath. “I won’t allow the MacKenzies to slaughter my mate, nor will I allow them to take the lives of innocent people. Gilleoin.” He eyed the chief. “You have my sword-hand, however you need it.”
“As you have mine.” Kirk clasped Finlay’s shoulder with one hand and Iain’s with the other.
“And of course you have mine.” Iain would never allow his brothers to lose their mates. “If we battle, we do so together, as we always have.”
“Then I accept your offer with great thanks.” Gilleoin’s claws burst from his fingertips and lengthened. A fierce growl rumbled from him then he gritted his teeth. “We are the Mathesons, ‘Son of the Bear,’ and we will stand strong.”
They would stand strong, and together as one. Isla too wouldn’t allow Finlay and Kirk to lose their mates, nor allow the villagers to lose their lives.
Gilleoin marched to the door, claws retracting. He opened it and called out to a maid sweeping the floors. “We have guests. Ensure they’re given food and whatever clothing they require. Unfortunately, they’ve lost all they traveled with.” To Iain, he said, “My people are trustworthy. They will never speak to any beyond our own of where you’ve truly come from.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
“For now, we’ll eat and talk more, devise a plan of attack and whatever else is required to win this war. Nessa has seen we’ll need your aid, and I shall gladly accept it.” He glanced at Nessa. “See to Mistress Isla’s care. She still shivers and I willnae have her suffer a chest illness.”
“Of course.” Nessa cupped Isla’s elbow. “Come with me, my dear. I’ll have a chamber prepared for you. I also have a need to speak to you in private, if you dinnae mind.”
“One moment.” She eyed Iain. “Is that all right?”
“Of course. Warm yourself and I’ll be with you as soon as I’m able.” He brushed a kiss across her forehead. “Finlay and Kirk’s frustration rides them hard.”
“Then stay with them for as long as you need to. I understand.” She nodded at Nessa. “Lead the way.”
Nessa guided her around the perimeter of the great hall toward the stairwell then slowed as a maid walked toward her in a brown kirtle and a frilly white cap. “Effie, I need you to prepare a bath for Mistress Isla and be as quick as you can about it. She’s to have the burgundy chamber next to mine. Bring some gowns from my ambry, and a tray.”
“Aye, my lady.” The girl dashed upstairs.
“This way.” Nessa guided her up the winding stairs and along a dimly lit passageway. Up ahead, two lanky lads with their shirttails fluttering loose over their breeches heaved a tub through a doorway.