He didn’t budge an inch. “Come, come, me lass. That’s no way to treat your new master.”
The man truly thought he owned me. “A pox on your delusions, Calhoun. I’d rather die than be tied to a thieving scoundrel.”
“You saucy brat,” he growled, raising a hand. “I’ll teach you to talk back.” I braced for the strike, but he just brushed a finger over the eyepatch.
“Why you want her leashed?” Ailish asked innocently, though the answer was beyond obvious. “Worried she’ll try to run?”
I gave him an expectant look that bordered on a smirk.
Calhoun dropped his hand, and I heard the distinct sound of teeth grinding together. “The idea crossed me mind, you numbskull. Now do what I say or you can both piss in a pot for all I care.” He turned and stalked away to wait.
Ailish tossed something on the floor near my feet. I glanced down to find a pair of walking boots. “Put those on.” She turned back to the cabinet to rummage some more.
Retreating back inside, I leaned against one of the barrels for better balance and pushed my toes into the worn black leather. The fit was a bit snug but better than the alternative, as my boots and every other possession had been left behind on the Sea Witch.
Ailish moved to my side, a coarse rope clenched in one hand. “Hold your arms up, Selah.”
I eyed the rope, rather annoyed at the prospect of another trussing. “Is this really necessary?”
“That all depends. Do you want out o’ the caravan or not?”
“Fine,” I snapped, while thrusting my arms upward. “Just don’t make it too tight.” The ring of bruises still marred my skin from Julian’s stunt with the tree root, and I had no desire to aggravate the wound. Nor any of the other scrapes and bruises I’d manage to collect since leaving London, though in truth, none hurt so much as the burn on my neck.
Oh, to be able to heal myself...
A breath cut through my nose from the trail of ice that crept over my skin, just beneath Ailish’s hands. I shivered once before she completed the knot and scurried out the open door. Judging by the pink tinge to her cheeks, the close proximity had been equally distressing, and if nothing else, would serve as a reminder of the need to part ways sooner rather than later.
Calhoun turned the moment our boots scuffed against the dirt. “Go that way.” He pointed to a section of woods directly across from the caravan. “And be quick about it, afore the bandits come out and strip us bare.” He swept a nervous look from side to side.
Ailish moved with seemingly little care for any bandits. I grabbed my skirts and followed close in tow, shooting furtive glances through the heavy fog that grew thicker at each step. Calhoun remained on the road, his amber cloak standing out against the dark red caravan.
We walked about five feet apart, Ailish leading the way over the thorny vines and past several thin tree trunks. I started to wonder at her destination when she stopped at a gigantic ash and patted the rough bark. “This should do.” Sparing no consideration for additional privacy, she squatted over the tree roots, her green woolen skirts bunched to the side.
I looked over my shoulder, catching a glimpse of amber still near the caravan. “Have you thought of my offer?” I whispered.
“That I have.” She glanced up at me, her face blank. “The pissing be easier down on your hunkers, you know.”
“Save the instruction.” I lifted my own skirts to join her. “Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to know what to expect. Are you willing to let me escape unharmed?” Or must I devise another plan.
Standing, she nodded. “I’ll not be stopping you.”
Excitement leapt inside me. “When should we do it?” I stood and brushed out my gown.
“Is it a tea party you be having in there?” Calhoun bellowed. “Hurry up, or I’ll thump you good and hard.”
The rope tugged on my waist. “Come on,” Ailish said.
I fell in line beside her. “Tell me when,” I hissed.
She didn’t answer, just quickened her pace until I was trotting to keep up.
“Ho, there you be,” Calhoun said when we reached the thorns and grass. “Damnable fog. I feel them bandits breathing down me neck already.”
Ailish stopped in front of him. “Where you taking us first?”
“Home to see Paddy. He’ll be mighty pleased to have you in his bed at last.”
“You can’t make me marry him—”
Calhoun struck fast, the back of his hand cracking against Ailish’s cheekbone. She fell to her knees, pulling me down beside her on the road. He bent over us, his face white with rage. “I can and I will, mind you.” He raised his hand again, ready to strike another blow.
Power leapt to my palms. “Leave her alone,” I said, my voice low with menace.
Calhoun straightened and glowered at me. “I’ve Cailleach’s blood, Miss Kilbrid. Touch me, and you’ll get the same in return.”