Highland Flame (Highland Brides) Read Online Free PDF Page A

our heads above the waves."
    Flame gritted her teeth. Weariness threatened her balance. "For pity's sake, Troy, speak plain this once."
    "Ye were set on taking a prisoner and take one ye have, lass. 'Tis nothing ta be done now but ta hold the rogue ransom and pray there be a MacGowan or two unmaimed when the storm passes."
    Flame stood immobile, trying to calm her trembling, but already one of her own men had been wounded. The thought of others being maimed nearly overwhelmed her. Was this boost to her pride and reputation worth the price they may have to pay? But how many more MacGowans would die if they did not trust her leadership and went their own ways?
    "Ye will do well, lass," Troy said.
    She tried to nod but failed. " 'Tis a strange thing," she murmured, "but I almost wish my father was here."
    "He is na."
    "Or my brother," she whispered.
    "Gregor be gone, too, lass. And ye be all that's left of that house."
    She raised her gaze to his. "There are those who think ye should rule."
    "I have me own reasons for refusing, and ye have been chosen, lass, for better or worse."
    "And what of Nevin?" she whispered. "My uncle's son. Why could Nevin not rule?”
    Troy turned his sharp gaze down at her. "Not until the sun fell into the sea would yer father accept his brother's son as his successor."
    "My father is dead. And I must choose what's best for the MacGowans."
    Troy held her gaze with his own. "And ye would choose Nevin?"
    She turned away. "He is intelligent. And he is loyal to this tribe."
    "But ye are their Flame."
    She swung wildly back, fists clenched at her sides. "Well, I cannot burn forever!" Fear swelled up inside her—fear of being discovered for who she really was— a lass who trembled at the thought of danger and retched at the sight of blood. "I cannot guide them!" she said softly. "My father knew I—"
    "Yer father knew nothing of ye," Troy interrupted.
    A thousand sharp-edged emotions flared inside Flanna. "Am I not his?" she whispered. "Is that why his love for me turned to hate?"
    "Ye are his, lass. Yer only sin was to remind him of yer mother."
    She tightened her fists and took a step forward. "Are ye lying to me, Troy? Are ye lying to us all? Ye were her friend even at the end. She would have told ye the truth."
    For a moment he was silent. "Ye are his daughter, Flanna MacGowan, though he didna deserve ye."
    "And the babe that died with her?" Flame asked. "What of him?"
    Troy turned away. "There is na reason ta discuss that, for they are dead now. Surely it can na longer matter."
    Flame closed her eyes. "If Gregor had but lived..."
    Troy snorted and faced her again. "Gregor was never meant ta rule. Gregor was a bonny, broad lochan with the sunlight of his father's adoration glistening upon him. But the lochan goes nowhere, lass. It becomes stagnant while the Flame swells and grows when the storm winds blow."
    "I don't know what ye are saying," Flame countered. "I don't know what you—"
    "Aye, ye do, lass. Ye ken exactly what I say, for ye have yer father's intellect. Ye have yer mother's caring, and ye have yer own gift with the horse. Gregor had none of these things." Troy sighed again. " 'Twas nearly ten years ago that Gregor was spilled into the water during a raid. Aye, he would have died if Leith Forbes had not pulled him out. It was then that peace was made between them and us. But it has always been an uneasy peace, and sometimes I think 'twould have been better had the Forbeses na fished yer brother from those roiling waters.
    "Dunna reprimand me, lass," he said, holding up a hand. "Mayhap if Gregor had died earlier, yer father would have seen what he should have known all along. Mayhap he would have brought ye home the sooner."
    Flame stared at him in silence. "I canna lead my people," she said softly.
    "Aye, lass, ye can."
    "I'm afraid."
    Troy nodded once. " Tis a brave warrior who admits his fear."
    ' i And I'm tired till death of yer meandering wisdom,'' she said.
    Troy laughed, throwing