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

own."
    "Nay!" said Flame, and though she wanted to sob with grief, she held the sword steady in aching hands and refused to look at the downed warrior's staring eyes. "He has not. 'Twas our own carelessness that caused Shaw's death." She settled her gaze on Bullock, who dropped his gaze in unison with his sword.
    "I didna ken Forbes had burned his bonds through," he croaked. " 'Tis me fault. 'Tis I who should have died, na Shaw."
    A silence as heavy as the surrounding mists held them before Flame was able to speak again.
    "Nay, Bullock," she whispered. "None should die."
Stepping forward, she pressed the tip of Troy's sword
into the earth and put a trembling hand on Bullock's
arm. "We all take the blame. We all bear the sadness.
But we have no time to grieve now. I know Shaw was
your friend. It will be yer right to see that his body gets
safely home." ,
    Drawing a deep breath, she turned. The sorrow that wrung her heart shone in the eyes of her men, but that emotion was a luxury she could not afford. "Bring up the horses," she ordered, "and prepare to ride."
    Nevin pushed himself from the floor. "Forgive me, my lady. I did not think..." His voice broke and his shaking hands clasped at nothing. "I did not think whatI was doing. Tis my fault. I saw Forbes holding Shaw and I only thought to stop ... Dear God!" he wailed. "I only thought to stop him from harming Shaw, but my aim was faulty." He dropped to his knees again. "And we lose another man to the Forbeses. How many more must die because of them?"
    Flame tightened her hands on Troy's sword. "There will be no more deaths this day, Nevin. Rise. We must put our sorrow behind ye. Go see to the horses."
    He took a deep, shuddering breath and rose slowly, head still bowed. "Aye, lady," he said, and followed Shaw's gently borne body.
    Flame turned slowly. "Do ye hear that, Forbes?" she asked.
    Roderic watched her. So she truly was the leader of the MacGowans. He had heard as much but had found it difficult to believe. The MacGowans and the Forbeses had shared a cautious alliance in the years since Leith and Fiona had saved the old laird's heir from drowning. But since then, young, hotheaded Gregor had accidentally lost his life during a raid. The old laird had died shortly after. There were those who said the weight of his grief caused his passing.
    "Do ye hear?" asked Flanna MacGowan again, taking a short stride toward him so that she stood even with Troy. By any standards, that warrior was a gargantuan man, with both the solid build and the stoic attitude of a wolfhound.
    "There will be no more deaths this day," she repeated more loudly. The hilt of her borrowed sword nearly reached her bosom which was hidden beneath a high-necked gown of filthy, somber plaid. Whose blood was it that smeared her face and garments? he wondered. Surely not her sister's, for the laird of the MacGowans had left no other children or close relatives.
    The MacGowans had lost many in the past years. Sickness and disease had taken their toll. Their enemies had surely not aided their cause. And now the clan was depleted and weakened. And yet, led by this female warrior, who could guess what they might achieve? Roderic studied her in silence. She was not a small woman. Indeed, she stood well above many of her own men. Her back was as straight as a newly forged lance and her face was as strong and noble as a conquering king's.
    "No more deaths!" she hissed, stabbing Troy's sword into the earth again to gain his attention.
    Roderic lifted his gaze to hers and insolently raised his brows. "Be ye offering ta set me free?"
    "Nay!" She stabbed the floor again. "I am offering ye your life."
    "But I already have me life, lass."
    "And I will not take it," she vowed, "if ye agree to go with us peacefully."
    "And forfeit the pleasure and glory of trying ta escape? Wouldna that be neglecting me duty as a Scot?"
    "Ye will not try to escape!" insisted Flame, stabbing again.
    Troy winced. "Please, lass," he said, stepping