Highland Hellion (Blades of Honor #1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

shoulders. Now, if she could avoid a confrontation with Scotia, she’d be happy.
    Arya collected enough wood to keep the fire burning for several days, then entered her croft. Pleased to find her mother sleeping, she quickly went about gathering the supplies she’d need for the raid. A skilled archer, she placed her bow, arrows, and quiver beside a padded gambeson, a targe, dirk, a baldric, and her father’s sword.
    Dressed in her normal attire, a tunic, trews, and leather boots, she placed the weapons outside the door so her mother would not see them and become suspicious. Her preparations for the journey completed, she then made enough bannock and oatcakes to tide them over for several days. While they baked, she cleaned and skinned the hare she’d won the night before, then plunked it into a pot filled with water. After adding some turnips and onions, she set the stew to simmering over the fire.
    After they’d cooled, Arya placed a couple of oatcakes and a bit of bannock into a sack to take with her, then left the remainder on table. She’d used the last of her supplies, but with any luck, the raid would be successful and they’d soon have enough to see them through till spring. Now, all she had to do was wait and pray her mother would not wake up and start asking questions.
    Scotia stirred, then mumbles something in her sleep, but to Arya’s relief her mam did not awaken. Still hoping to avoid a confrontation about where she was going, she went outside to wait for Isla.
    The late afternoon sun warmed her cheeks, and a gentle breeze tousled her unbound hair. She yawned and stretched. Perhaps Garrett was right about another thing. A nap before they left for the Campbell’s stronghold might be prudent. She spread a plaid on the ground beneath a shady tree and laid upon it. She tucked her arm beneath her head and peered between the branches at the azure sky. Was her father watching from Heaven? Would he be by her side in spirit, if not in body while on the journey? Certain he would always be there to protect her, she released a sigh and shut her eyes.
    “Is everything all right, lass? Why are you sleeping outside?” Isla asked.
    Arya woke with a start. She’d nodded off, but for how long she was uncertain. “My mother was resting, and I dinna want to wake her so I sat beneath this tree. I must have fallen asleep.” She dragged her hand across her eyes, then stood and brushed the dirt off her clothes. “What time is it?”
    “I am not certain, but it is well past time for the evening meal. The sun is starting to set.”
    “I had no idea it was so late.” Arya scurried to the croft, opened the door a crack, and peeked inside.
    “Is there something amiss?” Isla asked.”
    “Nay, but my mother is still asleep and needs her rest. I wondered if perhaps you can tell her where I’ve gone when she awakens.”
    Arya was by no means a coward or deceptive person, but if she didn’t have to lie to her mother about going on the raid, it would be easier on everyone. Eventually, Scotia would find out, but she hoped her mam would forgive the lie once she returned with enough food and supplies to get them through the winter.
    “Of course, dear.” Isla patted Arya’s arm. “You be on your way, and I will explain everything to Scotia. Godspeed, and give my best to Mairi and Rory.”
    “Who?” Arya stared at her mother’s friend, forgetting for a moment the tale she’d spun. She gave her head a shake. “Oh, aye, I will give them your regards. Thank you again for staying with my mother. She hasna eaten supper, but I left a pot of stew simmering over the fire, so help yourself to as much as you’d like. I also made enough oatcakes and bannock to last you both until I return.”
    Isla smiled and rubbed her belly. “A stew will be a real treat. Seems you have thought of everything. Scotia is lucky to have such a caring and considerate daughter.”
    Guilt twisted Arya’s stomach and while she was tempted to blurt out