Highland Persuasion (The MacLomain Series- Early Years) Read Online Free PDF Page B

Not only did they pass through lands ruled by rival clans but bandits and thieves alike roamed the country. The King’s retinue had been far larger. Though one would think Edgar more the target, smaller retinues such as theirs were far more vulnerable.
    In fact, the more she thought about it the more Iosbail couldn’t help but wonder if that’s the very reason Edgar had sent them on so quickly. Aye, it was no secret the king felt threatened by Alexander, but would he purposefully send him to his death? It seemed more and more likely.
    Iosbail had traveled the whole of Europe and Scotland alone. She knew now, even without magic, her wiles would see her through. What astonished her most was that she was concerned not for herself but those around her. Unable to quite pinpoint from where the sensation had derived, she shifted uncomfortably and eyed the darkening forest. When her eyes drifted to Alexander she felt the nervous sensation sharpen.
    Disgruntled and frustrated, Iosbail focused on her vengeance.
    To have her heart soften even a fraction toward the Sinclair chieftain would be her ruin. She could already hear Adlin’s words had he been here. “You always were weak when it came to the kindness shown a wee one. You could seduce every man in Scotland then walk away. It will be the lad who’s kind and noble when you never thought he would be…when you never thought he could be…who will grab your attention. God help him that he knows what to do with your heart once he has it.”
    The very thought of a Sinclair holding her heart made Iosbail nauseous. Nay, ‘twould never happen!
    Low clouds further darkened the path ahead and a light drizzle started to fall. Even though she barely knew the lasses assigned her by the king, she glanced back to check on them. Like her, they’d pulled their plaids over their heads. When she glanced forward, Iosbail felt rather than saw a shift in Alexander’s posture.
    The laird was discomforted, uneasy.
    Iosbail leaned forward slightly and whispered soft words of reassurance in her horse’s ear. The beautiful beastie had turned nervous as well, felt only in the miniscule switch of her pace, the slight back and forth motion of her head. Even though the mist turned to a steady rain and the wind shifted, Iosbail still heard the low whistles and clicks that most would think the sound of a forest when wet.
    Oh, but to be wearing trousers and not a skirt. She was ill prepared for what she knew was coming. Hand on dagger, she watched the trees closely. Within the shadows lay more shadows. Her horse grew more uneasy.
    Suddenly, Alexander lifted his blade and roared, “Commit thy work to God!”
    The Sinclair war cry.
    The woodland exploded with raging activity.
    Iosbail slid from her horse. Before she could reach the first lady, an arrow pierced the poor lass’s chest. Silent, determined, she ran and pulled the second lady down. When the girl made to scream she covered her mouth and pulled her into the nearby brush. “Silence,” she whispered.
    Thank the gods, she listened. With a finger to the girl’s lips she leaned close and locked eyes with pure terror. “You must stay silent and motionless. Do you ken?”
    With a jerk like motion the girl nodded.
    “I will be right back.”
    Though the girl shook her head, Iosbail crouched and made her way around the brush. Swords clashed and blood spilled. It was hard to tell friend from foe as horses fell and ran, as rain fell harder.
    Shamus came into sight first. He fought like an Irishman, not by blade but by fist. Two men lay motionless; a third was taking a heavy pounding.
    A stranger appeared. “Aye, what’s a wee bit like you doing out here?”
    Iosbail didn’t hesitate but turned and plunged her blade into the man’s chest, right up to where she knew the tip would hit the horrid beat of his heart. Without hesitation, she ran to a fallen clansman and grabbed his sword. She might be petite but she was made of muscle.
    When an arrow