Highland Protector Read Online Free PDF Page A

that I prove who truly is the guilty one for the lack of that question makes me think he has decided the Armstrongs of Aigballa are guilty. That is worrisome.”
    Before MacBean could express his sour opinion about getting tangled up in uncovering plots for the king, there was a knock at the front door. He cursed and hurried away to see who was there. Simon smiled faintly over his man’s ill temper and then frowned down at the message he still held.
    He was going to have to answer the king’s command, but he did not like it despite his recent craving for a puzzle to solve. This time he was not only trying to find the truth, he was going to have to try and protect his friends as he did so. Simon doubted Sir Cormac Armstrong’s family had anything to do with treason, but that did not mean there was not one of his family who might play such a dangerous game. Pulling out that one rotten tooth could easily cost Simon some of the few friends he had.
    MacBean’s return drew him from his dark thoughts, and Simon looked at the man. “Weel, who was at the door? Was there another message?”
    “Nay. There is a nun and two bairns,” replied MacBean in a tone that would have better suited announcing death itself.
    “A nun?”
    “Aye, and she says she must speak with ye now. Have ye been breeding and nay told the old woman? That crone willnae be pleased with ye if ye have.”
    “Nay, I havenae been breeding and, if I had done so, Bega would already ken it for she would be helping me care for the child. Mayhap the nun wishes my help in finding the ones who should take responsibility for the children. Show her in, MacBean, and fetch us something to drink and eat.”
    The moment a grumbling MacBean left, Simon struggled to get the cat off his lap and stand up. He ignored the animal’s growl of displeasure and tried to brush the cat hair from his clothes. MacBean clearing his throat caused him to look up and he slowly straightened. A slight wave of his hand sent the man off to get drink and food for his guests.
    “Sir Simon Innes?” asked the nun.
    “Aye,” he replied, bowing to her. “How can I help ye, Sister?”
    “I have need of your ability to find the truth.”
    The low, husky voice of the woman tickled to life feelings he should never have for a nun. To distract himself, he glanced at the two children who clutched at her skirts. They looked hungry and their clothes were mere rags, but he saw nothing of anyone he knew in their looks. “Ye seek the kin of these children?”
    “Nay, for they have told me they have none. The only one they have who should be caring for them is the one who cast them aside, and some day, I will see that he repents that. Nay, I seek help for myself for I am in trouble as is my family.”
    “And who are ye?”
    “My name is Ilsabeth Armstrong. I am the daughter of Sir Cormac Armstrong of Aigballa and Elspeth Murray.”

Chapter 3
    The first clear thought Simon had was that he was very glad that woman was not a nun. It made no sense since she was swathed in a nun’s clothing so he shook that thought right out of his head. It was not as easy as it should have been to do so as he stared into her wide, bright blue eyes. There was innocence in those eyes, an innocence he was not sure he should put his trust in. There was also an odd mix of fear and determination to be read in her expression.
    “I believe I was just reading about you,” he said, and held up the message from the king, the royal seal easy to recognize.
    For a moment he feared she would faint as all the color fled her heart-shaped face. Simon took a step toward her and then hesitated. Instead of swaying, she stiffened, her shoulders going back and her faintly pointed chin lifting. Some of the color began to seep back into her soft cheeks. There was a glint of anger in her beautiful eyes now. But, was the anger due to lies being told about her or the fact that he had already been told the truth? Simon wished he could trust his