They dont matter.
Abigail feared her husband shared his warriors belief.
They do.
She doesnt need my friendship, she has yours.
Abigail could not stand it any longer. She headed toward the two arguing men. So intent was she on reaching them she did not immediately take note of the vibrations of the ground. When she did, she instinctively moved to the side, turning to see what was making the earth shake.
Talorcs giant black stallion was almost upon her. Shed moved away from his path, but not enough. Realizing it, she dived to the ground, rolling farther away from the deadly path of the beast.
She felt the rush of air as he charged behind her. Now that was what she called close. Shaking a little from the near mishap, she stood and dusted off
her plaid. Only then did she notice the soldiers running toward her.
Niall got there first. Are you harmed?
No. She tried a tentative smile that was not returned. Just a little shaken.
Several of the clan yelled a warning, but you did not hear. He didnt appear to be making an accusation so much as an observation.
Nevertheless, a blush of humiliation crawled up her body. No, I do not hear anything.
How did you know to move away, then? he asked, curiosity and concern both there for her to see in the way he watched her.
I felt the earth pound beneath my feet.
Aye, that is our lady, one of the soldiers said.
The sting of humiliation faded a little.
Guaire reached out and squeezed her shoulder. Well done. He glared up at Niall. Even if some are too damn stubborn and mean to admit it.
She grabbed Guaires hand. Dont.
Ill not tolerate him treating you so coldly.
Guaire . . . She sighed and said what needed saying. My deception hurt him.
I do not need you defending me to my . . . to Guaire, Niall said, a sulfuric glare encompassing them both. Then he stormed away, toward the training ground, knocking two soldiers right on their bums on the way.
What is the matter with him? Earc asked.
Abigail and Guaire both shrugged helplessly. Barr came walking up, leading the still-agitated beast between two of the more seasoned Chrechte soldiers.
Is he all right?
Is who all right, lady? Earc asked.
Talorcs horse, she said, replying to Earc but fixing her gaze on Barr.
He is under control.
You must find whoever is responsible for upsetting him so. I dare say youll find the culprit among the youth. A prank they had no idea could have such serious consequences, but that cannot be repeated. She bit her lip, looking at the poor lathered horse. I wish Talorc were here, he could calm the beast more quickly.
If our laird were back from hunting, I do not believe his first concern would be for his horse, Barr said with an amused look.
Abigail grimaced. If you say so. But she wasnt convinced of Barrs point of view. Not at all.
Whats got Niall in a more foul mood than usual? Earc asked. Even with a hangover, he isnt usually such a bastard.
Barr glared at the warrior.
That is, I mean . . . Earc stumbled over his words most uncharacteristically.
Barr looked at Abigails hand still resting on Guaires. I believe you will find the reason for my brothers anger in something other than the tail end of a whiskey cask.
Abigail dropped her hand, still not really understanding what had Niall so upset. She thought it was discovering her secret, but now Barr implied Niall was jealous maybe? Of what? Her friendship with Guaire? That made no sense.
He was not so petty.
Without further elucidation, Barr led the horse toward the stables.
Guaire watched the other mans progress for several seconds before shaking his head and sighing. He turned to Abigail. Are you ready to return to the keep?
I dont think you can call that stone castle a keep, she said, renewing an argument theyd had when she first arrived.
But castles are taxed, my lady.
Then by all means, lead me to the keep .
They made it there eventually. After several clan members had expressed both their gladness that Abigail had not been hurt and their appreciation of her cleverness in moving out of the horses way despite her inability to hear the shouted warnings.
Talorc returned to the fortress just before the evening meal. His hunt had been successful and he delivered the boar to Una in the kitchens.
She praised his hunting skills and then gave him a look of commiseration. I am sorry, laird.
What are you sorry for? he asked, with little interest. His thoughts were elsewhere, as they had been all day.
That you were tricked into marrying a woman both flawed and so full of deceptive wiles. She made a tsk sound and shook her head. I dont know why the rest of the clan is behaving as if she managed some great feat in deceiving us all.
He didnt either, but he was grateful if that were true. He wasnt looking forward to having to protect Abigail from her own clan.
Not really wanting to get into a discussion with the widow, he simply shrugged. And then could not help thinking the action would have had his angel glaring at him rather than looking overly sympathetic as Una did.