Page 173 of The Ranger
“Mm,” was all the woman said.
Brennan, or whatever his name was, yanked Maida to a sitting position, then pulled her out of the chair. “Who are you?”
Her eyes flicked between them a few times. If she stalled long enough, it would give Markhel and any help he rounded up, more time to get there. “M-Maida Comfort.”
Brennan looked her over, then closed his eyes. He breathed in a lungful of air, his head tilted to the side as she’d seen the woman do earlier. “You are... sweet. Gentle. Hmmm, a tasty morsel if I ever saw one.” His eyes opened. “But what to do with you?”
Her eyes darted to Duncan. “Let my brother go.”
He looked over his shoulder. “Yes, I quite agree. He’s of no use to us. But you... hmmm.”
“Philip,” Lissa said with a hint of urgency. “A Muiraran approaches. A powerful one.”
Philip’s smile was wicked, and Maida tried not to cringe. “Kawahnee?”
“No, this is someone different. Someone I have not felt before. He is coming fast. And he is angry.”
“Good. I could do with some exercise.” He gave Maida a little shake. “Your mate perhaps? You feel like you’ve been Calling.” He sniffed at her. “His scent is on you. But you are not yet joined.” He shoved her at the nearest man. “Bind and gag her. She’s coming with us.”
“Wait!” Maida screamed. “You can’t mmphff!”
Too late, someone stuffed a handkerchief into her mouth as another man pulled her wrists behind her and lashed them together.
The woman, Lissa, watched as she was trussed up and put next to Duncan. She stepped to them, her eyes full of regret. “I am sorry. But I cannot disobey him.” She gave Maida a sad look, then turned to the man called Philip Brennan.
“Lissa, let us prepare to welcome our guest properly.”
Maida cringed and wished there was something she could do to warn Markhel, but she was helpless.
* * *
Markhel stoppedat the tree line and sniffed the air. Maida was near, and so were quite a few others. Men, at least a half dozen or more, and if his guess was right, a woman other than Maida. This could be bad. Very bad.
“What is it?” Major asked.
“You should stay here. I will rescue Maida and Duncan and bring them to you.”
“Those are my children. I’m coming with you.”
“So am I,” Harrison said as he reined his horse to a stop beside them.
“I’ll join ye, lads,” Paddy added.
Markhel sighed. “If the woods contain what I think they do, you could all be killed.”
Wilfred scratched his chin nervously. “What do you think is in there?”
Markhel narrowed his eyes. “I am not sure yet, other than it is a Muiraran. I believe there is a woman with him. If they are a fighting pair, then I will be the only one strong enough to take them down.”
“Who says you have to do all the rescuing yourself?” Vale commented. “There’s three of us.”
Markhel eyed Vale and Makama. “You are not trained in combat.”
“Not the way you are, but I’m not bad when it comes to fisticuffs.”
“Vale, maybe he’s right,” Makama said. “I know a few good moves, but nothing like what Markhel does.”
“We cannot waste time arguing,” he said. “I must save Maida. Stay here.” He nudged his horse to get him moving and entered the woods. His heart was full, and he’d gained some of his strength back, but he was nowhere near what he needed to be, and hoped the Muirarans in the woods would recognize what he was and leave him be. But if it came to a fight he couldn’t risk the lives of Maida’s relatives, the Bergs or the residents of Clear Creek.