Page 27 of Highland Hearts

“I intend to negotiate with Cavell for more time which will give me extra time to find a way to meet alone with him. I also hope to bring home at least William. How Cavell responds will indicate if he truly oversees the mission or follows specific orders.”

Dawn nodded, understanding but still much concerned for her husband.

His hands went to rest on her waist, and he lowered his head to whisper, “You are finally making this our home. It is time we move into it.”

Dawn glanced around at Beast collapsed on the floor and the children resting against him. Her husband was right. This was their home now and it was time they made it so.

“From this day on, this is our home,” Cree said with pride.

Dawn smiled and agreed with a quick kiss, happiness filling her heart but concern lingering along with it.

CHAPTER8

“Lord Cree rides off to bring William home?” Tate asked as he watched, along with the villagers, the mighty warrior and a troop of his men ride out of the village.

Kirk responded, Dawn at his side and her eyes and thoughts on her husband. “Lord Cree goes and does what is necessary.”

“What does that mean?” Tate asked anxiously. “Will there be a battle?”

Kirk shrugged. “Lord Cree will do what he must.”

“But it has not been three days. Lord Cree has another day yet before he must respond to the ransom demands,” Tate said, his eyes wide with worry.

“Why wait?” Kirk said. “What difference will a day make?”

Tate’s face pinched in distaste. “The Highlands are far too wild and fierce.”

“Which is why only the fierce survive here,” Kirk warned.

Tate shook his head again. “It is no place for me.”

“Aye, we Highlanders are a breed apart from most,” Kirk said proudly.

“Uncivilized,” Tate said, without thinking and hastily sought to correct himself. “The land. The land is uncivilized.” To Tate’s surprise it was Dawn who responded.

Dawn gestured, knowing her da would interpret for her.

“My daughter says that the uncivilized Highlands will remain fierce and strong no matter how many civilized men attempt to tame it or its people.”

“There are those who would disagree with you,” Tate argued.

“More fool them,” Kirk said with a laugh.

Dawn smiled and saw that Tate neither laughed nor smiled.

* * *

Cree approachedthe campsite with caution yet with a commanding presence, keeping his steps tempered to give him time to take in everything. Few men sat by the fires that burned strongly. Most of the men were standing, their attention focused, some with their hands on the hilts of their swords, others with their feet planted firmly to the ground ready for battle.

Cree almost halted his steps but that would show uncertainty and fear of which he had neither. What he did have, and with clarity, was that Cavell had been expecting him which meant that he had been notified of his impending arrival. But who would know of it when he had only decided this morning to meet with the man?

He also noticed something he had not taken note of the previous time he was here. While there were several men whose worn garments betrayed an impoverished life, there were others whose garments betrayed just the opposite. How was it that two such opposite groups existed together?

“Time to talk!” Cree called out as he approached Cavell.

“There is nothing to discuss if you have come here other than to meet my demands,” Cavell warned.

“I think otherwise,” Cree said in a tone that commanded and cautioned at the same time.