Night Run Part 4
Brianna new she was standing out on a limb. She didn’t know what kind of men the McGregor’s were, she didn’t know where Rorie was, she wasn’t even sure Rorie was alive. But knowing the manipulative, lying weasel Sir Charles was she was pretty sure Rorie was alive.
She had ridden behind the McGregor all day without a squeak. Brianna was so occupied by her thoughts that she hadn’t even notice the change of scenery. She did notice the change in the horse’s gait. They were climbing uphill. Brianna looked around at the stark beauty of the highland mountains. She could smell the heather before she saw it stretching to the very top of the hills. She gasped at the beauty.
“Ash, Murray lass, you’ve never seen the highland hills?” Connor asked
“Umm of course I have.” Brianna lied “I just forgot how beautiful it was.”
“Humph.” Conner grunted
They continued the climb for forever it seemed. Finally they came to a spring and stopped to water the horses and break their fast. The warriors worked together like chains in a link. Before she knew it plaids were laid out and bread, cheese and ale were being passed around. They chatted and joked together as they ate. If Brianna hadn’t been so afraid of Charles, or worse Atrian catching up with them she would have enjoyed just sitting watching the camaraderie. Instead she ate nervously. When she was nervous she tended to eat quite a bit. So, she continued to eat until she noticed the quiet. She looked up to see them starring at her.
“Do you normally eat so much lass?” Christopher jokingly asked. He was quite handsome and seemed to be the youngest of the brothers.
“Did I eat a lot?” Brianna asked turning red. She was so busy worrying that she had no idea how much she had ate.
“Not a lot for a Highlander but for a tiny lass such as you, if I hadn’t seen you eat it I would not believe there was any way you could consume so much.” I said out and out laughing. All of the McGregor’s began to chuckle.
Brianna didn’t believe she had ever been so embarrassed in her life. She lifted her chin not wanting them to see how ashamed she was.
“Tis no insult,” Christopher said noticing how she held her head. “We are in awe.”
Brianna looked down and in her discomfort had continued to eat. She hastily put the bread down and looked away trying to ignore them.
“Leave her alone and let’s get this camp broken up. If we hurry we could be home before dark.” Connor said as he began to pack up. Brianna wanted to help but it seemed as if every warrior had a duty and she didn’t know where to jump in.
She realized that she needed some privacy to release her bladder and started to wander off to do just that when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
“I will accompany you and stand at a distance, we wouldn’t anything to happen to you in our care.” Conner stated quietly. She didn’t respond she just continued to walk to a particularly wooded area. Brianna was as quiet as possible, she had to relieve herself but she didn’t want the McGregor to hear. After 4 of the longest minutes of her life, they were headed back towards the horses.
Brianna rode with Connor again. She tried to sit as stiff as possible to avoid contact but as the day wore on she found herself leaning in to him relaxing. Her mind wandering, wondering if he was married, did he have any children? He thoroughly intrigued her. He was so handsome and strong. She sensed he was a good man underneath his gruff exterior. Brianna indulged in day dreaming. She knew she came with far too much baggage to entertain thoughts of courting this handsome devil. She gave herself a shake. I need to work on how I’m going to find Rorie without being found by Charles or worse Atrian.
But Charles did say that Rorie had died on the road to the McGregor’s. Why was she headed to the McGregor’s? Was that even the truth or not so well constructed lie created by her scandalous Step-father? Rorie’s note said that she left with Brandon. Was Brandon a McGregor? She knew so little about her friends love interest she neglected to even get his last name. Was he an enemy of the McGregor? Her mind was in a muddle there were so many questions and so few answers. Mayhap she could get some answers from Connor.
“Umm, umm” She cleared her throat. “How long have you been away from your holding.” She asked.
“About a fortnight.” He responded.
“We heard at my cousins that a young lass and her beau were killed on your land recently.” She said nonchalantly
“I have heard no such.” He said tightly. “We do not war upon the innocent, even if they where they not aught. Question would be asked before action was taken.” He sounded as if he was slighted in some way.
“I only speak of gossip, I thought I would ask because the young woman was my friend.” She said quietly. “I have been worried for days about her.”
“Well, whatever has happened in my absence shall be made known upon my arrival.” He said ending their conversation.
She was no better off than when she had began. She only had more questions. Why was he sounding so offended? Was there something to what Sir Charles said? Oh, she could only wait and see. The only thing she knew was she felt safer no than she had since her father’s passing. She settled in against Connor and tried to dose until they reached the keep.
