Highland Persuasion (The MacLomain Series- Early Years) by Sky Purington

morn that he conferred with Shamus alone. Surprisingly enough, Iosbail lay asleep alongside Caitriona and had not tried to escape during the night.
    As they scooped handfuls of water from the river and drank, Shamus said, “’Twas never how I envisioned telling her. She deserved better.”
    “She deserved precisely what she got.” Alexander shook his head. “Just imagine what she did to convince Edgar to take her thus far. She’s a manipulator and seducer of the worst sort! Stay focused, lad. Our need is for the support of Adlin and his clan. ‘Twill be through his sister and you, my friend, that we achieve such.”
    “You aim high.” Shamus scooped another handful of water into his mouth, swallowed and said, “We’ve not nearly the power of the MacLomain. If the gods are not in our favor when we arrive then ‘twill all be for naught.”
    “Ech, friend, you underestimate my power of persuasion.”
    “Practice at smooth words then. I hear Adlin is no fool.”
    Alexander winked. “You dinnae ken, I speak not of Adlin but of his sister.”
    By the time they’d returned to the women they were awake and ready to travel. Caitriona seemed as withdrawn as ever and Iosbail unnaturally quiet. The furs had dried overnight and were all the small group of travelers had as they made their way down the river into the early dawn light. As Alexander suspected, Edgar’s men had assumed their prey destroyed and returned to a warm castle.
    “We will be heading southwest,” Alexander said as they walked along the raging river they’d jumped into the day before. “The journey is verra long. Clan Sinclair has allies along the way. The first is a day’s walk. We will cross the river just ahead.”
    “’Twill be a day for great care,” Iosbail murmured.
    Alexander didn’t miss the way her blue eyes scanned their surroundings or the way they astutely took in the appearance of her traveling companions.
    When the highland sun broke through the trees, they finally began to make their way across the river. As intended, the wide rocks soon staggered into the shade of towering trees. The only thing in favor of the wary travelers was that the Sinclair’s had no doubt celebrated in excess for several evenings following their laird’s wedding. And naturally, the king had enjoyed his own silent victory.
    The sure death of his cousin, Alexander.
    As they transgressed the slippery rocks hand in hand, Alexander thanked God for Edgar’s never-ending arrogance. Otherwise, arrows would probably be raining upon their heads.
    While it should’ve been a slower process the women moved with confident foot and they crossed the river in little time. Before they continued on the journey they’d find shelter and something to eat. Without strength travel would be slowed.
    “I am an avid huntsman, let me get food,” Iosbail said.
    “Nay, you stay with Caitriona.”
    Iosbail looked at their surroundings; a small alcove surrounded by bushes, and shook her head. Before she could be told otherwise, the Broun had her knife in hand and was crouching through the brush.
    Shamus shook his head when Alexander tried to stop her. “Nay, lad. I’ll stay with the lass. You go hunt with her.”
    Though it was about the last thing he wanted to do, Alexander was hot on her trail. She didn’t go far. By the time he’d rounded the corner, Iosbail had already stabbed one fish at river’s edge.
    “You’re fools the lot of ye.” Not hidden or in any way afraid, she leaned against a rock and studied the running water. “One an Irishman, the other a Scotsman and ye’ll go hunting not fishing when the water flows free beneath your feet.”
    Alexander shook his head. “Has it not occurred to you to tread on the side of safety?”
    Hair bedraggled and expression exasperated, she responded, “Your clan’s bluttered to be sure and well you know it.”
    He aimed well and stabbed his own fish. “Edgar’s men you mean.”
    Iosbail flipped long locks over her