The Betrayal by Ruth Langan Page B

darkness.
    Grant looked around. There was no trace of the creatures that had tormented them. The night had grown ominously silent. And though he could see, just beyond the circle of light, what appeared to be red eyes watching from the cover of darkness, they remained hidden in shadow.
    He drew Kylia close and pressed his lips to a tangle of hair at her temple. “My beautiful, clever Kylia. What would have happened to us if you hadn’t uncovered the mystery of this place?”
    “We would have remained paralyzed by our fears, my lord. And unable to return to your land.” She pushed a little away and looked into his eyes. “And now, while the fire holds those fears at bay, we must leave this place. Are you strong enough to ride?”
    “Aye. Now that I’ve been spared a duel with monsters, I feel strong enough to tackle an entire army.” He bent and retrieved her travelingcloak, tenderly wrapping it around her. “I’ll fetch my horse.”
    As he walked away, Kylia watched him and wondered at the strange stirrings deep inside. Each time he touched her, kissed her, the feelings grew and deepened.
    Was this love? Or was this merely a desire to mate, as she’d seen in other creatures?
    She wanted it to be more than that. She wanted to know everything about this man who so touched her heart. What he’d been like as a child. How he’d been chosen as laird over all other men.
    She was eager to see his land. To meet his people. For she had no doubt he was the one she’d been fated to meet.
    Of course, it might take her some time to convince him of that fact. But now that they’d solved the mystery of the Forest of Darkness, they had been given the gift of time.
    Time.
    She smiled as he led his steed toward her and helped her into the saddle before pulling himself up behind her. She leaned back, loving the way his arms wrapped around her as he took the reins.
    Though they traversed the forest for hours, they saw no more monsters. Now that they’d conquered their fear, they were free of the darkness that had held them in its grip.
    When at last they left the Forest of Darkness behind, they found themselves in a Highland meadow, abloom with heather, bathed in dazzling sunlight.

Chapter Seven
     
    “O h.” Kylia gave a sigh as she looked around. “This is every bit as lovely as the Mystical Kingdom. Is this your home?”
    “Nay.” Grant slowed his mount to allow her to enjoy the beauty. “We have another day’s ride before we reach my fortress. But the countryside is much like this. There are meadows surrounded by glorious mountains, the peaks wreathed in clouds. And running through the land is a loch so clear you can see to the very bottom.”
    She could hear the warmth in his tone. “It would seem you’re missing your land and your people, my lord.”
    “Aye. I only hope they’re missing me, as well.”
    She turned to glance at him over her shoulder. “And why wouldn’t they miss their laird?”
    “I’ve failed them. Failed to protect them from harm. Failed to protect them in war by leading my warriors into a trap, causing them pain and humiliation. They have a right to doubt their leader.”
    “You couldn’t know you were being betrayed by someone you trusted. Soon enough they’ll know the truth.”
    “I pray it is as you say, my lady. For all I know they may have already called a council to declare another leader in my stead.”
    As they came up over a rise they caught sight of a flock of sheep grazing in the meadow. Several figures could be seen moving among the animals.
    Grant veered off the path he’d been following, urging his horse into a thick stand of trees. He slid to the ground and reached up to lift Kylia down.
    “Stay here.” His voice held a hint of steel as he pulled himself into the saddle.
    Surprised, Kylia stared at him in bewilderment. “Where are you going?”
    “To stop those thieves from stealing sheep.”
    She caught his arm. “How do you know they’re thieves? Perhaps they