The Renegade's Heart by Claire Delacroix Page A

far
as he knew the relic remained in my family’s possession.” Murdoch
slanted a glance at his companion, knowing that this next comment
would not be well-received. “He said if there was a thief at Seton
Manor, it was not his concern.”
    “Villain!” Stewart said with heat. “To turn
the accusation back on the accuser is evasive at best. I will guess
that is not the whole of it.”
    “He lies.” Murdoch scanned the silhouetted
trees ahead, seeking some sign of the boys. The trees of the forest
were barren in the winter light, but the shadows were very
dark.
    Too dark.
    The wind had turned colder, as well.
    When he saw the shadows light with golden
fireflies, Murdoch felt dread slither down his spine.
    They were not fireflies, not in January. He
feared he knew what they were.
    “His sister agrees with me,” he said to
Stewart, fighting his dismay.
    “His sister?”
    “The maiden at the window. The curious
one.”
    Stewart frowned. “She is young, a damsel of
age to wed.”
    “Indeed, she is. I am more concerned that she
is curious, and that she lives within Kinfairlie’s keep.”
    Stewart eyed Murdoch. “Did you encourage any
notion she had of your intentions?”
    Murdoch made light of the matter, for he was
not prepared to confide in Stewart. “I but stole a kiss, when the
opportunity presented itself. She is welcome to make whatsoever
conclusions she desires.”
    Stewart shook his head with force. “No, this
is a matter between men. Leave the maiden be, for no good can come
of it. This is not the daughter of a miller or an ale maker, one
who has welcomed any number of men with her affections and will not
suffer for any repercussions...”
    Murdoch silenced the older man with a glance.
“I will do whatsoever is necessary to see Duncan’s rightful
property returned. Her brother lies so openly that even she
acknowledges it.”
    Stewart was not convinced. “I do not like
that you involve her. Great ill could come to her, should her
brother learn that she acts against him in his own home. What did
you ask her to do?”
    “I made her a wager, that should she discover
the truth or the relic, I should leave her brother’s holding.”
Murdoch smiled, for it was true. “It is much the same offer I made
to the laird.”
    “I would wager that he thought you already
intended to leave.”
    Murdoch grinned. “One cannot answer for a
man’s assumptions.”
    Stewart exhaled noisily, his disapproval
clear. “What of those of a maiden? One kiss is little enough, but
you would be wise to leave the matter at that.”
    “She admitted already to me that her brother
Ross had been here at the Yule.”
    “So, he did leave the service of the Earl of
Buchan. Where did he go?”
    “It matters not if he left his spoils
here.”
    “You have no proof, lad. This is not a matter
that can be resolved with recklessness...”
    “Ah, but, Stewart, I believe it is. I have a
plan to encourage the laird’s memory,” Murdoch said as they
approached the forest. “Should it succeed, the maiden need do
nothing.”
    Stewart was still wary. “What plan is
this?”
    “He lies. I believe he needs encouragement to
share what he knows. Whether he is himself guilty or defends
another is of no import.”
    “And how will you encourage his
confidence?”
    “We give every appearance of leaving on this
day, but we will not. We will remain hidden in Kinfairlie’s forest,
and we will guard the road to the keep. We will relieve any
travelers upon this road of their valuables and read any messages
they bear, although we shall ensure that none are injured.”
    “How does theft encourage the return of
stolen goods?” Stewart demanded.
    “Is it theft if we donate all we gain to the
people of Kinfairlie? I see it as alms or perhaps a loan.”
    Stewart shook his head. “The laird will not
see it such. He will see you hunted and maimed for any such
crime...”
    “And he will have to catch me first,” Murdoch
said, his tone hard. “Are you