Taming the Wild Highlander 04 Read Free Page B

And even if it had to do with Edana. In fact, Angus thought their friend looked hopeful that James would send him if Angus managed to talk his way out of this.
    " So send Niall." Angus waved his hand at his cousin, who looked as though he didn't want the task any more than Angus did. He swore Niall paled a little at being included in the conversation.
    " He is more afraid of the wee lass than you are." James's eyes sparkled with dark humor.
    " I am no' afraid of the lass," Angus said vehemently. He wasn't. More than anything, he didn't wish to upset her. That wasn't the same thing as being afraid of her as much as he felt concerned about her feelings.
    Straightening his back, Niall protested, "Nay, I am no' afraid of the lass. I will return her to her da ."
    D eep down, Angus wanted to be the one to find the fae woman and take her home. He still feared distressing her when she must already be in such a state or she wouldn't have left the keep without her father's blessing. He was certain James would command he go anyway, and then the matter would be out of his hands. But if James chose Niall to go? Angus would have to go nevertheless. Just to see that the task was handled in as proper a manner as possible, considering who the girl was.
    James paused, considering the notion for only the briefest moment, then shook his head and rose from hi s chair, his decision made. "You will go, Angus. You are the only one of my brothers who is available. We have been friends with the Clan Chattan forever. The chief has asked our help, specifically, for me to send one of my brothers. And as such, you are assigned to the task. I wish this matter taken care of at once. You will gather as many men as you deem necessary."
    " To locate the wee lass and return her to her castle?" Angus snorted. "I will need no one." At least he didn't want anyone to see what would happen when he tried to make the girl mind. She was an untamed wildcat, and he still wasn't sure what she could do with her strange abilities. He paused, another concern coming to mind because of what they had witnessed of her in the past. "She didna run off alone, did she? Surely someone is with her."
    " The chief didna know for certain. He is trying to account for everyone. He hopes she has an escort, but no matter what the situation is—escort or no'—he wants her returned home at once."
    Angus folded his arms.
    James sighed in the way that said he was deeply exasperated with his brother. "You will gather an accompaniment of men, your choice as to the number and who you wish to take with you."
    " Aye," Angus finally conceded. He glanced at Niall, who looked somewhat relieved it wasn't his job, but a little worried that Angus might choose him to go. "Then since Niall is unafraid of the lass and wishes some adventure, and Gunnolf doesna believe in our Gaelic mysticism, they will come with me."
    " Good. Dinna tarry. Every day the lass is missing, the more her da believes some harm has come to her."
    After having fought in the Crusades alongside his brothers, Angus would prefer that to the task at hand. "We will go now."
    And with that, Angus, Niall, and Gunnolf left his brother's solar to ready themselves for the journey. "Dinna look so worried, Cousin," Angus said to Niall, as they headed to their chambers to pack. "You said you would find and return her yourself. Just dinna rile her."
    Gunnolf chuckled. "We probably willna land in a dungeon this time, Niall. Which will be a good thing. Dougald usually is the one who can get us out of one. And he willna be with us."
    The Norseman was always game for an adventure , and he looked pleased to be going on this one. Niall looked unsure, as if he had spoken too soon about rescuing one wee bonny lass. But this was one that Angus would have preferred someone else deal with.

Chapter 2
     
    Lightning and the resounding boom of thunder shook the ground as Edana and her escort traveled away from Rondover Castle while she continued to listen for