Highlander Oath Of The Beast - Donna Fletcher Page 0,2

only know what I strongly sensed but I can’t say what it actually relates to,” Wren explained. “And if you recall, I saw you all reunited so please hold on to that vision I had years ago and don’t assume the worst.”

Parlan nodded vigorously. “That’s right, you did see my family together once again.”

Arran released his da’s arm and went to his wife. He hadn’t expected her to stay put and he was glad she hadn’t. His arm went around her once again to pull her close. His heart ached for his da. He understood now more than ever how he must feel not knowing what happened to Raven, what she’d been through, how she’d survived. His hand went to his wife’s stomach that was yet to round with their child. The thought that he would fail to protect his bairn or his wife was a thought he couldn’t bear to even conceive. He didn’t know how his da had lived with it these past five years.

“Raven is strong,” Purity whispered, knowing her husband’s thoughts by the worrisome frown on his handsome face. Unfortunately, it didn’t ease his worry.

Royden reached for his wife to draw her close. “You will stay near.”

Oria felt his worry, his muscles tightening as she rested against him. The failure to protect his sister had resulted in his constant worry of keeping her safe and more so since she had gotten with child. She understood and she prayed that Raven’s eventual return home would ease much of that worry.

Six riders approached the keep, Angus walking in the lead with several clansmen following alongside the small group and behind them. All the riders wore cloaks. Three wore their hoods pulled down over part of their faces while the other three didn’t seem to mind the snow and cold that stung their cheeks red.

Arran took note of the one fellow who was rail-thin and had droopy eyes, as if he was unconcerned with his surroundings. He moved to stand beside his brother, keeping his wife to his other side and whispered, “The thin one watches without watching.”

Royden kept his voice low and his eyes on the approaching group. “The dark-eyed one with the fine features has two knives at his waist and two in each boot.”

“And the red-haired, bearded man’s dark eyes are more cunning than curious,” Arran said.

Royden’s hand went to the dagger tucked in the sheath at his waist at the same time Arran’s hand went to the hilt of his sword that hung at his side. There might be only six, but six skilled men could cause pain and suffering before they could be subdued.

Royden saw that his da was oblivious to any possible danger. His only concern was to learn from the group of misfits what he could about his daughter. And Royden wanted to make sure his da could do that without incident.

Royden signaled Angus to bring the group to a stop a safe distance from them and he did, forcing the riders to come to a halt behind him.

Two of the three whose hoods covered a good portion of their faces pushed their hoods back.

“Clive!” Oria called out, happy to see the man who had posed as a merchant to bring word of Raven to her through the years.

Purity followed, smiling, pleased to see the soft-spoken man who had delivered messages to her in the woods where she had spent the last five years. “George!”

“You joined a group of thieves, George?” Arran challenged.

“Leave it to the likes of you to belittle my men,” came the female voice.

Arran’s brow narrowed, trying to place the voice that sounded familiar.

“Good God, have you grown that lazy in thought that you don’t know my voice?” the female challenged.

Royden broke out in a huge grin.

“OH MY, GOD, you haven’t changed a bit, Raven!” Arran called out, a big smile breaking out across his face.

“Raven?” Parlan asked as if not sure he’d heard right as tears sprang to his eyes, and he hurried forward.

The woman dismounted with speed and agility and she pushed her hood back as she rushed to her da.

Parlan stopped in his tracks, his hand going to cover his mouth as tears ran down his cheeks. His hand fell away to spread his arms wide. “My God, Raven, you’re even more beautiful than your mother.”

Royden stared at their sister. Raven had barely been entering womanhood when the attack on the clan occurred. She’d been full of mischief and curiosity, and a good amount of stubbornness.