The ride to Caraidland went slowly. Several times they had to stop so that Storm could walk off her discomfort or relieve herself, her body seeming to have lost all ability to hold water. She held no joy in riding at the moment, the heavy weight of pregnancy making it difficult and uncomfortable. Her companions began to eye her swollen belly, not completely hidden by the flowing monk's robe, with easily read wariness. She did little to try and ease that, for she was not all that free of worry herself. Babies had been known to arrive early, and her calculations could be wrong. What arguments and soothing words she had were needed to still her own fears. Nevertheless, she began to feel an urge to reach Caraidland for more than a name for her child. At least there she would have a soft bed and a midwife if the need arose.
"There squats our destination," said Andrew quietly.
Feeling almost homesick, and quelling a sudden urge to bolt back to Hagaleah as she viewed Caraidland, Storm nodded. Despite all that had happened to her while she had been there, the tower house held a lot of sweet memories. For a brief moment those memories overwhelmed her, and she desperately fought the need to weep. Caraidland and Tavis had dealt her the bitter as well as the sweet. She should not allow herself to forget that.
Fighting an increasing tension and trying to look casual, they rode to the gates of Caraidland. She knew they would be safe, but also knew that nothing she said would stop her brother, cousins and Robin from growing more tense, their hands hovering near their swords, concealed by their robes. They had been well trained to fight Scots, not to ride into their hold as if they were trusted friends.
She was dismayed when Sholto and Angus arrived just as they were dismounting within the bailey. As she tried to keep her voice low and disguised, she watched recognition flicker uncertainly in their eyes. It did not really surprise her when Sholto finally bent slightly to stare full into her hood-shaded face, and she smiled slightly as she saw full recognition widen his eyes.
"God's tears, 'tis really ye, Storm."
"Aye, 'tis really me."
"Lass, what brings ye here?"
"I plan a surprise for Tavis," she answered with a crooked smile.
"Are ye armed?" Sholto asked as he eyed the others warily.
"Of course we are. Only a fool would ride from Hagaleah to Caraidland unarmed. Thieves and rogues abound. I mean no harm to any person here."
"Do ye swear that, lassie?"
"Aye, Sholto, I swear it, and they would, too, if ye but ask."
"Nay, I will take your word for it, little one. 'Tis enough for me."
"Thank ye. Is Tavis here?"
"Aye, lassie," answered Angus, wondering if he should tell her who else was here, only to decide that he really did not want to be the one to be the bearer of such news. "Do ye wish me tae take ye tae him?"
"Aye, my surprise will be short and direct. I mean to take as little time as possible here. I must needs return to Hagaleah ere my father does. Or before Elaine discovers what I have done," Storm added silently, then squared her shoulders, braced as if for battle, and started into the keep.
* * * * *
Elaine stared at the nervous young maid before her. She knew her mouth was hanging open but could not seem to get it to close. The news the girl had given her was a complete surprise. As if to compound her difficulties, Eldon's page had arrived but moments before to say that her husband would arrive in a few hours. Her initial joy had been turned into total dismay by but a few words.
"Are you very certain?"
"Very, m'lady. The pack of seven's gone."
"The pack of seven?"
"Aye. 'Tis what they be called for they always, well, most always, act together. They used to be called the pack of six, but then that Irish lad came."
"Of course. Gone?"
"Aye, m'lady. 'Tis felt they left near or just afore dawn. Old Matthew did not track them down, but he did say that their trail wended to the north, m'lady."
"To Caraidland," she groaned.
Her mind whirled as she tried to decide what to do. The only clear thought she had for a long while was that Eldon would be furious. She then decided to take the coward's way out. Hastily, she penned a note to her husband, then sent his page off to deliver it. Eldon would head straight for the MacLagans. She would be left out of what she had begun to term the great battle. Part of her hoped that matters would work out to her husband's satisfaction, but another part of her hoped Storm was successful. She also hoped that, whatever happened, the great battle would finally come to an end.
* * * * *
When the page from Hagaleah arrived at the Eldon camp and handed Lord Eldon a message from Lady Elaine, the first reaction of the men was one of worry. A moment later Foster's eyes widened as he listened to Eldon rage. The man possessed a hair-raising turn of phrase. Instinct told him that the note from Elaine concerned Storm. He was very curious but waited patiently to be informed. Mayhaps, he mused, the girl was already wed. He shook away his musings,
