she was hoisted up and flung over, she assumed, Raynor’s shoulder. She heard mumbling, which led her to believe there was someone with Raynor, and with a shuffle of footsteps and a sudden burst of fresh air she knew they had left the keep.
Careful steps, quick stops, more mumbling, and cold air seeping through her light garments was what followed for what seemed like hours. Crunches of leaves and twigs went on from there, and she assumed they were traveling into the forest near to the keep.
She was not certain what this all was about; she was however certain Raynor would not harm her. He felt indebted to her, which would not allow him to see her hurt in any way.
Why Raynor saw fit to abduct her, she could not imagine, and when she had a chance to speak with him she was certain he would explain. That did little, however, to alleviate her concern regarding her sister.
Once Fiona discovered her gone, all hell would break loose. She would follow to the ends of the earth in search of her and then . . .
She cringed thinking of the punishment Fiona would serve on the person responsible for her abduction.
The man carrying her stopped abruptly and slipped her off his shoulder. He carefully removed the sack and the gag.
She stared at Raynor and waited in silence for an explanation.
“You will not be harmed,” he said.
“I never feared I would be.”
“I am pleased to know that you trust me.”
“I said nothing of trust. I know you feel obligated to me for taking care of you and therefore would see no harm done to me.”
Raynor nodded.
She waited again for an explanation.
“You will understand in time why I took you.”
“Fiona will come for me.”
He smiled. “I am counting on it.”
Chapter 16
The horn sounded and Fiona sprang out of the bed, dressing with haste and reaching for the sword she kept tucked beneath the bed, close enough to swiftly grab.
It took her a moment to realize that Aliss was not in the room, then she recalled her being summoned to Raynor’s room. She burst from the room on a run and did not stop until she was a few feet from his room.
There was utter chaos, warriors seemed to be everywhere, and she pushed her way through the sea of them and into the room. One guard lay unconscious on the floor and the other guard sat in the chair holding his head. Tarr and Kirk flanked the man. Raynor was nowhere to be seen.
“My sister,” Fiona demanded loudly. “Where is she?”
Silence fell suddenly and all eyes turned on her.
“Raynor has taken her,” Tarr said.
“How do you know this?”
Tarr pointed to the guard in the chair. “He heard part of their plans before he was knocked unconscious.”
“Their plans?”
Tarr’s face muscles grew taut and anger glistened in his dark eyes. “Raynor’s men have escaped along with him.”
“How?” Fiona asked incredulously.
“Raynor managed to attack the one guard while the other guard went to get Aliss. His men had already made their escape, though I still do not know how they managed to coordinate their plans. One joined him in the room while the other hid in the shadows outside the door. That is how he”—Tarr nodded to the guard in the chair—“learned part of their plans.”
“To take one of the twins.”
Tarr approached her with heavy footsteps. “Not one of you—the healer twin.” He stopped in front of her. “Did he choose the right one?”
“You will rescue my sister!” It was a fierce demand that had all eyes spreading wide.
“Answer me.” Tarr’s demand was just as fierce.
Fiona stepped forward, nearly touching his broad chest. “It matters not which one of us he took. What matters is that you rescue my sister and waste no precious time arguing about it.”
“I will have my answer before any rescue party is dispatched.” Tarr folded his arms across his chest.
Fury churned inside her like a violent volcano about to erupt. Her sister was gone and the useless debate caused lost time and meant more distance between them and less likely the chance of catching them.
She turned as if she intended to leave the room and then swiftly drew her sword, pressing the point to Tarr’s throat.
His men drew their swords after a moment’s hesitation, her action startling them.
“My blade will pierce his throat before you reach me,” she warned.
Tarr raised his hand to halt his men and all hands dropped off their swords.