right there.”
Eyes rounding, Claray said, “You were there? What happened?”
“I gave her a nudge in the air so she would land on the sack full of fabric. If she’d landed on the stone, it could have killed her. I’m sorry she broke her leg, but it will mend.”
Midnight poked his head inside the cave and snorted.
As if on cue, Maddie handed him an apple. “You did a fine job of finding her and getting Alex back here, Midnight. You’ll get two. Here’s your first one.”
“But how could you do all those things… How did you find me?”
“Never mind, Claray,” her grandmama said. “I didn’t save you many years ago to have you die in a storm. You have bairns yet to be born. You must find Thorn. He is your soulmate. We would find him for you if we could, but we’ll not be allowed to stay for long.”
Her dearest beloved grandparents, who had saved her from the evil men of the Channel of Dubh, had saved her yet again.
“You are such a lovely young lady with a big heart,” Grandmama said, leaning into Grandsire’s arm. “’Tis what we love most about you. I’m afraid we must move on, sweeting.”
“Nay, please don’t leave me.” She lurched to her feet and attempted to grasp her grandmama’s hand, but it slipped out of her grip. “I’m all alone, and I know not how to get to Cameron land.”
“You’ll be fine here. Your grandfather found your sack and put it right over there.” She pointed in the corner. “Everything in it is dry. There are apples and oatcakes in that sack next to it, enough to feed you until they find you. And they will. Just promise me something.”
“Anything, Grandmama.”
“Promise me you’ll stay put. Do not move from this cave until the storm is over, other than to take care of your needs. They will find you. Your sister is devastated they lost you, so she will come before too long. You brought your drawing tools, did you not?”
“Aye, they’re in my sack if they’re not ruined.”
Grandmama patted her cheek. “They’re not ruined. Just sit and draw pictures until they come. You remember how I taught you? You became quite skilled after all your practice, and you have those new tools Aunt Jennie brought you.”
Claray spun around to face her grandsire. “Wait, please. Grandsire, just tell me that you’re happy. Please? I need to know. I miss you both so much. Can you not return for a while?”
Alex Grant cupped her cheeks, his large hands warming her through and through. “Nay, lass. I’m where I belong. You’ll see us again when your time comes, but you have many years left to live. I want you to stop worrying and go after the man you love so you can find your happiness.”
“Thorn?”
“Aye, he’s a fine man. Find your happiness the way I found mine.”
Her grandmama ushered her to the back of the cave, where she lay down with warm furs, her mantle hanging near the dying fire to dry. “Many thanks to both of you. I love and miss you so much.”
Maddie bent down and smoothed a few stray hairs back from her forehead. “But look how many more people you have around you to love. You’re a special auntie to two lassies already, and there will be more, including some children of your own. Hush, child. Close your eyes. Draw your pictures until you are found.”
Grandsire wrapped his arm around his wife’s waist, and the two disappeared.
Claray closed her eyes with a sigh. It was probably just a delirious dream, but it was a sweet one, and she was warm and safe.
***
They were nearing the abbey, and the storm was now a blizzard. Snow threatened to blind him, and the buffeting winds seeped into his bones. If the snow would fall a wee bit harder, he could bolt away from them and find his way to Cameron land faster than they could catch him.
He wrapped his plaid up over his head, glad he had a short beard to help warm his face, the ice crystals brutal in their assault on his skin. Closing his eyes whenever he could, he forced himself to peek at those around him.
He glanced over his shoulder and was surprised to see how far back Ewan was behind him. If he found the right moment, he’d bolt, and apologize to Connor later for being foolish enough to lose his beloved sword.
About a quarter hour later, he found his chance.