Page 217 of Moon Craving

Columba, and the one on the right Uven wore into battle."

"Your stepmother was a fool. This treasure may be worth dying to protect, but it is

not worth killing to steal. Its value lives in the hearts of the people for whom it signifies

history."

"You are an amazing woman, Abigail of the Sinclair. Truly, my secrets are safe in

your small hands."

"And my heart is safe in your big ones, though mighty, they are gentle with it."

"Always." Then he saluted like a warrior, right fist over his heart.

She was smiling when she threw herself into his arms to kiss him.

She had found more than a place of security in the world that had been less than

friendly since her tenth year; she had found true love and a sacred mate.

No woman could want for more.

Epilogue

Scotland's king did not send a messenger to his favored laird, Talorc of the

Sinclairs, in reply to his laird's latest words. He came himself. To meet the woman that

inspired such loyalty, he said. Though, it soon became clear he had a secondary motive.

He wanted Barr to rule the Donegal clan until young Circin had been trained and reached

an age to lead the smaller clan.

Talorc left the choice up to Barr. Barr accepted with the stipulation that Osgard

could come with him. The old warrior had admitted to setting both Talorc's horse after

Abigail and putting pebbles on the stairs so she would trip. It was clear from his rambling

confession that the old man had begun to confuse the present with the past.

He had not intended Abigail serious harm, though both pranks could have resulted

in her death. He had wanted to show Talorc what a liability she was to the clan, so he

would petition to the king for dissolution of the marriage.

Talorc wanted to kill him, but Abigail pleaded for mercy, and Barr's suggestion was

accepted as a workable compromise. Barr left with the four Donegal youths a week after

the king.

Una left two days later, after once again countermanding one of Abigail's orders.

Talorc overheard this time and took immediate exception, sending the housekeeper back