Page 26 of A Keeper of Time

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Arriving back at Breaghacraig, Angus and the others were greeted with the news that Ashley, Jenna and Sara had gone to the bridge to look for Edna.

“Why?” Cailin asked. “Why would she leave the wee bairns to go off like that?”

“I’d like to ken the same,” Cormac said.

“They thought it would be good to check there since ye had gone in the opposite direction. I’m sure they’ll be back soon,” Irene assured them. “Latharn and Sophia left this morning to find them and bring them back.”

Angus watched as Cailin slowly shook his head in frustration.

“The bairns are fine. They’re with Helene right now,” Irene said.

Cailin and Cormac bounded up the stairs as Angus turned to Robert. “I doona like this,” he said.

“I agree. ’Twould be best for them to stay as far away from the witch as possible.”

“What do ye mean?” Irene asked, grabbing Robert’s hand.

“We’ve news that Edna is being held prisoner near the bridge,” he explained.

“Are ye sure?” she asked.

“Aye,” Angus said. “Biera told us. She is heading that way now, but will stop to see Lena and Ewan first. She’ll tell them what’s happening.”

“We wanted to stop here to let ye ken where we are headed next and to gather more supplies. We’ve nae idea how long we’ll be gone.” Robert wrapped a lock of Irene’s raven hair around his hand.

The happy face Irene had greeted them with was gone now. “Ye must save her and make sure Ashley and the others are safe.”

“We’ll be taking more men with us. We doona ken what to expect, but we will be prepared,” Robert assured her.

“I’m off to the kitchen. Ye’ll need food while yer gone.” Irene hurried out of the great hall, leaving Angus and Robert to consider their next move.

“Dougall, get the men ready,” Robert ordered.

“Aye, sir,” he replied. “We’ll be ready.”

“What will we do if we canno’ fight her with conventional weapons?” Angus asked. “We will no’ have Edna to help us.”

“We willnae ken that until we arrive at the bridge and see what we’re up against. Whatever is there, be assured that we will stand beside ye.” Robert headed for the door. “I’ll be back. I’ve things to see to before we depart.”

With the exception of a few servants tending the fire and sweeping the floor, Angus was alone with his thoughts. He sat out of the way in a darkened corner of the room. His heart was troubled by all he’d learned. Biera would be waiting for them at the bridge. He hoped she would have more information for them when they arrived.

Knowing the kind of woman Edna was, Angus couldn’t help but think she must be trying everything in her power to escape from her prison. Maggie would be working from the other side of the bridge. Surely with all of their combined magic she would be free soon.

***

Edna sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the cold, empty fireplace. A faint meow, followed by a scratching at her door told her William wanted to come in.

She rose and opened the door for him. Not surprisingly the cat purred loudly before rubbing his head on her leg. Edna returned to her seat on the bed and was surprised to see that William sat on the floor in front of her instead of hopping up beside her.

“Well, William, what have ye to say for yerself?” she asked.

He tipped his head while his eyes remained fixed on her.

“Are ye here because Evanore sent ye?” Edna asked.

William’s tail twitched angrily back and forth at the sound of his master’s name.