Page 6 of The Seer

The younger man’s eyes widened. “How do ye...”

Niven studied Guiles before turning to him. “I see the reports about ye are true. Ye have powerful sight. Can ye tell us what will happen? Will the resistance win?”

Alasdair shrugged. “There will be no resistance. Ye waste yer time. The answer is coming shortly.”

“There will be a meeting tonight. Here in the caves. Only the ten we trust the most will be present. Ye will be there. I will introduce ye as a cousin of mine,” Niven explained, his demeanor hard. “I suggest ye be clear as to whether they are indeed the one sharing information freely.”

Alasdair nodded. “Very well. I will return at sunset.”

He took a step forward and was stopped by Guiles’ hand on his shoulder. “What do ye see right now? Are our people safe?”

“I am not so strong that I can see the future of an entire clan. I mostly get senses of things from one person at a time. In all honesty, I wish I could tell ye how it will turn out.”

As he walked away, Alasdair trusted the men not to follow. The younger man’s intentions were noble. He genuinely cared for the people his family was responsible for. A part of him wanted to ensure the young warrior, but one thing he’d learned over the years was that giving hope was not his calling.

Just as he reached his horse a sensation of a person’s presence made him freeze and scan the area. Someone watched him. Whoever it was did not pose a threat.

The person wore red and did a poor job of hiding behind a tree. Every few moments, their head would move from the hiding place and peer around the tree to spy on him.

He walked in their direction while lifting his tunic and pushing down the front of his breeches. Undeterred by the soft gasp, he proceeded to relieve himself at the tree’s base.

It was a woman on the other side of the tree. She did her best not to move but was unsuccessful when he purposely piddled past the tree.

Having to bite his bottom lip, he managed not to laugh, readjusted his tunic and turned to walk away.

“Ye know I’m here.”

He didn’t bother to turn. “I suggest ye return to where ye came. I do not require yer services today, wench.”

“I did not plan to provide ye with anything other than perhaps a slice through yer throat.”

When he turned, Alasdair was pleasantly surprised. The beautiful lass with fiery eyes stood at a ready stance with a small dagger in hand.

If he’d learned anything over the years, it was not to underestimate an angry woman. “I see yer prepared to follow through with yer threat. I am afraid to find myself at a disadvantage as I am not sure what I did that warrants yer ire.”

Her eyes hardened and nostrils flared. “Ye have to but breathe in my direction, sir.”

This time Alasdair couldn’t help a smile. “I will endeavor not to breathe milady. Now if ye don’t mind, tell me why ye are spying?”

If she was the spy the men feared, he would find out soon enough. Unfortunately, he had to touch her in order to do so. Although he currently didn’t sense any reason to distrust the beauty, it was best to be sure.

Her chin lifted just a bit. “I was not spying.”

“So ye make it a habit to stand behind trees for no reason then?” He took a step toward her and she didn’t move. Thankfully neither did she lift her dagger higher. Instead she studied him, her gaze roving over him from his face down to his boots. “Ye seem familiar to me.”

“That would be because I saw ye arguing with some men last night at the tavern.”

He’d not meant to reveal that and the fact he did made him grind his teeth.

“Ye were there.” Her statement was almost like she attempted to picture him. Other than the night before, Alasdair was sure never to have met the woman. “Interesting.” She left the word hanging in the air between them.

Alasdair took another step closer. “Do ye know the gentlemen with whom I met?” He was perfectly aware that one of the men was her brother. It mattered not what their relationship was. In his experience betrayal within a family was unfortunately very common.

Her gaze slid toward where he’d been with the two warriors, but she didn’t reply. Instead she lowered the dagger.

“I will be on my way then.” Alasdair turned toward where he’d left his steed. The beast was nowhere to be seen. He let out a breath and whistled. When that went unanswered, he called out, “Blasted horse, come here!”

“Blasted? Is that yer horse’s name? Perhaps if ye were nicer, he’d not hide.” The woman came to stand next to him. It was interesting she did not act at all intimidated by him. Most people, especially women, were wary when he was about. Although quick witted, his stern demeanor and disfiguring scar down past the side of his left eye to the top of his cheek could be a deterrent.