Page 11 of The Guardian

Knowing she was evading the subject, Erin didn’t repeat her question, which surprised Ailith. “There was a brawl at the village square. The hothead Cormac as usual, but this time with one of the laird’s warriors. One called Liam.”

Ailith knew both men and didn’t have to ask to ken Liam had probably overtaken Cormac, who lacked fighting skills and relied on brute strength. “Liam won.”

“Aye,” Erin laughed, the hearty sound making Ailith smile. “Cormac wrapped his arms around Liam’s chest, holding him up from the ground. Then Liam hit Cormac in the face with his elbow until Cormac fell like a tree.”

“Cormac needs a good lass to settle him down,” Ailith mused. “A strong lass will calm that temper of his.”

“I dinnae believe it is a bad temper, but more that he likes to fight,” her sister explained.

“Possibly,” Ailith said. “What else? How is Mairi?” she asked, referring to Erin’s mother-in-law, who lived with them.

Erin looked to the doorway and lowered her voice. “A constant bother. Is nae satisfied with anything I do, cook, or say.” Erin shook her head. “She fell in the garden the other day and although I was inside, she claimed it was my fault.”

Both giggled, the subject of Boyd’s difficult mother always fodder for their conversations. Her sister dug into her skirts and extracted a small pouch. “Three coins for the herbs that were purchased. I sold plenty of eggs this time as well.”

“I plan to go to the village in the next few days. I have herbs that will be ready very soon,” Ailith informed her sister.

The family remained until the sun was low in the sky and had to leave so as not to travel in the dark. Erin stood in the doorway watching them until they disappeared from view. As always, a few tears trailed down her cheeks. She loved their visits but immediately missed having them there. If she were to have one wish, it would be to live near her sister.

She sewed by candlelight until her eyes drooped, only to be awakened by Teller’s low growl. Someone was creeping about outside.

Heart thundering, Ailith grabbed the only knife she owned. Her eyes trained on the front door.

Then she took Teller by the scruff and dragged the still growling dog into her bedchamber. It wouldn’t keep her safe for long if someone managed to get inside, but at least it would offer another barrier between her and whoever it was.

At first, she considered it could simply be an animal outside. Perhaps a wild boar searching for food. But then the unmistakable sound of a man’s murmur caused her to flatten against the door. Whoever it was didn’t try very hard to get inside. Instead, they seemed to hesitate when Teller growled and barked menacingly.

Although whoever it was had left soon after Teller had alerted her, it was dawn before Ailith finally allowed herself to fall into an exhausted slumber. Even then she jerked awake and breathless at every sound.