Highland Barbarian Part 62

"You are Brenna, whose talents for cooking and sewing are legend.

Meredith claims that men from both Scotland and England would beg for a kind look from you. And you," he said, turning to Megan, "are determined to never submit to any man. But with hair the color of gold and eyes like a cat, I suspect you will break many a man's heart."

The sisters' mouths opened in surprise; their eyes widened as he bowed before them.

"I come for Meredith MacAlpin." , How splendid he looked, with his skin tanned and leathery from the sun and his burnished locks tumbling about his forehead. Meredith had boasted about his muscled arms and thighs, his superior strength. And neither girl had forgotten the way he had looked at the cathedral when he had appeared out of the mists to abduct their sister.

Brenna and Megan turned to each other. On Brenna's lovely face was a look of real pleasure. The romantic in her had devoutly prayed that her sister's lover would overcome all obstacles to claim what was his.

"So you are Brice Campbell." She began to take a step forward but Megan caught her arm, holding her back.

"We have heard all about you."

At that Brice's brows lifted.

"So. Meredith is here. Take me to her at once."

As he slid from the saddle, both young women realized just how tall he was. They had not been prepared for such a fearsome man.

It was Megan who now took charge.

"Meredith is not here."

"Do not lie to me, girl." He used his most forceful tone, hoping to intimidate her.

"Your sister just admitted that she was here."

"She was. But she is no longer."

His eyes narrowed.

"Where has she gone?"

Megan caught Brenna's hand and shot her a warning look.

When they remained silent Brice turned to Angus, who had remained in the saddle, watching with interest.

"As you can see, these two do not intend to cooperate with us." He winked.

"We shall just have to stay here and watch and wait."

"But you cannot," Megan said, stamping her foot.

"If we wait any longer she will get too far ahead..."

Brice's eyes crinkled as the smile touched his lips.

"So. You intend to follow Meredith. Without her knowledge, apparently. Where does she go?"

Megan and Brenna turned to each other, then clamped their mouths shut.

Brice crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the packhorse.

"A pity you will not need these supplies. I suppose in a few hours it will be too late."

"Tell him," Brenna whispered.

Megan shook her head.

"Tell me." Though Brice kept his tone low, he wanted to throttle the young girl who displayed a cool manner remarkably like her eldest sister's.

"Only if you agree to take us along."

"What?" Brice's hands dropped to his sides, the fists clenched. He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing in sudden anger.

"I will tell you where Meredith is headed. But you must agree to take us along."

"I have had enough." Brice turned to Angus.

"Come. We will follow her trail."

"It will take you too long," Megan said.

"But if you take us with you, we can save you the trouble of searching for a trail."

"You will slow us down. Your sister's life depends upon finding her before Gareth MacKenzie does."

"We will not slow you. We promise. And as for Gareth Megan shot a look at her sister, who gave her an encouraging nod.

"We know where he is, too."

Brice gave a sigh of impatience.

"You are testing me, woman. Tell me.

And quickly."

"First you must promise to take us along."

Brice gritted his teeth, then nodded.

With a smile Megan said,

"Meredith rides to Edinburgh, to seek an audience with the queen before Gareth has her declared dead."

Reluctantly Brice helped the two girls onto their horses before pulling himself up into the saddle.

"Angus, take the reins of that packhorse. We ride to Edinburgh."

"To see the queen." As they urged their horses into a trot, Brenna and Megan shouted the words in unison.