Bowen and Teague said nothing in response to his declaration, but he could see the knowledge in their eyes.
“Who did this? Did you track him down?” Graeme demanded.
His younger brothers exchanged uneasy glances.
“Tell me,” he ground out.
“ ’Tis been more difficult for Eveline than you even know,” Bowen said in a low voice.
Graeme froze, his veins turning to ice. “You said she wasn’t hurt. Did he lay hands to her?”
Bowen shook his head. “Nay, ’tis just as we told you. Eveline … She saw the archer. She was able to give us identifying information. ”
“Possible identifying information,” Teague cut in.
Bowen nodded. “Aye, we know not what to make of it yet. We’ve sent out soldiers to search the area and we’ve added extra patrols to our border to ensure the safety of the clan, but we would not act on the information Eveline gave us until we spoke to you. ”
Graeme shook his head in confusion. “Eveline identified the man who shot me and you didn’t act?”
Again, his brothers exchanged glances, and dread centered in Graeme’s gut. He was weary and weak, and it made him furious that his wife was so badly in need of his support and all he could muster was the energy to lean against his pillows while his brothers spoke. He doubted he could even feed himself at this point.
“Eveline believes it was one of her clan,” Teague said in a quiet voice.
Shock buzzed through Graeme’s veins, momentarily giving him a surge of energy.
“She told you this?”
Bowen nodded. “She was devastated, but she did not withhold the truth. She fears what it will mean. We worried in the beginning that Eveline did not understand the circumstances of her marriage. She understands all too well. She knows a blood treaty was signed and that if we go to war, both clans will be branded outlaws and a bounty will be on our heads. ”
“And yet she told you the truth,” Graeme said softly.
“Aye,” Teague muttered. “I wouldn’t have even blamed her if she’d withheld what she’d seen. I cannot say that I wouldn’t have done so if I were in her position. ”
“She is an amazing lass,” Graeme murmured.
“Aye, that she is,” Bowen agreed. “And she’s intensely loyal to you, Graeme. ”