Highlander Oath of the Beast (Highland Promise Trilogy 3)

“Brother Noble was adamant about the news of Raven’s return,” Purity said. “He insisted that he had learned it from a trustworthy source.”

The two couples watched as Wren walked toward their da. She turned her face away from a sudden gust of wind, it tearing red strands from her braid to whip at her lovely face.

“She’s a healer. She’ll know what to do for him,” Arran said with more hope than confidence.

“If only she could see when Raven will return,” Oria said. “It would ease Da’s worry, since many of her predictions have proven true thus far.”

They watched as Parlan reached out to Wren when she got close and took hold of her hand with an anxiousness that warned of his worry. Her soft smile and words, that couldn’t be heard, appeared to offer some comfort, and they weren’t surprised when she remained by his side and stared off into the distance along with him.

“All we need is Raven home and our family will be complete,” Oria said.

Another gust of wind brought a sprinkle of snow with it.

“We should go,” Arran said to his wife. “Though home is not far, I don’t want to chance getting caught in an unexpected snowstorm.” He gave a quick look to his brother. “You’ll let me know—”

“Immediately,” Royden said, knowing his brother referred to Raven.

The bell alerting the village to approaching riders tolled, startling them all.

“Riders!” Parlan called out and both couples hurried to join their da to get a glimpse in the distance of who approached the village.

“Six riders and they take their time,” Arran said.

“A long journey can slow one down,” Parlan said.

Arran and Royden shared a glance, both knowing their da searched for any excuse that one of the riders could be Raven.

“Angus rushes to us. He must have some news,” Parlan said, spotting and pointing to the seasoned MacKinnon warrior racing toward them and, keeping hold of Wren’s hand, he hurried her down the steps.

Royden and Arran followed suit, first sending stern glances to their wives to remain where they were.

Purity shook her head and held her arm out to Oria. “I don’t know about you, but I’m not waiting.”

Oria smiled in agreement and took Purity’s arm to make their way down the stairs.

The few snow flurries had increased and though yet to leave a trace on the ground, the stone steps were growing damp and Purity wanted to make sure Oria kept a firm footing.

Parlan hadn’t reached the last step when he called out, “Tell me, Angus, is it my daughter? Has she finally come home?”

“It looks like a ragtag crew in need of shelter and food from what we can see so far,” Angus said almost apologetically, the whole clan knowing what Parlan waited to hear and praying Raven would return soon.

Parlan bent his head, discouraged by the news.

“Have them escorted here,” Royden ordered. “Perhaps they have some news of Raven.”

That perked his da up. “Aye. Aye. They may know something. Bring them here, and we’ll give them food and shelter.”

“They could be thieves,” Angus warned.

“See that a watch is kept on them wherever they go once settled, since this snow might grow heavy and keep them here for the night at least,” Royden said.

“Aye, sir.” Angus bobbed his head respectfully and went off to do as ordered.

“Thieves hear things, know things. They could very well know of Raven,” Parlan said to Wren as if expecting her to confirm something.

Wren laid a gentle hand on his arm. Her eyes suddenly went blank and she stared as if not seeing him at all. After a couple of moments, she shook her head but failed to speak.

“You saw something. Tell me,” Parlan demanded.

Royden and Arran stepped closer to Wren.

“Tell us,” Royden said. “We need to know before the group reaches us.”

Wren nodded but directed her words to Parlan. “I only know that you will get answers but some will distress you.”

Parlan’s hand went to his chest. “She’s dead? Raven is dead?”

Arran grabbed his da’s arm, to keep him on his feet, seeing his legs tremble. “Wren didn’t say that, Da.”

“Tell me, Wren,” Parlan demanded.

“I didn’t see that, Parlan. I only know what I strongly sensed but I can’t say what it actually relates to,” Wren explained. “And if you recall, I saw you all reunited so please hold on to that vision I had years ago and don’t assume the worst.”

Parlan nodded vigorously. “That’s right, you did see my family together once again.”

Arran released his da’s arm and went to his wife. He hadn’t expected her to stay put and he was glad she hadn’t. His arm went around her once again to pull her close. His heart ached for his da. He understood now more than ever how he must feel not knowing what happened to Raven, what she’d been through, how she’d survived. His hand went to his wife’s stomach that was yet to round with their child. The thought that he would fail to protect his bairn or his wife was a thought he couldn’t bear to even conceive. He didn’t know how his da had lived with it these past five years.