Free Highland Chieftain by Hannah Howell Page B

watched him spoon out a large serving for himself as the boys sat and waited.
    And that was why her mother got lost in her dreams so often, she thought. It was what she had to do to escape a deeply selfish, angry man and the ugliness in her life. It was an effort to bring herself back but Bethoc did, and breathed a sigh of relief. It was not a happy place she returned to but she knew she had to be here. The boys needed her to stand for them, to be here in body and in spirit. Someday, she mused as she doled out a share of what was left to all the others, this man will rule us no longer.

Chapter Six
    â€œWhy are we back here?”
    Uven frowned at Simon. “Because this is where he disappeared.”
    â€œI ken it but we have already been here, several times.”
    â€œTrue but the fact that it has been a month of hunting and we have found naught makes me think he ne’er left this place.” Uven frowned as he stared at the river and searched the bank carefully. “We have ne’er found a body, no horse, no word of him at all. Havenae found any sign of the boy, either. ’Tis as if they were all just swept away.”
    Simon ran his hand through his hair. “Weel, people have gone missing before.”
    â€œTrue but there was almost always something one could find e’en if ye ne’er found the person. Just something that let ye ken the person had been in that spot at some time.” He looked around. “Where did Robbie go?”
    â€œSaid he saw something odd up on the hill,” Simon answered and Uven looked up the hill to where Robbie stood staring at some dying bushes. “There he is, studying the area round those bushes it appears. Wonder what he has found?”
    A few moments later, Robbie rode back down the hill and faced them. “We need to have a look up there. I am thinking there is a cave and, if I am judging it aright, someone has been up to it recently.”
    â€œA cave? That would be a fine place to hide if one was injured.” Uven dismounted and took his mount’s reins in hand. “I think we should walk up to it. Secure the horses at the base.”
    â€œIt is a narrow path, true enough,” said Robbie as he also dismounted. “Uneven, too. So watch your step.”
    By the time they reached the brush hiding the entrance, it was easy to see what it was. Uven cautiously moved the covering as Robbie and Simon stood beside him with swords at the ready. Then he drew his own sword and stepped inside, needing a moment to see clearly in the dim light. Callum sat next to the wall grinning at him.
    â€œTook ye long enough,” said Callum, laughing as his friends marched over to clap him on the shoulder. “Heard Robbie sniffing around and almost called out but decided I should wait in case ye were fleeing someone.”
    â€œHad no one chasing us. Didnae ken what we would find,” said Simon.
    â€œAh, aye, they broke my leg, the bastards, but, weel, I am healing now.”
    â€œIf we are to stay here for a while, I think we best move the horses,” said Uven.
    â€œI will do it,” said Robbie, and strode out of the cave.
    â€œHow did ye find the cave?” asked Callum.
    â€œIt wasnae hard once we followed the path. The brush set there is good when ye see it from afar but nay perfect up close.”
    â€œThat willnae please Bethoc,” said Callum quietly.
    â€œAh, a lass.” Uven rolled his eyes. “Why am I nay surprised?”
    â€œâ€™Tis nay what ye think,” protested Callum. “And cease talking like I am a young Payton when we both ken I am not, nay e’en near to being so. She pulled me from the water, dragged me up here and I wasnae in a state to help much, and has worked to fix my leg.”
    Uven studied his leg. “Did a good job with what was at hand. Can ye move at all?”
    â€œA little. I begin to be able to put a little weight on my foot but it could be a month or so