Free Mortal Magick by Patty Taylor Page B

of spirits to warm me old bones will be payment enough, lad. Now be off with ye and take extra care against the sorceress’ treachery.” The top of Darby’s head barely reached Duncan’s knees.
    Duncan bent down to shake Darby’s knobby hand. The codger smiled and pushed the tiny pipe back inside his pocket. He winked, nodded, and then he was gone.
    Duncan leaned over and picked Keara’s limp body up in his arms and headed back toward the makeshift camp. His thoughts churned in turmoil, swimming through a haze of mixed feelings and desires. It was hard to remain calm with her voluptuous body so close against his.
    Her face snuggled against his bare chest. She sighed. “Ye’re a mighty brave lass but a stubborn one at that. Aye, I’ll have me hands full the next couple of days ‘til I get ye someplace safe and sound.”
    His words fell on sleeping, deaf ears. The leaves rustled from the cool night breeze. An owl hooted and bade him goodnight.
    A while later, he laid Keara on the empty fleece. He gathered the sheepskin cover around her body and tucked the dangling thick curly fleece locks underneath her chin. He squatted next to her, mesmerized by her enchanting face silhouetted by the flickering flames. If only things were different, he might easily fall in love with this feisty young lass. He admired her bravery and her honesty with him earlier.
    Colin’s snores thundered inside his keen, pointed ears. He glanced at the lad and found the bewitched cat quite content wrapped inside his arms. It had been a long day for everyone.
    With the help of wee Darby, he was confident the two misfits would soon be out of further harm’s way. Even if he wanted to, he couldn’t afford to play nursemaid. He had to push on with his journey to Dunscaith if he stood a chance of being cured. He glanced at the moon. With a few hours left before sunrise, there was still something important he needed to do. Taking one final glance to ensure all were safe and sound asleep, he headed back to the beckoning dark woods.
    It was time to set a trap of his own.

Chapter 9
    “Hear me now, witch,” Duncan screamed, watching the sky. “I’m ready to bargain if ye’re ready to talk.”
    A gust of wind brushed against his chest. He braced himself. Something cold pressed against his lips. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, fighting the urge to spit.
    “So, love, you’ve come to your senses after all,” a soft-spoken voice whispered in his ear.
    “Is it mere fear of me or the fact that ye still dinna have the stomach to appear in front of me face after what ye’ve done to me own flesh and blood?” Duncan asked, clenching his fists at his sides.
    “I suggest, if you wish to bargain, you change your attitude. I may not be as gracious next time you call,” she hissed.
    “There willna be a next time if we can come to terms.” Duncan lowered his voice and clenched his teeth. “If ye promise no more harm will come to me nephew and ye willna interfere while I take the young woman to safety outside Dunscaith, I am willin’ to wed ye then.”
    Laughter filled the air. “I agree, only if you hand over the talisman.”
    “I dinna know of any talisman. If I had such an item, I’d have no qualms to give it to ye right now. I have no need for such foolish things.” Duncan was glad the golden amulet was hidden safely at camp. It must be very important if the sorceress wanted it. “Are ye willin’ to agree to the deal or not. I promise I willna ask again.”
    “Do not take me for the fool, Duncan. I don’t believe you. My cards and crystals never lie. You’re hiding something to protect that little redheaded witch.”
    “Me only wish is to repay her for savin’ young Colin’s life after ye tried to take him from this earth.” The veins in his neck grew taut, his face heated with anger. “Not many a woman would risk her own life for a stranger’s.”
    “Pity. I see you’ve already fallen under her spell. She’ll cause you