Page 56 of Highland Storm

“What are ye?” she asked, backing away from him. “Are ye some sort of a – a devil or a demon or a – warlock?”

“I’m a sorcerer,” he said with a laugh. “I’m not a devil or demon or even a warlock. I’m just . . . different.”

“How is it ye can get stabbed with a knife and no’ even bleed? Show me yer wound.”

The sorcerer smiled and shook his head. “My story is a fascinating, yet a sad one I’m afraid.”

“What does that mean? Tell me more.”

“Nay, I can’t tell you my story. Not now. It’s not important, Phoebe. What is important is your relationship with Hawke.”

“What do ye mean?” Shyly, she looked the other way, wondering if he knew they’d made love. “Did ye see somethin’ in yer gazin’ orb havin’ to do with us?”

“I didn’t need to. These walls are thin and your shutter wasn’t closed all the way over the window last night, so the sound traveled down to the stable.”

“Och, I’m embarrassed,” she said, holding a hand over her face. “I never meant for it to happen. But once it did – neither of us could stop.”

“It’s a normal thing to couple. An attraction between two people can sometimes lead to intimacy.”

“Have ye ever been intimate with a lady?” she asked, wondering if Orrick was ever married or if he had children.

“I told you . . . my story is not important, Phoebe. Concentrate instead on what you’re going to do and what you can learn about healing.”

There was commotion outside and the sound of running horses. Then they suddenly came to a stop. Phoebe hurried to the window and peered out. Relief washed through her when she saw Hawke and his friends riding up to the tavern. “It’s Hawke,” she cried.

“Is Ian with them?” asked Orrick, hurrying over to the window as well.

“That’s odd. Three of them are ridin’ double,” she said, leaning out the window to see more clearly in the rising sun. When she realized who they brought back with them, she gasped.

“What is it, Phoebe?” asked Orrick.

“They’ve brought my sisters and brathair with them. Why would they do that?”

“I don’t see Ian anywhere.” Orrick scowled as he scanned the grounds. “Something is wrong.”

“I need to find out why my siblin’s are here.” Phoebe ran across the room and threw open the door, heading down the stairs to the main area that was the tavern. They had no customers this early in the morning. Leaving the building, she ran out to greet them.

“Agan, Elspeth, Miles, what are ye doin’ here?” she asked.

Logan was helping Elspeth from the horse. The girl looked up and smiled. “Phoebe, ye’re all right.”

“We were so worried about ye,” said Agan as both of the girls ran over to hug her.

“Phoebe,” called out her little brother. She turned to see Hawke carrying Miles to her. He looked good with a child in his arms.

“Go to yer sister,” he said, putting the boy on the ground. Miles ran over and hugged her as well.

“What happened to ye all?” asked Phoebe, shocked by the state and condition of her siblings. “Ye are all dirty and smelly and look as if ye havena eaten in weeks.”

“He put us in the dungeon and threatened to kill us,” said Miles, brushing a tear from his eye.

“Who did?” asked Phoebe.

“It was Euan,” Elspeth told her. “He’s taken over the castle.”

“What about faither? Is he – is he . . .” She couldn’t bring herself to say the word.

“He’s alive, but barely,” Agan told her. “Phoebe, if he doesna die of his own illness, Euan is goin’ to kill him.”