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of things.
It can t be wrapped.
Can I close my eyes and shake it? Guess what it
is?
Duncan kept laughing. You could try.
Okay, I m closing my eyes. Don t let me fall.
Tara stumbled along beside him. They slowed
their pace once she heard other voices. She heard
Duncan shush those who were around them.
Give me both hands, he said.
Under her fingers she felt the warm fur of what
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had to be a horse. A small noise and movement from
the animal brought Tara s eyes open.
Tara caught her breath. The mare was
beautiful. Her tan coat was the color of caramel, her
mane as rich as chocolate. Her big brown eyes
flittered with trust.
Hello, Tara said in a soft greeting. Look at
you, so strong and regal. Stroking her neck, Tara
glanced at Duncan. For me?
Aye.
You re making me cry again. She looked at her
horse with awe.
Sorry. Duncan gave a half apology.
No, you re not. She moved in to thank him.
Even Finlay started to blush before he broke the
lovebirds apart. You two are making me ill with
this. Brother Malloy had better not dawdle in his
ceremony on the morrow. Least you announce a
birth before a marriage.
Everyone in earshot agreed.
****
The village was brimming with activity
everywhere. Anyone within a fifty-mile radius filled
the tiny streets, adding to the purses of the local
merchants.
Grainna couldn t have picked a better time to
come into the small parish of people and blend in. No
one noticed an old woman walking with a cane.
Again, she considered luck was on her side, a
luck that hadn t been with her for centuries. The
Ancients must be asleep at the wheel, she thought.
There was no other explanation for why her
presence had yet to be discovered. They were so
damn proficient at banishing her the first time.
Calling attention to herself by using her black magic
would certainly make her presence known. Their
lack of diligence kept her more subdued than she
would be normally.
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She made her way to the village merchant who
bartered and sold any and everything the town had
to offer. Provisions of food, candles, and cloth woven
from the wool of the sheep littering the landscape of
the surrounding hills, were for sale.
She waited for a few of the gentry to finish with
the man, while she kept to the back of his small
home, which doubled as his store. How can I be of
assistance to ye? he kindly asked, obviously happy
with his burgeoning business.
Only a few little things if you will, sir. Grainna
put her old woman smile of kindness on her face. A
few candles and a measure of salt pork if ye have it.
It didn t take long for the man to start talking.
Are ye here for the wedding?
My grandson and I are passing through. She
had guessed the nature of the festivities, but she
kept herself from slipping into the minds of the
people to confirm her assumption, again to keep her
presence concealed for as long as possible. It looks
to be a grand wedding.
Lord Duncan, the eldest son of the Laird, is
marrying on the morrow. Tis good ye came today for
these. He set the items she requested down on the
counter.
Quite lucky for me then.
The man kept up with the gossip, happy to have
someone who didn t know his stories. Now if only
his daughter would pick a husband. Methinks she
may find one during the celebrations. The village is
filled with so many eligible men who would suit.
How old is the lass?
Almost an old maid if ye ask me. She is twenty
and one on her last day marking her birth. Why
Laird Ian has not bound her to someone is always a
question asked at dinner tables. He looked up and
caught Grainna s gaze. Confusion crossed his brow
and she felt his skin start to crawl. You should
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squirm you lower than life bit of a man. Grainna
shook his trance away, realizing she had slipped into
his mind without trying to.
He moved away in obvious discomfort. She
would have to be more careful in the future.
They bartered with a bit of her jewelry, and
because it s worth was more than what she had
purchased, he gave her some coin.
She walked the streets, keeping her eyes and
ears open. She didn t fear any of the MacCoinnich s
coming into the village with the wedding the next
day. So she took advantage of her luck and gathered
more information.
An eligible daughter? A wicked smile curved at
her lips. And dwelling only a few miles away? She
contained her laugh. How poetic.
Grainna stopped at the smith and bartered for a
pot. There she saw a young woman, not more than
eighteen, smiling up at a man dressed in knight s
clothing. She eavesdropped on their conversation.
So, ye are Matthew of Lancaster. I ve heard
many stories of ye, my Lord.
Ahhh. The knight searched the busy street.
I m sorry, ye have me at a disadvantage, and ye
are?
Alyssa. She flashed him a smile.
Tis a pleasure. He gave a quick bow, his eyes
skirting to the street, obviously looking for someone.
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