Chapter 16

“Aye,” Gair answered, dread seeping in.

The small head lifted off his shoulder and some wee fingers pealed the furs down a bit so solemn brown eyes peaked out over the top. “Nay, m’Lady. I kin nay swim at all.”

“That’s okay, Siofra, Laird Alasdair and I will get you safely to the other side.”

Once again Gair felt the guilt stab at him. It mattered not that Alasdair was his name as much as his brother’s, the fact was that was not the name he preferred and was most definitely not the name he wanted his wife calling him.

They continued to stand there, silent and still as stone, for a few more moments before Isobel stepped cautiously out from the treeline. Gair followed. It was not far to the water, but enough that they could be seen if anyone was looking their way. The ground sloped down slightly and Gair felt himself slip. He looked down, noting how well-worn the path was here. Many used this spot, both human and animal. There was a little young grass, but mostly just dirt. At least Iz