Chapter 36

“Messengers from the Royal house!” the travellers called back as they approached. Izzy scrunched herself up as tightly as she could, hoping no piece of her was visible from outside the trees as she listened to the horses' approach. She wished even more that she could pull her clothing down and get herself properly cover herself. She nearly screamed when a deep voice called out, “Is that you, Laird MacInnis?”

“Aye, ‘tis I.”

“Good! I’ve yer horse and some of the contents from your lady’s chambers.”

“Some? You didn’t bring the whole trunk?”

“It is a long tale. We have come to cool ourselves in the water. I see you have a fire, perhaps we can talk over a meal?” Panic rose like a lump in her throat, choking off her air as she heard the horses start to walk through the stream.

“Lady Isobel has recently bathed,” her husband said, “place yourselves around the bend for decency.” Izzy couldn’t see them, but since she heard his sword slid into its sheath she assumed they were doing as he’d sugge