Ewan didn’t respond. His attention was focused ahead, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. It was as though he was looking for someone.

As they neared the bridge, Keeley could see inside the stone wall. Warriors gathered, concern etched on their faces. Behind them, women and children also gathered, silent and waiting.

When they rode into the courtyard, Ewan frowned, and he let out a great sigh. Keeley followed his gaze to where a visibly pregnant woman hurried past the warriors standing at attention. Another man followed closely on her heels, his expression haggard.

“Ewan!” the woman cried. “What has happened to Alaric?”

Ewan dismounted just as the woman reached the litter. “Mairin, you were instructed to remain inside the keep. Not only is it cold out here, it isn’t safe.”

Mairin raised her gaze to Ewan and frowned just as ferociously as he was scowling at her. “You must bring him inside so we can tend to him. He doesn’t look well!”

“I’ve brought along someone who will care for him,” Ewan soothed.

Mairin turned sharply to survey the riders who were slowly dismounting around Keeley. Then Mairin’s gaze rested on Keeley and her eyebrows went up in surprise. Her eyes narrowed and a thoughtful frown spread across her face.

“Is she qualified to tend to Alaric’s injuries?”

At that, Keeley’s back went up and she struggled to free herself from Gannon’s hold. He lifted her down and as soon as her feet were planted on the ground, she faced Mairin with an indignant huff.

“I’ll have you know I’m sought out regularly for my healing abilities. Furthermore, I had no desire to come with Laird McCabe. I wasn’t given a choice! Am I qualified? Certainly. But the question that should be posed is whether I’m willing to tend to Alaric’s wounds.”

Mairin blinked and her mouth fell open. Her brows drew together in confusion just before she rounded on her husband who was glaring holes through Keeley.

“Ewan? Is this true? You abducted this woman?”

Ewan’s lips twisted in a snarl. He pointed at Keeley and advanced. Keeley clamped her legs together to keep her knees from knocking. She wouldn’t show fear even if she was terrified to her toes.

“You will address Lady McCabe with respect. You have two choices. You can accept your fate or you can die. And if you ever show my wife such blatant disrespect again, you’ll regret it. I have no time for petulance. My brother’s life is hanging in the balance. You will tend to him and you’ll not begrudge your duty. Are we clear?”

Keeley’s lips tightened into a line and she bit her tongue to prevent herself from saying what she really wanted. Instead she issued a short nod.