He was not familiar with that town. How many days would be required to reach it? How many days to return home? How he wished he were granted limitless questions so he could learn all he needed to know. Instead, he asked what seemed the best question for obtaining the most pertinent information. “My final question is this: What is the most important thing for me to know if I am to make this journey and return home safely?”

“My final question is this: How do you define ‘safely’?”

Again, she meant to trick him into limiting what she was required to do for him. “I define it thus: to be made and remain whole in body, mind, and spirit.”

“And my answer is this: the most important thing to know is that no one emerges whole from a harrowing journey when that journey is undertaken entirely alone.”

It was not at all the helpful bit of advice he’d hoped for. It was, however, true to her nature. Still, he had asked his allotted three questions and had answered hers. He felt certain that, were he to not honor their agreement, the consequences would be dire.

“Having obliged me in my requirements, and I in yours, I will release you, and you will permit me to go on my way.”

“As agreed,” she said.

His heart pounded, but he trusted Sorcha’s knowledge of these things. He lowered his arms so the Bean-Nighe’s feet touched the ground once more. He released his hold on her and stepped back. She picked up the shroud she had dropped when he’d grabbed her, and she returned to her washing, muttering to herself and not looking at him.

He hadn’t thought to ask Sorcha if he was required to keep looking at the Bean-Nighe as he made his way back. It seemed best to do so rather than risk being wrong.

He walked carefully backward away from the loch, over the rise, and out of sight of the Washing Woman. Only when he was certain she could no longer see him, and already knowing he could not see her, did he truly breathe again.

Water from the mouth of the gargoyle in the churchyard at Carrifran.

Duncan did not know where that journey would take them, but he suspected the danger was far from over.

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

My family is looking for me.

That single sentence had struck fear deep into Barnabus’s heart, and he was seldom frightened by anything. The Kincaids inspired horror in most anyone who knew them. That they had joined forces with the Mastiff changed everything.

Barnabus rushed toward the DPS headquarters. The Donnellys lived near enough that he could make the journey on foot. His rushed walk took him past the place where most of Fletcher’s urchins spent their days. It was a benefit in that moment; Barnabus needed to get word to Fletcher to meet him at headquarters.