* * *

The sun dipped low in the western sky as Kennan tightened the girth of his horse’s saddle. It would take about two hours to ride to Corpach on Loch Eil, where Clan Cameron moored their galleys. From the loch, given good winds, they could expect a half day’s sailing to Port Glasgow.

“There you are, lad,” said Da, hastening into the stables and waving a letter. “A missive just arrived from Mar.”

Kennan gave his horse’s shoulder a pat and met his father halfway down the aisle. “I hope it is good news.”

Da shoved the parchment into his hand. “Do not tarry, open the blasted thing.”

Kennan examined the seal, then ran his thumb beneath the wax and shook the letter open.

“Come, lad. What does it say?”

He gave his father a look before he tilted the missive toward the light and read.

“Well?” Da persisted.

“He opens with a bit of jesting at first…says he’s surprised I’m not in the Americas making a name for myself.”

“What about the bloody incident in Dundee?”

Kennan read on. “Och, here it is. The queen issued a pardon for the debacle over six months past…he’s not surprised that Fort William’s information is dated…aaaand he also dispatched a missive to the colonel to ensure their records were set to rights.”

“And under no circumstances are any pernicious sergeants to badger you further?” Da asked.

“Aye, that about sums it up.” Kennan folded the letter and stuffed it into his doublet. “Well, that’s one thorn in my side easily removed.”

“Thank God.”

“Agreed.” Kennan strolled back to his horse. “With this I’ll be free to spend a bit more time in port, recruiting the hands I need for the journey. I’ll purchase supplies as well.”

“You’re still planning to return home, are you not? Spend a few more days with your old man?”

Kennan gave his father a firm pat on the shoulder. “There’s no chance I’ll sail without my core crew.” Mounting, he took up the reins. “I hope to return in a month…and whilst I’m away, would you please watch over Divana?”

“The wee Campbell lass?”

“Aye. She has no family here. ’Twould be nice to see Lady Lochiel take the maid under her wing—entrust her with more responsibilities. After all, if it weren’t for her, I mightn’t have made it home.”

“Very well, I’ll have a word with Jean.”

“My thanks.” Kennan saluted his father, then rode his horse out to the courtyard where Lachie Mor and three of his best men were waiting. “Are you ready to ride?”

The old quartermaster grinned, the gap between his front his teeth made darker by twilight. “Bloody oath, I’ve been ready for ages.”

As they headed through the postern gate, a high-pitched voice rang out, echoing between the curtain walls. “Sir Kennan, wait!”

Reining his horse to a stop, he glanced back. Divana ran toward him with a basket in hand. His heart twisted. Seeing the dregs of sunlight flicker through her coppery hair as she sprinted across the cobbles was too reminiscent of a simpler time. She was right to have stopped him at Beltane. He’d lost his mind when he kissed her. And blast it all, he must never hurt the lass.