Chapter Thirty-Four
Sholto
The two men sat in the cottage the next morning, both holding their heads from all the ale they drank.
Sholto said, “He’s not dead, I’m telling you. Just because you stabbed his belly doesn’t mean he’s dead. His body wasn’t there when we returned.”
“He’s dead, fool. That was a killing blow.” Dugan got up and punched the wall with his fist, cursing afterwards. “They carried him off to bury him on their land.”
“Then why did I see him walking when I returned?”
“What?” Dugan came over and grabbed him by the shoulder, whipping him around. “He walked away?”
“Aye. They were halfway across to Gott Bay. There were two with him, and that one wee annoying lass was there too. But she went down the beach. Why does a lass so young walk around alone?”
“Forget her. Who helped him?”
“The man with the long hair and that other bitch. The one on Iona who hit me with the dagger. Why was she with them? That’s what I want to know, though it explains why I haven’t seen the bitch on Iona lately. I’m going to kill that bitch. If I’d had any more men, I would have gone after her.”
Dugan kicked his stool over, then righted it to sit down and hold his head. “I cannot go on this day, but we have to go to the Granthams. I have to kill him. He must be weakened at least.”
“He was. He didn’t walk unaided. But you know there’s a problem.”
“I do. Multiple problems. We don’t have enough men. They killed or scared most of our men away. And the next group won’t arrive for two days. And someone found my stash.”
“What stash?”
“The one I found buried in the back. I’ve been using that to hire the mercenaries. Did you take it?” He slapped Sholto hard.
“Nay. If I did, I’d be the hell away from you. What is wrong with you?” He rubbed his cheek and moved away from Dugan.
“We’ll have to wait. Fortunately, I kept enough of that coin with me. But we’re going to Duart Castle in two days. I’m calling him out to the gates to fight me. One on one.”
“Good, because I’ll not help you. I’m going for the bitch and then I’m going for the bairns.”
“The bairns can wait until later.”
“Nay, the first ship arrives in three days. I’m going for them, but not until I kill that bitch first. Then I’m heading to Iona. You take care of your foolish vengeance for your grandfather. I care naught about that.”
“Well, I do. And we’re going. And you’re going with me. Understood?”
“Understood.”
Sholto would go to Duart Castle, but he was after the lass. The hell with the Grants.