The Ghost by Greyson, Maeve (best motivational books to read .txt) 📕

fisted, stared at them as though struggling to choose his words. After a long moment, he held the crumpled leaflet high. “Barricourt has ordered Magnus’s arrest along with any who aid him. Treason, it says. They have also charged him with the attempted murder of a British officer.”

“When Magnus hears of this, it will be murder if he has his way about it.” Brenna had feared there would be repercussions after Barricourt’s fateful visit. She knew little about the vile man, but instinct told her his pride wouldn’t ignore all that had happened that day. A Scot with the audacity to raise a weapon against him? The chieftain telling him to leave? Nay, she had known this wouldn’t end well, and now here it was, come home to roost like a vicious winged demon. She wanted to drop to her knees and sob but refused to give into it. Instead, she clenched her trembling hands to her middle and steadied herself. “Magnus and Keigan are probably still in the caves. The lad’s been champing at the bit to see them, so Magnus took him exploring.”

Alexander blew out a heavy sigh. “The caves are probably the safest place for all of ye right now.”

Catriona took the order from Alexander and read it. Her brows knotted tighter as her eyes skimmed the page. “Did they come for him today and leave this? It has been so quiet. I wouldha thought Barricourt and his men for the sort who make their presence known.”

“Tom sent the warning by Alice. Said the soldiers will be here in a few hours.” Alexander stormed back to the window and checked outside again. “Ye’re right about the man. Barricourt has planned quite the spectacle for the arrest, and it’s taking him a bit of time to prepare.”

“Who are Tom and Alice?” Brenna didn’t recall the names, but whoever they were, she owed them a debt of gratitude.

“Thomas Parlorn is a soldier at Fort William,” Catriona explained. “A good man if ever there was one. He’s sweet on Alice. She’s the miller’s daughter and has worked here at the keep ever since her mother died.” She handed the parchment to Brenna with a sympathetic smile. “Several of the men at Fort William are good, kind souls.” A despairing sigh escaped her. “Still Sassenachs, but good and kind. Lord Crestshire, God bless him, commanded with respect and honor. That man never tolerated cruelty.”

“This is no time for wishful reminiscing,” Graham reminded from his post beside the door. “I shall head to the caves and find Magnus and the lad.” With a grim smile, he looked at Brenna. “Pack as quick as ye can and only what ye need to survive. Meet us at the entrance to the caves in the back of the stable.”

“This is nay my first time running,” Brenna replied. “I’ll bring only what’s needed.”

“Does Barricourt know about Keigan?” Catriona asked as they all hurried out into the hall.

“I dinna think so.” At least, Brenna prayed he didn’t. She couldn’t bear the thought of poor Keigan in peril.

“Then leave him here until we have a solid plan of a refuge for ye, better than the caves,” Catriona said. “He’ll be safer, and the two of ye can travel easier on yer own.”

Brenna came to a halt, unable to believe what she had just heard. “Leave Keigan behind?”

“Aye, good sister. Ye know he’ll be safer here,” Catriona said with a gentle squeeze of her arm.

Alexander and Graham turned back, both frowning and fidgeting in place.

“We must make haste. The soldiers will be upon us soon.” Graham looked at Alexander. “I best find Magnus and the lad while everything is made ready.”

Alexander released him with a nod.

As much as Brenna hated it, Keigan staying safe at the keep would be the responsible thing to do. But how could she leave her dear sweet bairn behind? And for how long? Who knew where they would have to go or how long they would have to hide?

“Ye will keep him safe,” she whispered, taking hold of Catriona’s hand.

“As if he was my own.”

A storm of emotions closed off her throat, threatening to take her to her knees. She couldn’t manage words, so she gave a curt nod.

“We must go,” Alexander gently prodded from up ahead. “Now.”

It didn’t take her long to gather the necessities she and Magnus would need. Running to save life and limb riddled her past. She had so hoped those days were behind her, but with Alexander’s announcement, those hopes shattered.

By the time they reached the stable and made their way to the cave entrance in the back, Magnus and Graham stood talking in low tones while Keigan looked on. The poor child was wide-eyed and silent.

“Auntie!” he cried out. He charged into her, clutching her as though he would never let her go.

She held him just as tightly, memorizing every nuance of what could be the last time she ever saw him. His irresistible little boy scent, a pungent mix of damp earth and, at the moment, wet dog. The desperation in his hug squeezed her heart. His quick hitching breaths told her he was doing his best not to cry. God help her; how could she leave him behind?

“I love ye more than life itself,” she choked out through the sorrow threatening to strangle her. Her teardrops broke free, tumbling down into his tangled hair.

“I dinna want ye to go,” he whimpered against her, breaking her heart even more. “Please dinna leave me behind. Please take me with ye.”

After a deep, shuddering breath, she knelt in front of him and took hold of his shoulders. “We will not be separated long, my precious warrior.” She forced a smile she doubted he would believe. “It will be all right. Either we shall come back for ye, or we’ll send word and have Evander bring ye to us. We all must be brave, aye?”

“Why can I not go? I have been in danger afore, and ye didna leave me