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With Charles’s loose tongue, he was certain to garner information, and some of it could prove useful to Bryce. Not that he worried the lad wouldn’t share it with him; he seemed honest enough. It’s just that he wanted to hear it for himself to make certain he didn’t miss anything.
    He didn’t have a choice, though; he’d have to trust the lad.
    â€œTrout sounds tasty to me,” Charles said.
    â€œI’m sure Bryce will catch us some good ones,” Elsa said, and reached out to slip her arm around Charles, “while I tend to you.”
    â€œI’ll have a word with the lad first,” Bryce said.
    The strength of his command had Elsa nodding and retreating to wait by the door. Bryce stepped closer to Charles. “I need to know all you learn whether you think it important or not.”
    â€œI know we are on a dual mission. And I will not fail to relate all I learn.”
    â€œIt is good to know you are a trustworthy lad and that I can depend on you,” Bryce said. “And when I return, I’ll have a look at those ribs. I want to see for myself that you incurred no serious injury.”
    He turned before Charles could argue with him and sent a smile to Elsa. “I thank you for tending the lad and will return with a fine catch of trout.”
    Elsa smiled and waved as Bryce disappeared around the side of the house. Then she waved the lad over. “Come, Charles, we’ll see about your wounds.”
    The lad hurried to her side.
    She slipped her arm around him and gave a hug. “I’ll fix you a nice brew, and we can talk. I would surely love to hear why a pretty lassie such as yourself is disguised as a lad; though more so, I’d like to know why the Highlander warrior doesn’t realize it.”

Chapter 5
    C harlotte wasn’t sure if she should be relieved or worried that Elsa saw through her ruse. It made it simpler that she had. It would be so much easier to tend her injuries, especially her ribs, which had been aching terribly. But could she trust the woman to keep her secret?
    â€œI can see the worry in your lovely eyes,” Elsa said, once inside the cottage. “I have no reason to tell the Highlander something he should see for himself though I am curious.”
    Curiosity Charlotte understood. Her da had taught her that it helped in gaining knowledge, and so he had encouraged her inquisitiveness.
    â€œSit,” Elsa said, pointing to one of the four chairs at a well-worn table. “Share only what you’re comfortable sharing.”
    Charlotte appreciated the woman’s understanding and the brew that Elsa prepared for her before seeing to her wounds. She saw no reason not to share her whole story. After all, she was here to learn if the woman had seen her da and knew any more about his whereabouts.
    Elsa finished with the wounds on the girl’s face just as Charlotte finished her story.
    â€œI have seen this man you have described.”
    â€œWhere? When? How did he look?” Charlotte asked, anxiously, though she had hundreds more questions.
    â€œAbout a week ago,” Elsa said.
    Charlotte clamped her eyes shut in disappointment. With a week’s having passed, her father could be a distance from here by now. She opened her eyes, wiping away the dampness. “Tell me all you remember, please.”
    Elsa patted her hand. “Your father, though thin, appeared fit enough. His posture was strong, and he kept his chin up as though demonstrating to all his courage.”
    â€œThat’s my father.” Charlotte smiled, relieved that it seemed he was well and keeping his determination strong. It made her wonder if he remained resolved because he knew she was coming for him.
    â€œHe was with three other prisoners, the lot of them tethered together and the king’s soldiers more alert and guarded than I have ever seen them,” Elsa said. “The soldiers were taking food from baskets of those