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her back to their dry camp with Amy close on his heels.
    His men came to instant attention at the sight as he strode in. He barked a few orders then settled beneath a tree to tend her. “Fergus! See that Amy eats something. Robbie! Bring the uisge beatha!” He knelt in front of his ward. “Do nae fash yourself, Poppit . Your mama is fine. She merely fainted with fright. Dry your tears now and have Fergus feed ye. We must move on soon.”
    “Are ye certain, Da? Her face is all white.”
    He smiled. “Aye…I be certain. Run along now.” It o c curred to him that Amy may fear that she would die like her parents. They had been pale, as well. A surge of anger at Angus flashed over him.
    Amy left with Fergus as Robbie arrived with the win e skin. “What happened, my lord?”
    Connall chuckled as he brought the skin to her lips. “Amy desired to save an orphaned wolf pup…its mother had other ideas. My fool wife stood between the two with naught more than a branch to fend her off! She swooned after I convinced the waif to release it and they left.”
    Robbie whistled low in amazement. “That took great courage!”
    “Aye. There are nae coward’s bones in this lass.” Brighde coughed as the liquid burned a path down her throat. Her eyes fluttered open. Her body began to tremble as shock settled in. Clinging to Connall’s cloak, a torrent of tears spilled over. “Shhh. Hush, love, ye are safe now. Twas a very foolish thing ye did but…twas very brave as well. Ye make me proud to call ye wife .” He stroked her sable tresses as she calmed.
    As he held her close in his arms she relished the sense of security that encompassed her senses. She was safe here. Regardless of the circumstances of their wedding, Brighde was certain that she could trust him. That this is where she belonged. Taking a deep breath, she absorbed his scent into memory. He smelled of the forest, earthy…solid.
    “Connall…please forgive me for the insult last eve. I was wrong to accuse ye of such a despicable act.” She gazed up at him. “I should have asked ye if ye kenned who had done it, instead.” Studying his face for guilt, she was satisfied to see none.
    His eyes softened to jade as her words touched his heart. “Aye, ye are forgiven, Brighde. I would be pleased if ye forgive my temper as well. I am nae accustomed to ha v ing my integrity questioned. I will try to curtail future ou t bursts.” He lifted her chin as he captured her lips with his own. Her arms wound around his neck as it deepened, scorching her with desire.
    “Da? Is mama all better now?” The Earl released her mouth with a look of vexation on his countenance. He sighed.
    “Aye, Poppit . She is much improved.” With remorse, he swiped Brighde’s lower pouty lip with his thumb. “Come wife. We must eat and be on our way.”
    * * *
    The weather had held for five days and they had made good time. We will be at Halkirk this eve. Finally, I will have some time alone with my bride. Connall had sent a rider ahead to alert the castle of their arrival. He glanced back at Brighde. Although she had not complained, it was clear that she was exhausted. He could not blame her. He had pushed hard to get home swiftly. His nostrils flared as he scented snow on the gusty wind assaulting them. This last day was certain to be difficult if the weather did not hold.
    Their good fortune gave out around midday. The blu s tery winds turned into a steady gale as the grey sky releas ed thousands of white flakes mixed with ice. He swore an oath as he swung his steed about and handed Amy off to Robbie. He pulled up as he came astride his shivering wife .
    “Fergus, take my lady’s mount.” He had to shout to be heard over the forceful wind. His hands wrapped around her tiny waist, then lifted her to sit before him. Connall pulled her cloak snugly about her and then wrapped his plaid securely to cover both Brighde and himself. Black locks of hair slapped his face as he assured himself that