Chapter 79

Gair watched the arrow leave Fann’s bow and heard it thunk into the oak high above them. The gasps and mutters from the men behind him told him that Fann had hit the mark as easily as his wife. Before he could comment, Johne’s voice came through the bush beside them.

“Ye have come at last, old friend.”

“There was narry a sign of ye when I came to lay claim to all ye had promised.”

“Aye. I failed in that. But I did nay fail completely.”

Gair smiled at Davina as she stepped out from behind a tree. She was nearly as silent as his wife. She tipped her head to one side, looking at Fann.

“I donna remember ye,” she said softly.

Gair saw Fann’s fist clench at his side and then relax. “I am nay surprised. Ye were quite wee when I left for London.”

“And ye have come to marry me off now?”

“Nay.”

Giar saw anger and surprise both in Johne’s eyes. He seemed about to speak, but Fann spoke first.

“I donna know the woman ye have become any more than ye know me. As yer kin, I could choose a man for y