Chapter 16

Edinburgh Castle, late that same evening

Robbie stood in Margaret’s chapel waiting for the bishop. King David had built the chapel as a private place of worship for his family and later dedicated it to his mother, Queen Margaret. The space was small but peaceful. He used the quiet time alone to contemplate his words to the bishop. He risked his life in coming empty-handed, but he had no choice. Failure to make an appearance when summoned would rouse suspicion, and the bishop would send more men when he learned of Robbie’s failure. In truth, he probably already knew Robbie did not carry the Rood. Guards had searched Robbie upon entry to the castle. He brought nothing with him, save for a knife.

The door to the chapel opened, and Robbie straightened his spine. The bishop had arrived.

“My men told me you were unsuccessful,” the bishop said.

Robbie nodded.

“I’m disappointed.” He was eerily calm and even toned, but the man radiated displeasure.

Robbie explained what transpired, leaving out all the details he could. When spinning a lie, it was best to keep as much truth as possible. Robbie even showed him the wound on his side, which was healing well thanks to Katherine.

“Bested by a woman? Most men wouldn’t believe you.”

“Most men wouldn’t own up to it,” Robbie countered.

The bishop nodded. “That is true.” He paced around the small stone room, then paused to say, “Considering where you caught them, it seems they mean to take it to Iona. ’Tis well then I sent two more men after her. They were only a few days behind you. ’Tis likely they have found the Rood.”

“You thought I would fail?” Robbie hadn’t expected another team to be sent so quickly. The MacKinnon and Lady Isobel were in danger.

“I plan for mistakes,” the bishop said simply. “I’m afraid this means I won’t be able to help your sister after all.”

Robbie nodded. He knew what he sacrificed, but he also trusted the MacKinnon. He would send a healer, as he promised.

“You may also have trouble finding anyone else to hire you.”

“What do you mean?” He narrowed his eyes at the bishop.

“You should have known there would be repercussions for failure. I suggest you leave the city. There is no hope of finding someone that will hire your sword in Edinburgh.”

The threat was clear. Robbie needed to get his family out of the city and soon.

Robbie wasted no time getting home. He rented rooms above the tailor. They were humble lodgings but safe, and that mattered a great deal when he traveled for work. Once inside the door, he called for Murdoch.

“How’s Agnes?” he asked, when his younger brother appeared.

“Better. Her breathing is steady, and she hasn’t coughed since you gave her that medicine earlier.”

“That’s good to hear,” Robbie said. “I think she’ll be well enough to make the journey.”

“Make what journey?”

“We need to leave the city.”

“Why? What’s happened?”

“Nothing,” Robbie said. He didn’t want to alarm the lad, but they needed to leave as soon as possible. “We’re moving back to the Isles. There is a healer there that can help Agnes and a clan that has need of my sword.”

“And me? What about me?” Murdoch asked.

“You’ll train with the clan’s men,” Robbie assured him. Murdoch had wanted this for years. Because of their situation, he could not let Murdoch go off and foster. The lad was determined to be a great warrior, and it infuriated him that he could not train as one. He’d just seen his fifteenth year. He was young yet, but old to be begin training.

“You mean it, Robbie? You’ll let me train?”

“Aye, you’ll train with the best warriors in the Isles.”

Murdoch launched himself against Robbie’s chest. Robbie embraced him in a hug and laughed. He’d never seen him so happy before.

Pulling away, Murdoch’s brows knitted together in concern. “I don’t have much to pack, but I best get to it. Will you see to Agnes?”

“Aye, get going. I want to leave at daybreak.”

Robbie gathered his and Agnes’s possessions and tucked them into a few bags. Aside from his weaponry and some clothing, Robbie had very little to his name. Agnes had a few simple gowns and her needlework, which she worked at most days. Everything else in their rooms was rented from the tailor. Though never easy to start again, they would do it, as they’d done before.

When Murdoch and Agnes were ready, Robbie loaded up Coira with their belongings and they began the journey west to Mull. Once they were safely out of the city, Robbie would ride ahead to warn MacKinnon. He prayed it would not be too late.