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She did. Duncan dropped a bag on the bed
with a frown. Fill it quickly with whatever you
think you need.
Tara wanted to question why his urgency was so
great. She didn t. Instead, she shoved all her clothes
and her purse into the bag. On impulse, she grabbed
the bottle of champagne.
They exited the tent the same route they did the
previous day. The brown muslin cape she had
brought to the fair hid her pale dress and red hair.
Wordlessly, they walked behind tents and stuck to
the shadows. When they reached the outskirts of
camp they walked briskly until they reached the
cover of trees.
Duncan kept silent, listening for any sound of
alarm.
Tara however, was growing increasingly anxious
and unsure of her decision to follow him without a
better explanation as to why they were leaving in
this manner. Where exactly are we going? she
finally asked.
Beyond this ridge. Fin is waiting with the
horses. Assuming that meant the horses would be
loaded in a trailer and they were driving to their
next destination, she asked. And then?
Home.
I told you I didn t have a passport. How do you
expect to get me out of the country?
The same way I came.
All right, that s a bit cryptic. Do you have your
own plane or something?
Something such as that.
A rustle in the bushes in front of them stopped
them in their tracks. Duncan whistled a low hum,
met with one from beyond the trees. Tis Fin.
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Binding Vows
Fin was atop his horse, with Durk s reins in his
hand.
Where s the truck? Tara asked surprised to see
there wasn t one.
Brother glanced at brother. Neither spoke.
Okay, what s going on? I ve come along this far, but
until I hear more I m not budging another foot. To
make her point Tara sat on a rock and crossed her
arms around her chest. Give!
Damn! I d hoped this could wait until we made
our journey.
Damn is right. Tara voiced his word to make
sure he knew she was listening. And I would
appreciate a better explanation as to how we can do
that.
Do what? Fin asked, obviously confused.
She eyed Duncan. You tell him.
Duncan cleared his throat and turned to his
brother. It seems Tara and I have the ability to talk
to each other in our minds.
Tara waited for Fin to laugh and ask for details.
She waited in vain. Oh, was all he uttered.
That s it? Your brother says he can read my
mind and all you can say is oh?
It isn t uncommon amongst our people, Tara,
Fin told her. Our own parents have the ability to do
it.
You re kidding. Tara could tell by his look he
wasn t joking. Her unease elevated.
We can t stay here. Duncan tossed her
belongings on the back of his horse. Grainna will
soon notice our absence and send a search party
after us.
Why exactly is that?
I told you she was evil, lass.
I agree she gave me the creeps at first, but why
would she care if we are gone now?
We don t have time for this. Duncan almost
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Catherine Bybee
barked his response. He took her arm only to have
her pull it away.
That s too damn bad. You can make time,
because without an explanation I m not moving from
this spot.
Think, My Lady. Why would Grainna single out
a virgin amongst everyone else? Why would it
matter to her that you are one? No one would be the
wiser if you weren t.
True. Go on.
Don t you think it strange she kept you away
from all the men, only to thrust you and me together
in the end? Duncan looked her in the eye. Your
room screamed out for us to be together tonight.
True. Why?
Grainna is a very powerful...person. She s very
old. Duncan shot his brother a look, as if asking for
his support. She needs you, or what it is you are, to
give her the ability to gain more power and
strength.
Tara chuckled, Are you saying she s some kind
of a witch?
Aye, something like that. Duncan bent down
on one knee and took her hand. Now, we have to
keep moving.
Tara snatched her hand away. She s a witch
and she wants to what, sacrifice a virgin? Me?
Again, brother looked at brother with sober
looks.
You know something? I don t think it s me
who s crazy. Tara stood up and started backing
away. She mumbled a disbelief in magic and
witches. I think you are the ones who are nuts! So I
tell you what. You two just go on your merry little
way and I ll go mine. Tara tripped on a fallen
branch in her haste to get away. Duncan caught her
arm and kept her from tumbling.
I can t let you do that.
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Binding Vows
I don t see how you have a choice. This has all
been fun and exciting. I appreciate the good time,
really I do. She attempted to pull away. This time
he didn t let her go.
This isn t getting us anywhere, Fin spoke up.
If we could prove to you magic exists, would you
wait to hear the rest of our tale once we are out of
harm s way?
Her nervous laugh echoed off the valley walls.
Okay, prove it.
Not here. There s a place a few miles away that
will help us prove magic exists. Fin pulled up the
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