She had planned to be off the first thing in the morning, out of danger. But somehow she found herself waiting, even after she had eaten the hot oatmeal Lorne cooked, and tucked some food into her pouch. There was Lorne here, and the wee ones, and none of Kelpie鈥檚 concern at all. But Lorne was frightened and uncertain what to do, and they so helpless and looking up to Kelpie鈥攁nd after all, perhaps it would be wise just to take a wee peek at what Argyll was doing, and see the size of his army.

Aye, then,鈥� agreed Morag Mhor surprisingly. Because of the ringed eyes of you, I think. You鈥檒l have the Second Sight. Are you a witch?鈥�

She had not long to wait. The witch!鈥� he whispered, and his eyes blazed in pale fury. And in her Ladyship鈥檚 stolen clothes!鈥� he added with new outrage.

It was just as she had seen it in the loch! For an instant Kelpie felt nothing at all but a terrible cold emptiness, and then grief was in her very bones, and a small cry of anguish on her lips. She made a move toward the swarming, fighting spot where Ian had vanished. There was one brief glimpse of Alex, raging like one gone mad, and then the MacDonalds were there, making a havoc that sent townspeople screaming for safety. And somewhere, being trampled beneath, was the body of Ian, and perhaps she could reach him and help....

Aye, to slave for you without pay!鈥� whined Mina in her most put-upon voice. If she had been slow to the

That I will not!鈥� retorted Kelpie firmly. For every house in Lochaber is a danger. I鈥檒l be away east out of trouble.鈥�

Glenfern was looking at her keenly. You are welcome to stay, you know,鈥� he told her.

Kelpie shook her head blankly. And what then?鈥� was all she said.