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No one bothered them as they went up the ridge. When they reached the top, Teárlag asked for her shift. "I think I can tolerate something this light. It's better than leaves and branches rubbing my bare skin."

It was a little easier for the men to keep their eyes off her once she put it on.

It was a long walk to where they left the horses hobbled, forced to travel slow due to the women lacking shoes and Teárlag still moving with difficulty. When they reached the horses, Thorburn told Frang to find Bjarkë and withdraw their men and bring them back to the Keep. Stuart helped Ailene onto his horse and climbed up behind her. Lancaster got on his horse.

Teárlag looked up at the big gelding Thorburn rode. "I'm not sure I can sit on a horse, Thorburn. My sitting parts are very sore still."

"I can't let you walk back to the Keep, Teárlag. You can hardly move. I could carry you."

"Even my carrying parts are sore."

"Stuart, do you still carry the salve I gave you in your saddle pouch?" Ailene asked.

"Certainly. I never go anywhere without it. It's right here." He pulled it out.

"Thorburn, why don't you go behind those bushes with Teárlag and put this salve on. It will ease her pain. I could do it, but I'm sure she'd enjoy your touch more than mine." She handed him the vial. "We'll wait for you."

Thorburn nodded and led Teárlag behind some shrubs. He carefully lifted the shift from her, exposing her skin once more. In the sunlight, it looked even worse than in the dim light of the dungeon.

"Aahh, lassie. I'd kill the man all over again seeing you now." Her skin was viciously striped from the whip Blackthorne favored, much of it concentrated on her breasts, thighs and bottom. "I'm so sorry. I know what you did. You were trying to force him to kill you so we could take the deal with Blackthorne. You were afraid we might not accept his bargain it if it left you in his hands." Thorburn started to apply the cream, being as gentle as he could.

"I knew you wouldn't want to. You're not that kind of man. It wouldn't make any difference who it was, you wouldn't want to leave them there. I couldn't do it to Ailene and Stuart. She's pregnant too, you know. I promised not to tell before, but we're all okay now, so I shall, though she should tell Stuart."

"Pregnant! When did you learn this?"

"While you and Stuart made the additional check on the tunnel. When you found me sleeping in her bed. We told each other. She asked me to look after Stuart if she died. Maybe he could love me if you didn't. I said I wouldn't. Too hard to remain close to you and unfair to Stuart if I didn't love him. After you left last night, we told Isobel too in case neither of us survived."

"I can't believe you both went into Blackthorne's hole with child. How bloody stupid!"

"Ailene made the point that if she were raped, she couldn't carry a bastard child. Already carrying one. It was the most likely thing might happen to her. Makes it a little less stupid than you think. How much worse would it be for her if they forced a child on her? Women have to think of things like that. It's what makes rape such a brutal weapon against women. You know I'm right. Blackthorne was crowing about forcing a child on her. It took that weapon out of his hands."

"Bloody hell, Ailene's devious!"

"Lucky for us."

Thorburn finished spreading the salve on her skin and helped her into the shift.

"Is it feeling any better?" Thorburn asked.

"Aye, quite a bit better. Perhaps you could hold me now. I wouldn't mind a kiss if you've a mind for one."

"Aye, a kiss for a brave lady. I'm honored."

They kissed and Teárlag pressed against him, testing the limits of her pain.

"Not too bad, sir. I still may not be able to sit on the horse, but I should be able to ride it in your arms."

They came out from behind the bushes and walked over to the others. Thorburn handed Lancaster his reins.

"Your Lordship, I'd appreciate if you would lead my horse. My hands will be otherwise occupied."

Thorburn climbed on and holding Teárlag's arms, lifted her up. She laid back in his arms and snuggled against his chest. "Let's go home, my Lord."

About halfway home, Thorburn said, "Ailene, don't you have something to tell Stuart?"

Ailene looked at Teárlag and Teárlag nodded and said, "I think it's time."

Stuart asked, "Time for what? What do you have to tell me?"

"Can there ever be a better time?" Teárlag said. "Blackthorne's gone. We're whole and together."

"I suppose you're right," Ailene said. "Stuart, you're going to be a father. Congratulations."

Stuart sat there in stunned silence. After about a minute, he said, "You volunteered for this mission while you were pregnant?"

"I'm sorry, but I admit I did."

He thought some more. "You're going back to the strapping room for this one."

"Aye, husband. As you wish. I suppose I deserve it, but not until my arm is healed and the bairn born. I want to be able to raise a proper fuss."

Another few minutes passed. "How far along are you?"

"I told you the Midsummer was awash with magic."