Better it were that you came to bide in our
castle -- you and Aasta. This is no place for a dog to live in in frosty
weather. Where is Aasta? 'Twas her I came to see, for I hear that she
has news from Gigha."
"News indeed, Earl Kenric. But not alone from Gigha. Roderic is even in
Bute."
"In Bute! When came he?"
"Even this morning he was here in this cave. And he has come hither to
do you injury, my lord."
"Doubtless; for when came he to Bute with other intent? Where can I find
him?"
"That will I soon tell," said Elspeth, "and glad I am that so little
time has been lost. You will find him, my lord, at midnight on the
Garroch Head. Take with you your sword of Somerled, and meeting him,
send him speedily to his deserved death. You will not fail. If what I
hear of your increased prowess with your weapon be true, assuredly you
are now a match even for Roderic MacAlpin."
"What takes him to Garroch at that dread hour?"
"It is that he expects to meet Aasta."
"Aasta?"
"Even so, my lord."
"And wherefore should Roderic have aught to do with the maid?"
"You well may ask," said Elspeth, "and it is not willingly that I would
have them meet. But 'twas the only plan I could devise for getting him
from my presence and bringing him to a place where you, my lord, may
encounter him. As to Aasta, of her and of Roderic I have something
strange to tell.
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