Forbidden Legacy by Diana Cosby Page B

the unknown. A churn of water hardly represented the threat of an attacking force. “Tell us what you know.”
    In brief, she informed them of how the strong ocean currents interacted with the narrow channel near the secret tunnel’s entry. “Due to the irregular depth of the bottom,” she explained, “the tide merges with the current, increasing the overall speed, which widens the area impacted by the strong flow.”
    Rónán studied the map, lifted his gaze to hers. “In essence, during high tide there is a limited time to sail in or out before the waterway becomes too dangerous to navigate?”
    â€œCorrect. If we are near shore when the churn of water strengthens, we will be trapped until the tide begins to ebb and the water recedes to the point where the current willna drag us into the whirlpool.” Katherine eyed each man. “Between the sheer cliffs and the hazardous currents, anyone plotting a siege on Avalon would believe this an impossible route, the reason the entry was made in this location.”
    Rónán sat back. “Wise planning.”
    â€œIndeed. And another caution,” Katherine continued. “During a strong spring tide, waves can build to the height of many a ship’s bow.”
    Unsettled murmurs rumbled around the room.
    â€œSo the best plan of action,” Thomas said, “is to sail near the entry during low tide.”
    â€œAye,” she replied.
    â€œHow many hours do we have before the current grows too dangerous with the onset of high tide?” Stephan asked.
    â€œA handful at most.”
    Stephan tapped his thumb against the hilt of his dagger as he mulled the possibilities. “To allow maximum time for the assault, we must anchor out and row to shore before low tide occurs. If for any reason we are forced to withdraw, we will have time to escape before the waters have grown too dangerous to navigate and leave us trapped and an easy target for the English.”
    Cailin glanced toward Stephan. “Before we make final plans, we must learn the local tide.”
    â€œI agree,” Stephan said. “’Twill delay us a day, mayhap two, but ’tis imperative to our success.”
    Thomas grunted. “If the English suspect our presence, the blasted Sassenach will barricade the inner entry.”
    â€œNay,” Katherine said. “They willna.”
    â€œHow can you be sure?” Stephan asked.
    Pride shone in her eyes. “Because they dinna know a secret tunnel or concealed chamber exists below Avalon.”
    â€œAn advantage.” Stephan leaned back in his chair. “When was the last time you used the tunnel?”
    â€œA fortnight ago. ’Tis how I escaped.”
    â€œEscaped?” Cailin asked as the other men’s brows rose in silent question.
    A tremble rippled across her skin. “Aye,” she whispered, her voice unsteady, “we are sailing to my home.” Face pale, she stood. “I believe ’tis all the information I have that you will find useful at this time. If you will excuse me.” With hurried steps she left. A soft thud echoed in the cabin as she closed the door in her wake.
    The men’s eyes focused on him.
    â€œAvalon Castle is Lady Katherine’s home?” Thomas asked with surprise.
    With a muttered curse, Stephan stared at the door, torn between going after her and staying. God’s blade, as if he didna understand the demons she faced, a torment he’d struggled against at the age of seven. Alone and without the Knights Templar taking him in, he would have ended up a beggar on the streets.
    Or died.
    But she’d had the good fortune of a king as her godparent. However much Robert Bruce cared for Katherine, his sympathy didna erase the horrors she’d witnessed. They had shared similar tragedies; mayhap his presence could offer her solace. Disgust swept through Stephan. As if she would ever accept comfort from him.
    Neither