TWENTY-THREE
Rudolf rowed ashore under cover of darkness. Lewis snorted awake mid-snore as Lady Rhona leaped into the water to help Rudolf drag the boat beyond the waves.
"My lady..." Rudolf began.
"Shut it, Wolf," she snapped. "Your lady's not here. Lewis?"
"We check the houses. See if there's anyone left. Then I alert the tavern." Lewis smiled evilly.
The only lights in Uig were in the tavern, but Rudolf checked anyway. House after house was empty – people and their possessions gone. He met up with Lewis on the road to the beach. "No one left," Rudolf said.
"I found a few hiding, but they only came for supplies. They'll return to the caves tonight." Lewis squared his shoulders. "Are your men ready, do you think?"
Rudolf smiled. "Light the lamp, and you shall see."
Lewis unshu
