The moon offered but meager wisps of light. “We have seen no one in a long while,” Cristina whispered. “Aye, but no doubt they have left guards hidden along the path. The question is, how many and how far down? However arrogant, the English are not fools.” “No,” she replied, her voice on edge, “though their methods are at times crude.” Fury trembled through him. She referred to her rape. “I would not err in underestimating the English, but neither will I or other rebels allow them to take a country that is ours.” “And how will you or the other Scots stop them? King Edward’s army is tremendous.” Sadness echoed in her words, revealing the exhaustion of a woman who had endured too much. “Tremendous mayhap,” Patrik agreed, “but an army without a heart.” “And what of the Welch archers and their infantry reinforcements? Many Scots, those who have not pledged fealty to King Edward, are poorly trained and fight out of sheer determination.” She shook her head.
