Page 76 of Keepers of the Highland Crown
Turning, she discovered Dagny wore a… grin? “Well done, lad, that is a wish granted.”
Her eyes darted between the two while Kameron paused on the threshold. “Kameron, shutter the doorway,” Nellaordered quickly. The use in his full name snapped him back into the moment. He nodded, kicked Sir James’s limp feet from the stoop, entered, then secured the door behind him. “Lady Dagny,” she explained, “forgive the intrusion. Time is pressing. Your elder brother had sent me to ensure you are safe before he arrives to place Sir James in irons for treason.”
“Holger.” Her eyes grew. “He is here?”
“Aye, he is and I am an…” What was she? Not a friend nor lover. “Acquaintance of your brother’s, Lady Fawnella MacHearin. We feared Sir James would try to take you as a hostage if surrounded. I did not realize he…”
“Had forced his way into my chamber being a full monstrous toad in embroidered surcoat?” Dagny finished, and Kam gave a low chuckle at the description. The Northern lady’s eyes fixated on the young smith immediately. “Who might you be? Certainly, more knight in honor than Sir Toad here.” Kam’s face fell at her wonder upon his station.
“Kameron, my lady, simply Kameron, nae title,” he mumbled.
“Lovely to make your acquaintance, Kameron.”
Nella’s stare moved about. They needed something to tie Sir Toad up with… Her body and heart froze at a voice which rang a fresh chronicle.
“This is the abbey where the Northern delegation’s final respite was planned to be before the treaty.” No! It couldn’t possibly be him! How had Sèidrich escaped MacHarris? She swallowed hard, or had the Highland’s chief and his men-at-arms perished in a battle with the gallowglass mercenaries?
Chapter 39
“Why not seek Sir James directly?” The same warrior’s voice she had heard at the provision’s buttery during their escape from Sgàrlaid Castle rebuffed Sèidrich.
“Discretion,” Sèidrich replied like the fingers of death caressed his tongue, “same as the purpose we held at a distance till this midnight moment. If the Lady Fawnella is present, she will now be asleep, so we may approach in secret and secure our plan for attack.” That had been earlier. Who knew having to rest after almost drowning would now save them.
“Lady Fawnella?” Kameron’s voice invaded the rustling through the trees she heard outside made by the newfound threat. Her eyes snapped toward the young lad’s.
“Sèidrich is here and nearly upon us,” Nella declared.
Kameron’s jaw gapped. “How?”
“I do not know, Kam. Alas, he is, and he prepares to strike.”
Lady Dagny stepped forward curiously. “Who is Sèidrich?”
“An enemy, my lady,” Kameron answered somberly.
Callum needed to be warned, but how? Her eyes settled on a cloak draped over the chair by the hearth. Embroidered with luminescent thread in most ornate fashion, full hood, and not hers; perfect!
“My lady.” Nella reached for the find. The wool same as butter in her grasp. “Please may I take this for but a moment?”
“For certain.” Lady Dagny nodded.
“Lady Fawnella.” Kameron’s brow grew wrinkled by worry. “Nae, Sir Callum would not take kindly to you venturing beyond while I remain. Nor do I.”
“Only to the front archway,” she assured, then promised, “I shall not step beyond this.” Kameron shifted his weight on his feet like the floor had grown flames. “Kam, ’tis the only way. You remain, bind Sir James’s wrists and ankles and gag him before he rouses. Then keep watch over Lady Dagny.” The young lad finally nodded solemnly. Throwing the cloak on her shoulders, she raced for the door. “Kam, barricade the door from the inside with the board here.” She slammed her palm on the oak.
“Aye, my lady.”
Her feet barely touched the rushes as she raced the passageway abandoned at the late hour. Leaning her skull, she heard Sèidrich order in the forested labyrinth beyond, “We shall place a full barrier about the abbey same as a castle’s curtain wall.” No! Her shoulders stiffened. Gracious, how many warriors were out there?
The provisions raider replied, “Sèidrich, there are only four of us.” Her shoulders lowered.
“There would have been none if we had not abandoned the others before Chief MacHarris ensued the slaughter. Perhaps you would care to join those already killed? I may arrange this directly.” That coward had left his men-at-arms to die.
“Nae, Sèidrich, we shall see to the placements.” The provisions raider gasped the reply like Sèidrich had raised a weapon at him threateningly.
“Make certain the crossbows are nocked soon as you are settled. I do not seek another mistake in their escape as at Sgàrlaid Castle. Whether they are inside with Sir James’s already in irons or yet to approach at dawn they shall be in our sights once they emerge. Slay Sir Callum and Lord Kolson first, then the others.” Her hands fisted at her sides. “However, leave Lady Fawnella. Our ultimate employer shall wish to speak with her.”
“What of Sir James if he is in irons?”
