Page 4 of A Flawed Scotsman

The lad’s eyes widened. “Are ye wishing to die before ye arrive?”

Ruari went into the corral. Immediately, the horse turned to watch him approach, its ears flat. “How about going for a trip with me? I’ll leave the choice up to ye.”

The horse didn’t move, its eyes following Ruari’s progress. When he reached for the strap, the animal moved backward. Ruari took his time speaking to the horse while attempting to keep the skittish animal from reacting too strongly. He’d been working with the beast for several weeks and although the horse was headstrong, it was very intelligent. Ruari had no doubt he could master the animal. However, with only three days, he’d have to work fast to gain the animal’s full trust.

Leading the hesitant beast to the opposite side of the corral, he motioned to the lad to place a saddle over the fence. Once that was done, he turned to the horse. “Last time did not go well. Shall we try again?”

The horse remained still as he saddled it. Ruari ran his hand down the animal’s nose and spoke to it. “No need to be angry friend. I will never mistreat ye.”

It was another long while before Ruari could mount the horse and the sun was setting by the time he dismounted and brushed the animal down. Although they’d remained in the corral the entire time, he felt confident in taking the horse out for a ride the next morning.

Ruari had missed last meal, which he didn’t mind. Most days when the weather was warm, he retrieved food from the kitchens and ate there or outside in the garden.

Moira, the head cook, waved him to sit upon entering the kitchen. “I saved ye some lamb. People were asking for more, but I insisted there was none.” She placed a tureen in front of him. The aroma of herbs made his stomach lurch with anticipation and he took a deep inhale.

“Ye are the best cook in the land,” Ruari pronounced and tore a big hunk from the bread on the table. Ian, Moira’s son, and his wife, Ceilidh, entered and joined him at the table.

The tall, blond man remained in the clan’s guard force even after losing an arm in battle. Having known each other since they were lads, Ruari and Ian were as close as family.

“I hear ye may have to get married,” Ceilidh said with a wide smile. “Can ye imagine it? How delightful.”

He and Ian exchanged confused looks. Ruari chewed his food and swallowed. “Why would ye think it would be delightful to marry a woman I’ve never met?”

“Because it is the only way ye will wed. Too set in yer ways, ye are.” The pretty woman motioned around the kitchen. “Have ye even noticed how pretty some of the lasses in here are?”

There were giggles from the cooks and Moira chuckled. “Aye, I do believe Ruari has noticed at least one of them.”

This time, there were gasps and Ruari rolled his eyes. “I do not have a problem with marrying nor with doing my duty to the clan.”

“However?” Ceilidh asked. “Ye have something to add I am sure.”

“Aye. However, I will not marry when it does nothing to help our clan. The Fraser only looks to what will benefit them. Our clan is large and strong. We have no need of them as an ally.”

Ceilidh huffed. Moira shook her head.

“What?” Ruari asked no one in particular.

“Listen,” Moira said, tapping him on the shoulder. “The stronger a clan, the larger the responsibility to help others. It is honorable of a laird to ask for an alliance when he fears for his people.”

Ruari frowned at the fact the woman had spoken a truth he’d not considered. “Ye are a wise woman.”

“I know,” Moira said and looked at her son. “I know everything.”

This time, it was Ian who rolled his eyes.

Ruari studied the older woman. She’d always guided him well. “So ye think I should marry then?”

“I think ye should follow yer heart, lad,” she replied with a warm smile and abruptly changed the subject. “I hear ye visited yer mother. How did it go?”

“Same as always. She does not wish to see me. Prefers not to be reminded of her past.”

Moira grunted in disapproval. “She is a fool then. Because ye are a good man. Someone she should be very proud of.”

“Thank ye.” Ruari stood and stretched. “I’d best find my bed. I have much to do tomorrow.”

Ian got to his feet and walked with him to the door. “After first meal, we will go out and visit the farms to the north. Hopefully, we’ll be done early enough for ye to spend time with that devil of a beast ye insist on riding.”

“Very well. I will ride him to do this. It will be a good test.”