Page 8 of A Flawed Scotsman

“I will show ye the way then,” the same guard said and dismounted.

“Oats and water would be appreciated,” he said to the lad who followed close by. The lad rushed away to prepare the items and Ruari guided the horse to the stables.

They went to an empty, small corral where he guided his horse into. Then, while oats and water were brought by the lads, he unsaddled the beast. At once, it began snorting in displeasure.

Ruari studied the beast and grunted. “I can hardly wait to ride into battle. I’m not sure if the enemy will kill me or ye,” he said in a flat tone.

The guard motioned to a water barrel. “Would ye like to wash up before going inside?”

“Aye, that would be good.”

It was just a few moments later that he entered the Fraser great room. It was empty except for one man who stood just inside the doorway.

“Thank ye for bringing my sister,” the man said, holding out a hand. “I am Keithen Fraser.”

Ruari shook the man’s hand. “I wasn’t aware of her identity. I brought her here because it was the closest place I knew.”

“Aye, she is my sister, Esme. We searched everywhere late into the night. I do not know how we did not find her.”

“She hid very well between a tree and a large rock and used branches to seal herself in. If it wasn’t for her calling out, I do not think I would have found her either.”

It was obvious the woman’s brother felt horrible about not finding his nearly dead sister by the angry expression on his face.

“How fares she?”

“I am not aware. Father wished for me to greet ye. He will come momentarily to speak to ye.”

They moved to a table where a platter of bread, cheese and fruit was brought for him, along with it a tankard of ale.

Ruari was hungry. So he ate, enjoying the warm bread with freshly churned butter. He washed his food down with the cool ale and studied his surroundings. The great room was much smaller than the one at Ross Keep. But it was clean and spacious. The tapestries on the walls provided color along with the Fraser coat of arms mounted behind the high board. As per usual, the hearth was large. In front of it, two hounds lay sleeping.

“Why was yer sister in the forest unescorted?” Ruari did his best to keep annoyance from his tone. “From what I know, yer clan is not safe at the moment.”

Keithen looked properly chastised. “She must have gone after that doe of hers. The animal should be freed, but she insists on keeping it until it reaches maturity. When it jumps over fences and escapes, she goes after it without regard for her own safety.”

Although it was understandable that a person could care for an animal, Ruari wondered at the lack of security. He decided not to bring up the fact that their guardsmen didn’t challenge him, a total stranger, upon his arrival. The same guards should have caught sight of the laird’s daughter leaving the keep.

Instead, he stuffed cheese into his mouth to keep from speaking.

Just then, a slender, gray-bearded man entered the room. His worried eyes met Ruari’s. “Thank ye for bringing my daughter.”

Ruari stood to greet the laird. “How fares she?”

“The healer hopes she will live. She remains unconscious. The removal of the arrow was quite painful.”

As much as he wanted to ask how it had been done, it wasn’t his place. Instead, he focused on the laird. “She seems to have a strong will. I will venture to say it can be enough to help her recover.”

The laird chuckled. “Aye. In that, ye are right. Esme can be quite willful.” He looked to Keithen. “Call for the guardsmen to form at once. We must make changes.”

As his son departed, the laird lowered to a seat opposite Ruari. “Unfortunately, this is partly my fault. We grow weary of the threat to our clan. I am afraid my belief that there is little we can do has bled to my men.”

His keen gaze met Ruari’s. “I hope ye bring hopeful news.”

Ruari wasn’t sure how to reply. In truth, Malcolm had left the decision up to him. He had the pretext of purchasing horses. But now, he wondered if the woman he’d save would be the one offered in marriage.

“I do bring a message from my cousin, Laird Ross. Ye have our clan’s support in whatever is needed.”

The laird nodded. “I need a strong alliance. Without it, more of what happened to my daughter will continue.”