Page 17 of A Fearless Rebel

A good fighter always familiarized himself with exits, vulnerable locations, and how many people were about.

Keithen knew that Ross Keep was much larger than his, which meant the Ross guards were probably used to nice accommodations.

Upon learning the number of new arrivals to come, his father had ordered that new structures be built that would rival any at larger homes. Each warrior would have a private space, comfortable bedding and a window.

A well was dug and set up in the center of two U-shaped compounds, along with tables, chairs and a firepit.

A part of him was excited to show them their accommodations, which they’d share with twenty Fraser guards.

Most of the Fraser guards lived either in the village or on farms when not on duty, which left only twenty to live in the keep. The Fraser men had been more than willing to move into the newer accommodations and were already settled.

Ewan Ross came forward, the familiar Ross hazel gaze meeting his directly. “We arrived a bit earlier than planned. The horses were anxious for the travel.” The corners of his lips lifted while he was speaking, giving the illusion of a friendly demeanor. Although the man was easy to get along with, Keithen had seen him in battle. Ewan Ross was not only deadly accurate with the bow and arrow, but a force when fighting hand-to-hand.

“Welcome,” Keithen replied, gripping the man’s hand. “We are grateful for yer laird’s support.”

Broden stood just to the side, his gaze flat. “Once the laird greets yer men, they will be fed.”

As if conjured, several men and women appeared with long wooden planks and began setting up tables just outside the kitchen. Lads rushed past with benches they’d pulled from beside the stables, all which had been built for the new larger guard.

With precision, everything was set up under the watchful eye of Eileen, the head cook. Moments later, six long tables had been placed where they would permanently remain. A covering would be added soon to provide protection during the colder months. The carpenters would probably be sent for later that day.

“Have yer men line up. I will inform my father of yer arrival,” Keithen told Ewan and walked to the front entrance.

Ewan Ross and whoever the other head guard was would be offered rooms inside. This meant he had to ensure to remind his mother the chambers needed to be prepared just off the servant quarters where Broden also had a room.

“There ye are,” his father said, appearing at the top of the stairs. “I wondered if ye were outside yet.”

“I came to seek ye,” Keithen said, stopping his father’s progress. “Father, we must discuss the future with the council. With a force like the Ross behind us, we should not have to join in marriage with the Mackenzie. Laird Ross may pull back his support if he learns of our intentions of an alliance with the bastard Mackenzie.”

Lines of weariness were apparent on Laird Fraser’s brow and tight lines formed around his mouth. “We will have to speak to the Ross prior to him receiving the news from elsewhere. I am not sure there is a way to avoid what has been set in motion.”

“There has to be a way…”

His father placed a hand on his shoulder. “Believe me when I say I understand how ye feel. I don’t wish to have an alliance with the Mackenzie any more than with the devil himself. But we must consider the fate of our people. Fifty new warriors seems like a great number, but not when we compare it the five hundred the Mackenzie can send to attack us if we cross him.”

Together, they went outside. Keithen at his father’s side, they welcomed and thanked the men for being there to support their people.

Keithen’s heart broke, knowing it was not easy for his father to admit they needed the support of another clan to keep their own people safe.

The new arrivals were then shown their accommodations. It made Keithen proud to see the expressions of surprise and admiration from the newcomers. Each man chose a room and placed their belongings inside. Once they were settled, they would be fed and then allowed to rest for the day.

The following day, assignments would be given. Training would begin so that the newly arrived force would become accustomed to and familiar with the Fraser guard.

Ewan and another lead guard were to be given rooms in the keep that were larger than the ones at the guard houses.

Moments later, Ewan joined Keithen, Broden and Laird Fraser in the great room. Ewan silently waited to be spoken to by the laird. Laird Fraser motioned for the men to sit and servants brought them a morning meal.

Already, villagers had begun arriving for whatever business they were to seek council from his father for, while at the same time hoping to be fed.

The cooks would be busy that morning, it seemed. Women had already been sent for from the village and, thankfully, there was plenty of food left from the night before to help serve the guards.

“I pray yer cousin, Laird Ross, fares well,” Laird Fraser said to Ewan.

Ewan nodded. “Quite well, aye. His second child was recently born. Another son, to be named Lachlan Alexander.”

“That is indeed good news,” Laird Fraser said.

Ewan produced several envelopes. “From yer daughter.”