Page 35 of The Eagle

“I am walking out. I have nothing to say to ye.”

He shook his head. “I do care for Cait. If I were to remain here, there’s a definite chance I would court her.”

“Ugh.” Isobel took a couple of steps but stopped when Stuart blocked her once again.

“Can ye explain it to her?” he asked. “I need to do this. To take care of the people I am responsible for.”

The woman lifted her hands up. “Oh, no. I definitely will not. Ye hurt her and it is up to ye to explain yer quest for manly greatness and hope she forgives ye.”

When he looked down, Isobel dashed around him and left.

A few moments later, he trudged back through the great room to the kitchen. Greer and her group of cooks and maids hurried about working on meal preparation. The red-faced woman glanced up and looked at him with concern.

“How are ye faring?” She placed a warm hand to his forearm. “If ye go to the dining room, I will have someone bring ye something.”

Stuart shook his head. “I do not require anything. I seek Cait.”

Finella, Greer’s daughter, waved to the window. “She left in a cart. I believe she went home to rest.”

Leaving the kitchen, he headed outside to where the guards trained. Several stood in circles talking, others practiced. He spotted Gideon and a guard sparing while Artair sat on a stool and watched.

“I must speak to ye,” he said to his brother as he walked up. Though he made sure to keep enough distance to not get accidentally cut.

“About what?” Gideon called out and blocked a strike.

“He is trying to help ye, by distracting ye,” Artair called out laughing when Gideon jumped back and yelled out a curse.

Both men lowered their swords and waited for him to approach. “What is it?” Gideon asked wiping sweat from his face with the front of his tunic. “I am not in the mood to discuss duties. I am preparing to go to the south post. Or is it the north?” He looked up to the sky as if for an answer. “I forget.”

“South,” Artair said in a bored tone.

Stuart met their gazes. “I have decided to live on my lands and see about the people there. What I want to ask is who ye think would wish to go with me.”

The duo gaped at him as if not understanding.

“Is this permanent?” Gideon asked, his eyes widening. “Why now?

Artair studied him with confusion. “Where are yer lands?

“Northwest coast,” he said to Artair, before answering Gideon. “Aye, it is permanent.”

His brother and cousin exchanged looks. “Why?” Gideon repeated.

“Because I have to see about the people. They are in need and it is my duty to see to them.”

“I will go with ye,” Artair said without hesitation. “Ye cannot go alone.”

“What about yer father?” Stuart asked. “Is he still unwell?”

Artair frowned in thought. “I will speak to him; he is doing better.

“I plan to take some men with me. I can find servants and someone to farm the land from those that live there,” Stuart informed them.

Gideon frowned. “I could go with ye. My lands are almost empty and do not require much.”

“There are two fishing villages on yer lands,” Stuart replied. “When the time is right, ye need to start visiting more often.”

His brother shrugged. “I go every fortnight or so. The people there are self-reliant and they often come here to speak to Darach. No need for me to do much.”