Page 13 of Lady and the Scot

In the distance, a horseman rode fast towards them. It was a messenger from the McNeil keep. The guard rode to them and bowed his head. "Laird. All is well at the keep. At the end of the evening meal, Robertson's men will be taken prisoner. They will be killed if they resist. There are another ten and twenty in the forest to the south. They head here."

"Send word to not kill those at the keep. We have learned most of the men do not have a choice in serving Robertson," the McNeil commanded. He looked to Aiden and then to the Campbell and Gordon lairds. "I believe the time is at hand. We must ride forth before the sun falls."

The battle did not last long. The men who fought for Robertson lay down their swords at seeing the sheer number of men they were against. Some were swords for hire and others from the lowlands.

Inside the McNeil's keep, Robertson was held by guards, his hands bound, in the center of the courtyard. The large man began yelling obscenities as soon as he and the McNeil arrived. "Release me at once. What is the meaning of this? A small laird like you cannot stand against my men. They will retaliate if you harm me. You have no reason to do this. I am your guest."

McNeil neared. "The men who attacked are from your lands. They confessed to it prior to meeting their death."

There was a gleam of hope in Robertson's eye. "Of course they would lay blame on me. Men will say anything to save their hides. I'm sure they were not my men, but spies who followed me here to kill me and any friend of mine. A result of a clash between clans." His bulging eyes went to each of their faces. "Now release me and my men and we will be on our way."

"I'm afraid that is not possible." Aiden neared and held up a missive with Robertson's seal upon it. "One of them kept this."

"To make it seem as if I am truly at fault. Don't you see?" The man began to pant, his face gleaming with sweat. He looked to McNeil. "You have known me for years. What would I have to gain from attacking you? If I wanted to do so, it would be easy. I have many men."

They pulled the man to the gates where he could see across the field. The hundreds of warriors remained on horseback and his eyes widened. His mouth fell open. "I didn't know you were so many," he finally said. When the Campbell neared atop his steed Robertson's legs buckled at the sight of the most powerful clans in the country.

Laird Campbell looked down on the hapless man. "Today you die. No one crosses a Campbell and no one kills my people. The McNeils, Gordons, and Stuarts are my people here."

Robertson's angry eyes bore into Aiden. "If you harm me, you declare war. The Robertson's are many."

"I find it doubtful anyone will miss you." Aiden drew his sword and slashed the man's throat. "To hell with ye, Robertson."

The man's mouth gaped, his eyes rounded and he flopped to the side.

"Well done," the Campbell pronounced. "I will leave Robertson's men to you to deal with. If they wish to return to their homes they may. Those who prefer to remain could perhaps be given land." He met Aiden's gaze. "Take the land between our keeps to the west until reaching the river's edge. I'm sure some of them will want to settle and start a new life. They will be under your lairdship."

Aiden's throat constricted at the Campbell's announcement. The growth of his holdings as well as settling of new families was a gift beyond price. He lowered to one knee. "I am forever in your debt."

The Campbell waived it away as if it were nothing. "You have served our region well for years. All of us have relied on knowing a warrior lived amongst us for protection."

He'd not realized how often indeed either the McNeil or the Campbell had asked favors of him and his small group of men in patrolling their lands. He'd chased off many would-be robbers and such, over the years. Never considered how much they depended on him for such. If anything, serving the powerful lairds had helped him keep from long days without anything to do. He and his men had indeed been busier than he'd realized.

He went to his horse. It was time to check on the men who traveled with Robertson. There were over forty of them. He wondered how many would choose to remain.

Chapter Seven

When Breena stretched upon awakening, she was glad not to be sore any longer. It had been four days since Robertson was killed. Although she'd been living at the McNeil's, soon she would have to decide what to do. They'd been kind and not asked her plans. No doubt assuming she'd return to her family as soon as able to travel. Breena had remained secluded in the chamber, not wanting to appear at dinner with a swollen and bruised face.

It would be rude to put off appearing at dinner any longer. Although the swelling was down, and the purpling on the sides of her face remained, her face was healed.

Ita left to return to her family, Breena had insisted she do so with two guardsmen who wished to return. Ita had asked to remain as her personal maid, and although she felt bad for the maid, Breena did not trust her any longer.

Breena had seen a gleam of something disturbing in Ita's eyes when the maid held the leather strap. Perhaps as Robertson had said, Ita was now used to the infliction of pain in a way that was not natural.

She'd given Ita a good amount of money to help her live until she found other employment. It was the least Breena could do for her. There was no telling how much Ita had suffered after so many years with Robertson.

She sighed not looking forward to the getting up. Once she faced Laird McNeil, she'd be forced to discuss her plans. At the moment, she hoped to regain her dowry funds and settle in Moriag. In truth the prospect of returning home was not an option. Her parents did not want her and she would not take a chance they'd marry her off yet again.

After a knock on the door a maid entered. "Lady McGalen, you have a visitor. He is downstairs in the study."

"Who is it?" Breena couldn't imagine anyone coming to speak to her.

"Laird Stuart."

"Assist me to dress, please."

Why would Aiden Stuart come and see her? Did they plan to punish her, thinking she was aware of Robertson's plans all along? She hurried to dress. The sooner she explained the situation the better.