Page 88 of Bound By Honor
“No, and your mother may favor it for that reason.” He glanced at Áine. “My brother, as Lord of the Isles, lives on Islay, the seat of the lordship. That isle is also close.”
“If Dunaverty is your favorite, I think we should live there,” said Brian.
Angus shared a smile with Áine. “I see your mother has raised a young diplomat.”
As the afternoon wore on, clouds began to gather. A sudden chill in the air had Angus suggesting they return to the castle. They were headed back when Conall, the captain of his brother’s crew, came running from the castle, breathless. “My lord, you are wanted on a most urgent matter.” Casting a glance at Áine and Brian, the captain added, “It might be best if you came alone.”
Angus could tell from the man’s demeanor the matter was serious. He turned to Áine. “I will join you when I know more of this.”
She nodded and took Brian’s hand. Angus hurried behind the captain into the great hall where Lord Cumee met him and quickly ushered him into a small chamber where a man stood with his back to the door.
As Angus and Lord Cumee entered, the man turned. Blood ran from his head, down the side of his face and onto his tunic. The dark red stain had dried, making it difficult to tell how many wounds he had but Angus recognized him as one of his brother’s personal guards. “What has happened?”
“My lord, we were ambushed while hunting. Some were cut down before they could draw their swords. Your brother, Lord Alexander—”
The guard’s speech failed him. He appeared near collapse.
“What of my brother!” demanded Angus.
Haltingly, the man tried again. “He…he is dead, my lord.”
“Dead? Alexander is dead?” Angus felt the blow to his gut as his body suddenly stiffened. Dazed, he tried to take in the words but his mind reeled. “No, it cannot be true. I was just with him this morning. Surely you speak of another.”
“’Tis my shame, my lord, that I could not save him.”
“I will not believe this until I see him for myself.”
“It was the MacDougalls, my lord, led by Alexander MacDougall. He was the one who killed your brother. I saw it happen but I was too far away to reach him before I was struck down.”
Trying to imagine the scene of death, rage swelled inside Angus. “Where did this happen?”
“South of Dunluce…in the woods east of the River Bann.” Angus knew the woods. He had been there before when on his way to rescue Brian O’Neill, the King of Tirowen, unaware he was dead.
Angus forced his mind to work. “Who else lives?”
“No one, my lord. ’Tis certain the MacDougalls thought me dead. When I awakened, I was surrounded by the bodies of my fellow guards.”
The man was swaying on his feet. Angus guided him to a chair and bade him sit. Turning to Lord Cumee, he said, “Can you ask your physician to tend his wounds?”
“Of course.” Opening the door O’Cahan summoned a servant to fetch the physician.
Angus’ fury boiled over. “The MacDougalls are in Ireland! Surely the devils did not follow us here. We saw no sign—”
“They did not know Lord Alexander was here,” said the wounded guard. “I heard one of them say how fortuitous it was they had come to see Domnall O’Neill on a matter of business at the very time The Macdonald was in Ulster.”
Lord Cumee put in, “Domnall’s mother is a MacDougall. He would harbor them.”
“They must have happened upon us and seized the opportunity for treachery,” said the wounded guard. In halting words, he stared straight ahead and added, “’Twas murder, not battle.”
With a heavy sigh, Angus dropped his head into his hands seeing his brother’s face as they had said goodbye that morning, the smile he would never see again. Had he but known it would be the last time they would grasp hands in friendship… “Oh, Alex.”
Angus felt Lord Cumee’s hand on his shoulder. “You can take my horses.”
Raising his head, seeing the O’Cahan lord through unshed tears, Angus said, “Aye, I must see my brother and find the bastard MacDougall. I will have justice; I will have my revenge. Tell Áine—”
“Do not worry. I will see to my daughter. Go and do as you must. My guard will ride with you.”
“Let me go, too,” said the wounded guard trying to rise.
