“Not yet,” Aiden replied. “Listen, Davy, I’ve got an idea. I’ll be gone about a week.”
“Where are you going, Aiden?” Ranulf’s voice held a note of concerned warning.
“Tae visit Jamey first, and as far as anyone else is concerned, that’s where I’m staying.”
“Jamey? The outlaw’s son?”
Aiden led Narak out of the stall. “You know my opinion on that one,” he warned.
“You know what his father did!” Ranulf protested.
“I know what they said he did!” Aiden snapped. “You think Niall was the only one there that day? I saw what happened! Jamey’s father is not a murderer. But I couldn’t go against Niall and Father, not when they were already set against him. But I never gave up on Jamey.”
“Aiden, be careful. If anyone, especially Father, finds out about you visiting Jamey—”
“He’ll what? He can’nae do anything he hasn’t already done!” Aiden said harshly, and Ranulf flinched. “I’m sorry. After the second time I got caught visiting them and the Laird and I fought…I’ll just say that’s when I decided tae run away.”
“Aiden, I’m sorry,” Ranulf said.
“It’s not your fault,” Aiden said. “I need tae go. I’ll be back in a few days, I promise.” He mounted and left the fortress.
Cantering easily down the forest paths, he soon came to the clearing where Jamey lived. His friend came out of the low house at Aiden’s call.
“Aiden, what are you doing here?” Surprise and even a little concern showed in his face.
“Jamey, how many men went tae Clan Dyson?” Aiden asked abruptly.
“About two score. I saw them go myself. You’re not thinking about going after them, are you?”
“That’s exactly what my plan is. We need men, and they’re the closest. I want tae stay off the main road. What’s the quickest way there?”
“Aiden, if Adalwulf finds out, he’ll bring in a bigger army, destroy us, and take the Laird’s chair,” Jamey protested.
“All I’ve heard since I got back is ‘can’t’ and ‘too dangerous’ and I’m sick of it! And if Adalwulf thinks he can kill me, then he’s going tae get the fight of his life!” Aiden snarled.
Jamey finally relented and told Aiden which paths to take. He traveled quickly away, riding all day and well into the night before he stopped to rest Narak and sleep. He rose with the sun and continued his journey. When he knew he was close to the border of Clan Dyson’s lands, he stopped. If he was going to convince the men of Clan Canich to come back, then he had to look the part of a Laird’s son.
Drawing clothes raided from Will’s wardrobe from his bag, he donned a black shirt without a left sleeve to show his tattoos, and a blue tunic over which went the plated brigandine of the Clans. Finally, he drew out the blue plaid of the Clan, wrapping it around his shoulders and fastening it with a circular brooch bearing a wildcat head. Making sure his vambraces and weapons were securely in position, he again mounted and rode on.
His plan was rough, but he figured Clan Canich’s warriors would be in the main city of Lachlann. He would have to convince them to come back to Scodra. Once they had men on their side, it would be easier to bring the other Clanspeople back.
Lachlann was teeming with life as Aiden rode in. If possible, the town and wooden fortress were larger than Scodra. He caught glimpses of the blue plaid of Canich amongst the green of Clan Dyson. He halted Narak in the courtyard in front of the keep.
“Excuse me,” a man said to Aiden. He wore the blue plaid. “You’re from Clan Canich as well?”
“Yes, sir, I am,” Aiden replied.
The man’s gaze fell to the wildcat on Aiden’s bare arm. “You’re one of Laird Gòrdan’s sons!” he exclaimed.
“Aye, I’m Aiden.”
“I beg your pardon, my laird. My name is Eanraig.”
“Och, you don’t have tae call me laird.” Aiden smiled as he dismounted. “I’m no good with titles.”
Eanraig smiled. “Well then, Aiden, may I be of any service?”
“I was told some of the Clan was here. I thought I might stay for a few days.”
Eanraig nodded in understanding. “I’ll introduce you tae Laird Dandin then.”
A stable boy took Narak as Eanraig led Aiden to the keep.
“You’re the one who ran off?” Eanraig asked.
“Aye, that was me. I wanted tae get away and see what was beyond Braeton,” Aiden said.
“And did you?”
Aiden nodded. “Aye, this world’s a big place. I’ve seen a lot in the past few years.”
Eanraig greeted the guards at the doors as they passed. Inside, the hall was large and roomy. Light streaming in from multiple windows barely illuminated the tall ceilings. Stairs and hallways wound away from the great hall to the rest of the keep. To the left, wide stairs led to the upper floors and a balcony looked down over the main hall. At the end of the hall on the raised dais, sat Laird Dandin holding an audience. Eanraig and Aiden waited until they were signaled forward to speak to the Laird.
“Eanraig, what can I do for you?” Laird Dandin asked, rising. He was well built, a stag tattoo reared on a well-muscled arm, and on his forearm were two circles, one inside the other, encircling a D for Clan Dyson. Green plaid was carefully folded across his shoulders and around his neck hung a silver torc.
“A visitor you might like tae see, sir.” Eanraig gestured to Aiden.
Laird Dandin’s gaze fell to the exposed tattoo on Aiden’s arm and recognized him as Gòrdan’s son.
“You must be Aiden.” He descended the steps and extended a hand.
Aiden clasped it firmly. “Aye, sir. It’s been a few years.”
“Indeed it has. Though the scrawny, rebellious youth I last saw you as is long gone,” Laird Dandin said.
Aiden laughed. “Not completely, my Laird.”
“What brings you here, lad?”
“I’ve just returned tae Braeton and found Scodra under some…rather interesting circumstances,” Aiden said.
Understanding lit Dandin’s eyes, and he led Aiden away from the hall and to a private room.
“Ranulf came here too. I would have sent men, but we were in the middle of helping the Aredorians with the Calorin War,” Dandin said. “And now this Adalwulf threatens Durnian invasion if we send men. Forgive me for saying, but I think Laird Gòrdan would only see the Clans coming tae help now as an attack on him. There would be war in Braeton.”
“I understand.” Aiden hated it, but he could understand.
“So what are you really here for? I know you don’t want sanctuary.” Laird Dandin’s look urged him to be honest.
“I have no patience left,” Aiden said. “I’m going tae stop Adalwulf. But I can’nae do it on my own. We need the Clan back.”
Dandin sat at the table. “How is your father?”
“My father…” Aiden paused. “He is controlled by Adalwulf. He banished William and has almost disowned Ranulf and myself.”
“I didn’t know it was so bad,” Dandin said.
“My Laird, I’m not asking for your help. I just need tae know how many of Clan Canich are here.” Aiden leaned forward on the table.
“I’d say around forty,” Dandin said. “You’re going tae raise the Clan?”
“That is my intent, although it never should have come tae this.”
“The men here obey the command of a man named Artair. Convince him, and you’ll have your men,” Dandin said. “But I warn you, that will be no easy task. You are welcome here for as long as you need.”
“Thank you, sir,” Aiden replied gratefully, hoping he did not require the Laird’s hospitality for long.
* * *
At the evening meal, Aiden was seated at the main table. He had been placed beside a jovial man slightly older then himself. The man was shorter and heavier but bore a strong resemblance to Dandin. Aiden was not surprised when the Laird introduced the man as his brother Conan.
“So
you’re just visiting, then?” Conan asked with a wink, indicating he knew the real reason behind Aiden’s visit.
“That’s right.” Aiden grinned. It was impossible not to like Conan. As they ate, Aiden noticed Eanraig talking closely with another man.
Conan followed his gaze. “That’s Artair.”
Aiden studied the man carefully. He was well built and had a presence that commanded respect from Eanraig.
“What’s he like?” Aiden asked.
“Well, he’s a good leader, and his men respect and admire him. He can be hot-headed and stubborn at times, but what Braeton isn’t? Once you win him over tae a cause, he’ll stick by it tae death. It’ll take some doing though.”
“What of Eanraig?”
“He acts as the second-in-command.”
“Any suggestions?”
“Typical of Clan Canich! Rushing in headfirst without a plan,” Conan muttered into his ale mug.
“I have a plan!” Aiden protested.
“Sure you do,” Conan said. “I will say that if nothing else works, the Clans do have some very strict traditions concerning these things.”
“Typical of Clan Dyson, always talking around the subject,” Aiden replied.
Conan laughed. “Let me know if I can help in any way.”
* * *
The next morning Eanraig found Aiden.
“Are you here tae raise the Clan?” he asked boldly.
“Do you want tae know, or does Artair?” Aiden asked in return.
“I do, sir. What other reason does a Laird’s son have for being here?”
“Maybe I’ll answer if you tell me why it was you left in the first place.” Aiden crossed his arms.
“Adalwulf,” Eanraig replied. “Once Laird Gòrdan favored him, things got bad. True, William tried tae stop it, but after he was banished no one would say anything openly for fear of suffering the same fate. Before we knew it, rumors began spreading. Some said Ranulf would try and seize the torc, others that the other Clans would take over Canich. The warriors became divided. Any who opposed Adalwulf or Laird Gòrdan were forced tae leave and most of the others followed them. No one would follow Ranulf for fear of what would happen if he failed. That’s the truth.”
“I’m here tae find those men willing tae help me overthrow Adalwulf,” Aiden said in turn. “Are there any that would go with me?”
Eanraig studied him in silence for a long moment, and Aiden knew he was being measured. He didn’t know how else to convince the man. He knew he’d been to war and back, maybe more times than Artair and his followers had, but it had to be their decision in the end. He resisted the urge to shift impatiently. If this didn’t work, he didn’t know what else to do.
“You seem different from your brothers. Something tells me that you might succeed. I, for one, will go with you. There are a few others who would listen tae me,” Eanraig finally said.
“Thank you.” Aiden slowly released the breath he’d been holding.
As Eanraig left, Aiden went to visit Narak. The stallion had been placed in one of the best stalls and was resting after their quick journey. He noticed he had a new follower as he exited the stables. He paused to look at the huge, shaggy dog. Blue eyes peered intelligently back at him. Aiden reached out his hand and the dog allowed him to stroke its thick coat.
“You’re a pretty thing,” Aiden murmured. The dog solemnly proffered a paw.
Aiden smiled. “Where’d you come from, eh?”
“From the land of snows,” a voice replied. Aiden looked up to see a short, stocky man standing beside him. “Her name is Illyria.”
“Is she yours?” Aiden asked.
The man nodded as the dog looked up adoringly at him. “My name is Skive.”
Aiden introduced himself as well. “Have you been here long?”
“Two days,” Skive replied. “I will not stay much longer. I continue to journey north in search of a new home. But you are not of this Clan?”
Aiden shook his head and briefly explained the circumstances that had brought him there.
“I understand your need to fight this man. May the stars shine on your endeavor.” Skive made a curious bowing motion and left with Illyria.
“I see you’ve met Skive.” Laird Dandin joined Aiden.
“Yes, sir. He’s a bit different,” Aiden replied.
“He said he came from beyond the mountains of Gelion. He has an unusual quest.”
“Aye, but I think we both understand each other a bit,” Aiden said. “I have also searched for a new home.”
“Then maybe you will be able tae help each other somehow,” Dandin said. “Meanwhile, we go on a hunt today. Will you join us? I heard Captain Artair is coming.”
“Yes, sir, I will!” Aiden jumped at the chance. It would be a good time to study his likely opponent.
As they prepared to ride out, Eanraig approached Aiden with another man.
“My Laird Aiden, this is Artair.” Eanraig introduced his companion. Artair and Aiden sized each other up briefly.
“Sir.” Artair made a slight mocking bow. “Eanraig has informed me of your intentions.”
“And what have you tae say on the matter?” Aiden replied to the challenge in Artair’s voice.
“I have yet tae decide. However, this is not the place for this discussion. I will speak with you later.”
“Very well, tonight,” Aiden said, forcing an agreement from the captain. Artair led his horse away, but Eanraig lingered behind.
“Some of the younger lads want tae meet you. I doubt you’ll have any trouble convincing them.” He waved three men over.
“This is Douglas,” he introduced a man with red hair. “And Dillon and Blair, born exactly a year apart. That’s the only way you can tell them apart.”
The two brothers stepped forward to greet Aiden. They looked identical in almost every way except Blair was shorter.
“May we ride with you, my Laird?” Douglas asked.
“Only if you call me Aiden,” he replied.
“Sure, I think we can manage that,” Dillon said as they swung into the saddle. Hunting horns rang out and the party moved into the forest to the head of the hunting trails.
“Did you hear what we’re hunting today, lads?” Douglas asked.
“All I got was rumors,” Eanraig said.
“Bear,” Douglas said as excited grins spread over the faces of his companions.
The hounds began barking and straining at their leashes as they found the scent. The handlers released the dogs and they sprinted down the hunting runs deeper into the forest. The hunting party shouted and spurred their horses after the dogs. They soon came upon fresh tracks and followed them to a small river.
There the dogs lost the trail. The tracks entered the water but did not reappear on the other side. Men searched downstream to no avail. Aiden turned Narak upstream and found what they were looking for some distance away. He called the rest of the party over.
“Those are still wet.” He pointed to the scratches and gouges on the opposite bank under the bent and cracked branches of the low growing bushes. “The bear passed only a few minutes ago.”
“We’ll follow your lead then, since you found them,” Dandin said.
Aiden urged Narak into the river and onto the opposite bank. Dismounting, he began to follow the tracks. Dillon took hold of Narak, and Blair tossed Aiden a hunting spear. An echoing crack was the only warning he received before the bear plunged out of the bushes and barreled straight toward him.
He tumbled backward, jabbing out with the spear. It caught the bear in the leg as it swept past. Snarling in pain, it turned on him, swiping with its massive claws. He dodged away as two dogs came bounding in to attack. While the bear was distracted, Douglas ran to Aiden and helped him stand. The bear half turned toward them, but fell as it was pierced by two hunting spears.
“Aiden, are you all right?” Dandin asked in concern.
“Aye, my Laird. Just startled a bit, that’s all.” Ai
den mustered a shaky smile, drawing a few chuckles.
The hunting party arrived back at Lachlann just before the evening meal. Aiden took some good-natured joking from members of the hunt at the main table.
“Why, you could have been killed!” Dandin’s wife exclaimed.
“I was too busy rolling out of the way for that.” Aiden’s light reply prompted more laughter.
“It worked in our favor, for I’m sure if Aiden had stayed on his feet, we wouldn’t have gotten a chance at that bear,” Dandin said.
“That’s funny. I’ve never felt more like bait in my life,” Aiden said.
Talk slowly turned to other matters. Aiden listened with interest as the Laird and the men at the table began recounting previous battles, particularly those in the Calorin war.
As the meal ended, Eanraig approached him.
“Captain Artair will speak with you now,” he said quietly.
Aiden followed Eanraig up the stairs and into a large chamber where Artair and the other members of Clan Canich were gathered.
“I keep no secrets from my men, and this concerns them all,” Artair said.
“Fair enough,” Aiden agreed.
“Lads, this is Aiden, Laird Gòrdan’s third son, as most of you may remember,” Eanraig introduced him.
As visitor, Aiden had the right to speak first.
“I returned home not long ago tae find a stranger ruling in Scodra and her warriors gone. I won’t stand tae see Scodra trampled underfoot by Adalwulf so I have traveled here tae find some men willing tae fight back for our home.” He turned to face Artair. “I’m asking you, Captain, if you will help me?”
“I say no.” Artair crossed his arms over his broad chest. “We are only a few against many. We’d be cut down by a Durnian army. Why risk our lives for an impossible cause?”
“Once a few stand up, more will follow. I’ve seen it before.”
“Your brother was here before and promised us the same. How do I know that you can do what he could not?” Artair challenged.
“You don’t, but know that I never give up,” Aiden said.
“Brave words, but my answer is still no. I will not return tae a place where I have been insulted and degraded as a traitor.” Artair tilted his chin up in faint triumph as his men murmured in agreement.
The Wildcat of Braeton Page 7
