Highlander's Wicked Gamel (Wicked Highlanders Book 1)

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Highlander's Wicked Gamel (Wicked Highlanders Book 1) Page 23

by Fiona Faris


  “What’ the plan, lad?” Ian asked, anticipation for the violence to come glinting in his eyes.

  “We must proceed with great caution,” Duncan warned. “The only reason he left me alive was tae leverage my life for Marra’s compliance. He has threatened tae take her life if he sees even a hint o’ a rescue attempt. I hate tae think it, but I saw the truth o’ his words in his eyes. He will kill her if pressed.”

  “So we cannae go bargin’ in then.” Ian nodded his head in understanding.

  “There is another thing we must consider,” Duncan informed him.

  “Oh, aye?” Ian inquired with a raised brow.

  “There are spies among us, and it is unlikely tae be one o’ my men spyin’ for a MacDonald laird.”

  “It is one o’ ours,” Ian growled, walking over to the window and surveying the village below. “But who?”

  “I dinnae ken. No’ that long ago I would have thought it tae be ye.”

  “Aye, I can see how that would be so, but my loyalty is tae Jura, always Jura, and Alexander MacDonald is no’ the answer. I had my doubts about Marra at first, but she has done the right thing for our people. My loyalty lies with her as the lady o’ our clan.”

  “Aye, I ken that now.” Duncan nodded thoughtfully.

  “Have there been any complaints among yer people o’ late?”

  “No’ after ye were willin’ tae fight yer own tae protect ours. Ye proved yerself a loyal friend and ally. For that ye have our respect and friendship.”

  “There is somethin’ else that Alexander said that I must ask ye about for the safety o’ my people, but it cannae leave this room.”

  “Aye?” Ian moved closer to where Duncan sat warming himself in front of the fire and took the seat across from him.

  “Are ye aware o’ the reason for the feud between my faither and Angus MacDonald?”

  “Aye, ye Campbells were responsible for diminishin’ our power in the isles. He ne’er forgave yer clan for that. I believe he was also in love with yer maither if I am no’ mistaken, and she chose yer faither o’er Angus.”

  “Aye, both o’ those things are true. Anythin’ else?”

  “Is that no’ enough?”

  “I used tae think so, now I ken differently.”

  “Oh?”

  “Do ye swear on the holy cross that ye will nae tell another soul what I am about tae reveal tae ye?”

  “Does Marra ken what ye are about tae tell me?”

  “Aye, she does.”

  “Then, aye, ye have my word.”

  “I am no’ a Campbell.”

  “What? O’ course ye are man! Ye live on Campbell lands. Ye live in yer grandfaither’s and yer faither’s castle as their heir do ye no’?”

  “Aye, but I am no’ a Campbell.”

  “Was yer maither unfaithful lad? Are ye tellin’ me that Angus MacDonald was yer faither?”

  “Och, nae!” The sheer idea turned Duncan’s stomach. “I am a MacGregor, as my faither and maither were afore me.”

  “A MacGregor!?” Ian nearly roared but caught himself in time and lowered his voice.

  “Aye, ‘twas my grandmaither who was the Campbell. When King James outlawed the MacGregor name, ‘twas her people who took us in as my faither was the only livin’ heir.”

  “Were ye no’ allowed restoration o’ the name in 1660?” Ian asked.

  “Aye, but there are still many who would see us all slaughtered in our beds. Were our surname to be known and Lachlan’s actions tae come tae light, we would all be hunted tae the ends o’ the earth. Scottish memories are long and brutal when it comes tae such matters, as ye well ken. Many MacGregors have chosen tae remain hidden tae protect themselves.”

  “Aye,” Ian nodded solemnly. “I can see how they would.”

  “Alexander has threatened to bring our family secret and Lachlan’s treachery tae the attention o’ the king.”

  “I see,” Ian shook his head. “That is no’ good for any o’ us.”

  “Nae, it is no’.”

  “How does Alexander ken it?”

  “Angus MacDonald discovered it at the Battle of Dunkeld when my faither was injured and delirious with fever. He only kept the secret out of a love for my maither. Apparently now that she is dead, he nae longer felt the need tae do so and informed Alexander. They had planned tae attack and take our lands in an attempt to recover the glory o’ the Laird of the Isles once more.”

  “Those days are long gone.”

  “I would agree.”

  “So that is the true reason behind the feud?”

  “Aye, ‘twas born of distrust, resentment, and blackmail.”

  “Ye were ne’er a Campbell? The feud was for no’?”

  “Aye,” Duncan nodded his head in confirmation.

  “I have nae quarrel with the Clan MacGregor. I will keep yer secret, but I hope that someday ye will once again be able tae reclaim yer name.”

  “Lachlan had wished for us tae risk all and reclaim our name. He ne’er understood the lengths my faither went tae protect our people. The Campbells would have nae qualms about descending upon us like locusts were the truth e’er tae emerge. Those o’ us that survived would be homeless, beggars and mercenaries.”

  “Ye will always be welcome on the Isle o’ Jura, lad, but I dinnae ken what we would eat afore the harvest,” he chuckled, obviously thinking of his own somewhat homeless state. “So perhaps it would be best if we avoided the secret getting’ out for now.”

  “Aye, that would be best.” Duncan agreed smiling at Ian. “I thank ye, Ian, for yer friendship.”

  “Och, what’s a bit o’ comradery between former enemies, aye?” Ian leaned back in his chair and studied Duncan’s face. “So we need a plan?”

  “Aye, a verra good plan.”

  They sat for a moment in thought, staring into the flames. “I visited Skye when I was but a lad with my faither. ‘Twill no’ be easy tae defeat the laird in his own fortress.”

  “Nae, it will no’. I have ne’er been. If Ewen were here, he would be able tae tell us exactly what tae do tae approach the fortress. When he was there with Marra, he made many observations about the lay o’ the land, but he was nae allowed access tae the innermost parts o’ the castle.”

  “Nor was I when I was there. I was but a lowly lad. We will be goin’ in blind.”

  “Aye, it would appear that way unless we can discover the spy in our midst and force them tae aid us.”

  Ian nodded thoughtfully. “Now that I can help ye with. Let me talk tae my people and see if any o’ them are the culprit.”

  “Aye, but hurry. I fear we dinnae have much time.”

  “Ye love her verra much,” Ian observed.

  “Aye, I do. She is my wife.”

  “Yer wife?!” Ian looked at him in surprise.

  “Aye, we were handfast just moments afore she was taken.”

  Ian’s eyebrows shot up into his hair. “Was it consummated?” he asked.

  “Aye,” Duncan nodded. He grew even more angry as the sight of Alexander hauling Marra’s nearly naked form away flashed through his mind.

  Ian stood, then bowed gallantly. “My laird,” he murmured with respect, then stood tall. “I will deliver ye yer spy afore the day is out. Ye have my word.” He turned and left the room.

  Duncan sat for a time staring into the flames, allowing their heat to relax his taut muscles. He would need to be in fighting shape before he attempted a rescue against the laird of Skye. I am comin’ for ye, Marra. Dinnae lose hope, my bonnie, his soul whispered to hers across the water.

  * * *

  Marra stood in the middle of her prison and awaited Alexander’s return. She knew it was only a matter of time before he attempted to make good on his threat against her. He had been called away, but that was only temporary. She looked about her for something to stab him with. She no longer cared if his people killed her afterward, she was not going to become his whore to assuage his own vanity. She could not help but wonder if Ja
mes had any idea the man his father truly was. She knew that if James knew his father’s plans for her, he would have killed his father himself, but as it was it fell to Marra to do what was needed.

  The gall o’ the man threatenin’ tae expand his progeny in such a fashion. Does he think that James will just sit by and allow it all tae transpire? Does he believe that his son will think the bairn is his own after the illegal marriage is consummated? Marra was dumbfounded by the laird’s audacity. How could my faither tie me tae such a laird for a faither-in-law? Did he honestly believe that he was doin’ right by his only daughter? ‘Tis doubtful indeed. She hated to have such negative feelings for her deceased father, especially since he was no longer alive to defend himself, but after what Alexander had said to Duncan, she no longer felt that she knew her own father at all.

  Finding nothing in the room itself, she moved to examine the wood that burned in the fireplace, considering how she might turn one of the pieces into a weapon. She could just imagine the sharp end of a wooden stake entering his throat or belly. The idea pleased her far more than she was comfortable with. Unfortunately, she did not see a way to create such a weapon from the charred wood logs that burned before her. She did not have a knife or axe to cut and sharpen the wood with. She contemplated hitting him over the head with one of the logs, but she ran the risk of harming herself via the burning of her flesh far more than she would do him harm. ‘Twould be more likely tae bounce off o’ his hard head than it would be tae damage it.

  Sitting down upon the floor in dejected silence, she gave way to the tears. When she was done, she stood and studied the room once more. I will no’ give up ‘til I have defeated my enemies or lie dead in the tryin’. Her bloodshot eyes fell upon the chamber pot in the corner, and she contemplated what ability it might have to crack open a skull, or at the very least, dent one. She took a step toward it with the intent of picking it up and hiding behind the door with it when she heard the grinding sound of the bar lifting, and the door swung open.

  “I see that yer bath did no’ last long,” he referred to her soot covered state, gesturing toward the black stains on her skin and clothing from where she had pulled Duncan’s tartan from the flames. “Ye will simply have tae do it again. I have received word that James intends tae return tae Skye sooner than I instructed and will be arriving any time. I want ye tae be the epitome of feminine beauty and docility upon his arrival. Remember, ye are a willin’ and joyous young bride, eagerly awaitin’ her new husband.” He stuck his head back out into the hall and bellowed for the maids to return to cleanse her once more.

  “Ye are an auld fool if ye think that James will believe yer act for one moment.”

  “’Tis nae my act that he had better be believin’, lass,” he warned ominously. He stepped forward into the room and grabbed her by the hair. “Ye are mine tae do as I wish. Ne’er forget that.” His teeth were stained yellow and his breath smelled of rotten fish. He ran his gnarled finger down her neck, his filthy nail biting into the flesh.

  A maid cleared her throat from where she stood in the open doorway. “My laird?” she questioned as to whether to enter.

  “Aye,” Alexander answered, releasing his hold on her hair. “Remember,” he hissed into her face and then walked away, leaving the maids to their work once more.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  “Ye have a guest awaitin’ ye below stairs, my laird,” one of the kitchen maids announced as she brought him a plate of bannocks, meat, and a tankard of ale.

  Duncan turned his head toward her in concern. “Who?”

  “I believe he is of the Clan MacDonald, my laird. He is speakin’ with Ian MacDonald in the great hall.”

  Duncan nodded and arose from his chair. He moved slowly, but he was stronger then he had been when Ian had found him tied up on the ground. He descended the stairs to find James MacDonald standing and talking to Ian. “James Alexander MacDonald!” he roared in challenge as he crossed the space between them.

  “I swear tae ye that I did no’ ken what my faither was tae do. I just found out from Marra’s kinsmen here,” James gestured toward Ian. “I had come tae tell Marra o’ my faither’s agreement tae leave ye in peace and nae pursuit the matter further when Ian near ran me through with his blade.”

  Ian raised a brow. “I still might.”

  “Good man,” Duncan nodded at Ian.

  “Duncan ye ken that I would no’ do anythin’ tae harm Marra,” James half pleaded, half chastised.

  Duncan studied his distraught face and knew that he spoke the truth. “Aye, I ken it well enough.”

  “Do ye have a plan tae free her?” James asked.

  “That all depends on how far ye are willin’ tae go tae defy yer faither and aid us in our endeavor?”

  “What e’er it takes, I will do what needs tae be done, but I refuse tae slaughter my own people. They are blameless in my faither’s deception.”

  “I cannae promise that I will no’ kill yer faither, James. Ye should be aware o’ that afore we set out. If ye cannae bear the thought, ye are welcome tae remain here as my guest ‘til our return.”

  “Yer guest or yer prisoner?”

  “Ye may call it what ye like, but I cannae risk ye warnin’ yer faither o’ our comin’.”

  “I will help ye tae get Marra back, but I want nae part in yer schemes tae kill my faither. Nae matter the man he might be, he is still my faither.”

  “Fair enough,” Duncan nodded. “How can we enter the castle with the least amount of casualties?”

  The next hour was spent in planning, James drawing diagrams of the fortress’ defensive strengths and weaknesses. After prompting from James, Duncan swore never to use the information he was given in any way but to save Marra. “Ye cannae use this information tae attack my people at a later time, Duncan. Ye must swear it.”

  “I swear it,” Duncan agreed. “There has been enough bloodshed in recent days.”

  “Aye,” Ian nodded solemnly in agreement. “That there has.”

  The three men banned together to create as fail proof a plan as they could without involving anyone that could possibly be the spy. James was unaware of who it might be, but he accompanied Ian around the village to see if he recognized anyone as having recently visited Skye. When they returned from the village, Ian brought Liam and Robert MacDonald with him. “Look who has returned tae us from our highland clansmen,” he informed Duncan with a grin.

  “Ye have been gone a long time,” Duncan noted suspiciously.

  “Some chieftains took more persuadin’ than others.” Robert cracked his knuckles while Liam grinned, as if remembering something he found to be quite amusing.

  “It sounds as if ye have had a time o’ it since our departure,” Liam noted, looking Duncan up and down. “Ye are laird now?”

  “Aye,” Duncan nodded.

  “There was much talk upon our return about all that transpired in our absence. ‘Tis sorry I am for ye tae have suffered such a betrayal after all ye have done tae protect our people, but I have tae say, Duncan, that I am less than pleased tae hear o’ Marra bein’ captured again while under yer care.” Liam frowned, crossing his arms over his chest.

  “Aye,” Robert nodded. The brothers stood shoulder to shoulder, a solid wall of highland muscle. Their matching looks of disapproval would have been comical were it under different circumstances.

  “I am less than pleased myself, lads,” Duncan remarked, sighing. “But ‘tis glad I am that ye are here.” Deciding to trust Marra’s cousins, he laid out for them all that had transpired and their plan to get Marra back.

  “We ken who yer spy is,” Robert informed him as Liam nodded in affirmation.

  “Who?” Duncan demanded to know.

  “The emissary tae Skye. Ye remember, Ian, the one ye sent tae call for vengeance.”

  “That seems as if it were another lifetime ago,” Ian admitted.

  “Aye, that it does,” Duncan nodded in agreement.

  “Well, he is yer man
,” Robert confirmed. “Liam and I saw him creepin’ about the village this mornin’ when we rode in. We heard tales o’ him switchin’ loyalties all the way up north. Apparently, Alexander MacDonald likes tae boast o’ his conquests whether great or small.”

  “Would ye like for us tae bring ye the treacherous vermin responsible?” Liam offered, perhaps a bit too excitedly. The anticipation of the fight to come practically made his face glow with pleasure.

  “Aye, I would like tae get my hands on the weasel myself,” Robert agreed with his brother’s offer.

  Duncan looked from brother to brother and would have laughed if the situation were not so dire. “Aye, bring him tae me. Ian go with them and see that the man is brought back tae me alive. We need tae ken what all he has told the Laird o’ Skye.”

  “Aye, my laird,” Ian answered and turned to walk away.

  “My laird?” Liam and Robert questioned in unison as they followed Ian.

  “Aye, he and Marra were handfast the day she was taken,” Ian informed them as they walked out of the door.

  “Handfast? Ye and Marra?” James asked, a mixture of disappointment and resignation crossed his features.

  “Aye,” Duncan nodded, feeling only slightly bad for his competition.

  “Congratulations,” James nodded, extending his hand in truce. “The better man clearly won.”

  “No’ better, James, simply the right man for her. Ye will find yer lass and then all other lassies will be no’ but a dim memory.”

  “I hope ye are right,” James smiled. They shook hands and then turned to climb up onto the dais at the end of the hall. Sitting down at the high table, they awaited the spy in their midst.

  * * *

  Marra sat in the great hall next to Alexander MacDonald. He had returned to her prison after her second bath and dragged her down to dine at the laird’s table with him. He toyed with the knife in his hand as he watched her out of the corner of his eye. He is testin’ me afore James’ arrival. If I do anythin’ tae rebel against him, he will follow through on his threats tae me and tae Duncan. She sat in fear and pretended to be the laird’s guest as best as she could. She had not been given a knife to dine with and was forced to use her fingers. She had hoped to stash a knife in her sleeve, but Alexander had anticipated her every move thus far and had cut her off at every turn.

 

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