Within the hour, the MacKay guardsmen arrived, carrying Alec on a litter. Eoin and Fiona met them in the courtyard. Fiona bent over him, hugging him gently. “Alec, I feared I’d never see ye again.”
“Fiona,” Alec whispered.
“God’s bones, Niven, ye should never have risked moving him.”
“Laird, when he found out ye still held Lady Fiona, I couldn’t stop him. I would have chanced taking him to Castle MacNicol, as it was a bit closer, but he would have none of it. I couldn’t even get him to stop and rest. When it became clear he was ready to collapse, he agreed to travel the rest of the way by litter.”
“If ye’ve harmed my sister, MacKay, I will kill ye.”
“Well, the least I can do is help ye get yer strength back first.”
“In yer dungeon, I imagine. What kind of outrageous ransom will ye ask for me?”
Fiona clucked her disapproval. “Alec, ye’re a guest here, not a prisoner, and no one is going to kill anyone. Stop this foolishness. Let’s get ye inside.”
They carried Alec through the great hall, up the stairs and helped him into bed. Tearsag, the healer, shooed everyone from the room except Fiona, who patently refused to leave his side, before inspecting his injuries. “I’m not sure how ye lived through the beating ye took lad. The lump on yer head would have done most men in.”
“She’s calling ye hard-headed, Alec, and after this stunt, I’m inclined to agree.”
“Aye, young man, ye should never have risked such a journey today. We will be very lucky if ye don’t take a fever. For now the best thing for ye is nourishment and rest. Lady MacKay, ye can stay with him for a bit, but if he doesn’t rest, I’ll ask ye to leave.”
“Lady MacKay? God’s teeth Fiona, what happened?”
“Calm down, young man. This is what I mean about not resting.”
“I’ll see that he sleeps soon, Tearsag, but he deserves some explanation and he isn’t likely to rest until he has it.”
“I’ll go fix a tray of food. Ye have until I come back, and ye’ll listen to me if ye want him hale and hearty again.”
“Thank ye, Tearsag.”
The healer left the room.
Eoin waited just outside the door. “Eoin, maybe it’s better if I talk with him first.”
He didn’t look pleased. “Fine. I’ll wait here.”
“Ye could go back down to the feast. I will join ye as soon as Alec is settled.” Seeing the stern look on his face, Fiona knew he wouldn’t be going anywhere.
“I’ll wait here.”
She smiled, shook her head at his stubbornness and gave him a quick kiss before closing the door.
Alec looked on from the bed. “Now, what happened?” As quickly as possible she told him about everything from the day of her capture onward. When she told him Bhaltair had not paid the ransom, but told Eoin to ask for it from Sutherland, he swore. “God’s blessed bones, Fiona. I feared this.”
“Alec please calm down. Tearsag will have my head. Why would Uncle Bhaltair have paid for his men and not me?” She couldn’t keep the hurt out of her voice.
“I think I know. When he sent the message about yer capture, he said he didn’t have the full ransom. Honestly, Fiona, MacKay demanded an exorbitant amount. Uncle Bhaltair was convinced that MacKay wouldn’t negotiate with him and feared for the lives of his men. I was bringing a large sum from Laird Munro to help pay the ransom when we were attacked by thieves. Maybe Uncle Bhaltair believed he had a better chance of keeping ye all alive by shifting responsibility to Sutherland. I don’t understand why Sutherland didn’t pay. What kind of bastard is he?”
“Alec, Eoin didn’t send a ransom demand to Sutherland.” She told him the rest of the story, including what she had done eight years ago to save Eoin.
“It was ye? Ah, pet, I’m sorry ye had to do that, but I am so proud that ye did. Da would have been proud too. Allowing Eoin to die like that would have been disgraceful. So he realized he owed ye his life. Why didn’t he set ye free then?”
“He did. Sort of. But he couldn’t very well just send me back with no explanation, and Uncle Bhaltair will be furious with me if he ever finds out what I did. Besides, I didn’t want to marry Bram Sutherland. Ye said ye’d find a husband who would let me stay at Castle MacNicol.”
“Aye, but Fiona, Sutherland—that would have been a powerful alliance.”
“If my marriage to Bram Sutherland was so very important to the clan, Uncle Bhaltair shouldn’t have abandoned me,” she snapped.
“Ah, lass, I’m sorry. Ye’re right.”
“Alec, Eoin loves me and I love him with all my heart. Now that we have found ye alive, I am perfectly happy. Please be happy for me.”
“I am, Fiona. I know what it is like to marry for love. Laird Munro was ready to slice off my cods when he learned that Lorna and I had fallen in love. Frankly, I think he had hoped to marry her to one of the Sutherlands.”
“Ye’re happy too, then?”
“Extremely. I do need to send word to Uncle Bhaltair and Laird Munro that I am alive. I’m sure Lorna is distraught. We were making plans to come to Castle MacNicol even before I received the news of yer capture. I left early to bring the funds for the ransom.”
“Alec, I’m so sorry. Are Lorna and the baby well? What did ye name the wee lass?”
“They were both well when I left. She was christened Marjean. Ye will have to come for a visit soon.”
“Ye aren’t angry with me, then?”
“I’m too tired to be angry, but no, pet, I’m glad ye’ve found love.”
There was a knock at the door and Tearsag entered with a tray of food, followed by Eoin.
Fiona smiled at his impatience.
Alec tried to sit up. “Laird MacKay, I—damn.” He lowered himself back onto the pillows. “Just swear ye’ll always love and protect my sister and we’ll figure out the rest later.”
Eoin put his arm around Fiona and kissed her temple. “I so swear, Laird MacNicol. Eat and get some rest now.”
Fifteen
At Fiona’s request, the next morning Eoin announced that the third day of feasting would be postponed for a few days, until Laird MacNicol was fit enough to join them. In addition to the marriage, they would be celebrating forging a new alliance with Clan MacNicol. Eoin also sent a small contingent of warriors to Castle MacNicol under a white flag, with a message that Alec had been found injured and was a guest at Naomh-dùn while he recuperated.
Just after midday, the men returned.
“Laird, before we reached the southern tip of Loch Islich we saw an army amassing. We spotted the MacNicol and Sutherland banners. It appears that Bhaltair MacNicol and Laird Sutherland are leading troops against us.”
“It seems Bhaltair has changed his mind about leaving his niece in my hands. Well, when they learn that Alec is safe and Fiona is happily married, we should be able to prevent all-out war. Make certain all of the villagers who live outside the walls are brought in, and secure the gates. I don’t expect a siege, at least not a long one, but I want them safe until this is sorted out.” He glanced at Fiona, whose face had turned ashen. He took her hand, “Please don’t worry, love. I’m sure this will be resolved quickly.”
“I hope ye’re right. They don’t know about Alec yet. I’m sure that will make my uncle happy. I’m just worried about why Sutherland has joined him. Ye’re certain about the betrothal contract being void?”
“I am certain. Father Tomas was very clear about the issue. He would not have performed the wedding if he thought ye were bound by that contract.”
“But what if he is wrong? They couldn’t take me away from ye, could they?”
He put his arms around her. “I will never let that happen. We are legally wed and our marriage has been consummated.” He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Several glorious times.”
She smiled and blushed. “Aye it has. I just want to be sure. I couldn’t bear to lose ye.”
“Ye won’t, my love.”
Her b
row furrowed. “Fiona, love, please don’t let this upset ye so. I will invite the leaders in, we will talk, and they will see that both ye and Alec are well. As much as I hate the idea, we will invite yer uncle to stay here, if he wishes, until Alec is well enough to return to Castle MacNicol with him.”
“I’m sure when my uncle realizes Alec is alive and being well cared-for he will stand down, but I am still worried about Laird Sutherland.”
Although he wouldn’t admit it, Laird Sutherland’s presence concerned Eoin as well. However, he did not want to borrow trouble. They would find out soon enough why Sutherland was with Bhaltair, but he didn’t want Fiona to worry until then. “It is probably just a show of strength. I am going out now to oversee our security measures. Can ye see to things in here? Tell yer brother what is happening. Help keep people calm—assure them that there won’t be a siege. And by all that’s holy, keep my sister out of trouble.”
Fiona laughed. “Aye, I think I can manage that.”
Even with the short notice, Eoin was able to secure Naomh-dùn and his people. Though he told Fiona there wouldn’t be a siege, any Highland laird with a modicum of sense was always prepared to withstand one, and he was no different. With his people secured, the gates closed and his men-at-arms lining the walls, he waited for the approaching army.
When they were within hailing distance, Bhaltair called to him. “Laird MacKay, ye hold my niece and I have reason to believe ye had my nephew killed. If ye don’t release Fiona immediately, I will raze Naomh-dùn.”
“Bhaltair, ye had the opportunity to pay her ransom and ye chose not to. Furthermore Alec is not dead. My men found him injured but very much alive two days ago.”
“First ye try to have him murdered and now ye hold him hostage?”
“I have no idea what ye’re talking about, Bhaltair. Laird MacNicol is recovering from injuries received at the hands of outlaws, and he is not a hostage. As my wife’s brother, he is an honored guest.”
“Yer wife? Bloody hell MacKay, what have ye done to my niece?” Bhaltair roared.
“I married her, with her full consent.”
Laird Sutherland rode forward, “Ye may think ye married her, but the marriage is not valid. She was legally betrothed to my son and not free to marry.”
“That, Laird Sutherland, is debatable, but we will get nowhere shouting at each other. I will allow both of ye, with a small escort, to enter my gates and we can discuss this civilly. Ye have my word that no harm shall come to ye.”
The two leaders appeared to have a heated discussion for a few moments, but finally Laird Sutherland responded. “We accept yer offer.”
“Good. Then ye may each select three of yer men and approach the gates.”
Several minutes later, Eoin met both leaders in his courtyard with Marcas, Aiden and Tasgall at his back, but MacKay guardsmen lined the courtyard. Two guardsmen and his son Bram, who glared at Eoin with unmasked hatred accompanied Sutherland. Bhaltair was accompanied by three guardsmen, two of whom had been among Fiona’s escort. .Eoin offered his right hand to Laird Sutherland, who accepted it with a grim expression. Bhaltair seemed less willing to accept the symbol of peace until Laird Sutherland growled, “Bhaltair, let’s get this over with.”
“Please join me in the hall.”
Bhaltair shook his head. “That won’t be necessary. If my nephew is truly not being held against his will, bring him out.”
“Bhaltair, Laird MacNicol was badly injured. Although he is recovering, his is still very weak and it is better that he not be over-stressed. Ye can speak with him in his chamber, or if he feels able, I will have him brought to the great hall.”
“Ye’re a thieving dog, MacKay. The ransom ye wanted was ridiculously high. Alec would never have been injured in the first place if he hadn’t been trying to bring funds to pay it.”
“Are we going to start slinging epithets, Bhaltair? Because I have a few for ye as well, but that seems counter-productive at the moment.”
Laird Sutherland put a hand on Bhaltair’s arm. “Bhaltair, rein in yer foul temper. We’ll discuss this inside.”
Eoin led them into the hall, giving a nod to a guardsman who climbed the stairs to the upper levels. Eoin offered them seats at his table and called for ale to be served. When everyone had a full tankard, Bhaltair took a long pull from his before slamming it on the table. “Enough, MacKay. The niceties have been observed. Where is my nephew?”
“Here, uncle.” Alec entered the hall, assisted by the guardsman Eoin had sent, and Fiona.
Bhaltair paled at the sight of them and, rising from his chair, rushed to Alec’s side, taking the guardsman’s place. “Alec, lad, don’t over-tax yerself. Here, sit.”
They helped Alec into a chair at the table and Bhaltair turned to Fiona, opening his arms to her for an embrace.
She stepped away.
“Fiona, lass, ye wound me.”
“Ye think that is less painful than what ye did to me?” She circled him to take the seat at Eoin’s side.
“Fiona, ye don’t understand.”
“I understand perfectly well. Ye refused to pay my ransom. Ye deserted me.”
“Fiona, the amount he asked—it was outrageous.”
“Clearly more than I was worth to ye.”
“Ye aren’t being fair, lass. I didn’t have it. He asked as much for ye as all eight of my men combined.”
Fiona glanced at Eoin; clearly this surprised her. He grasped her hand. “But ye paid that without question, Bhaltair, and they were freed.”
“Uncle, when I didn’t arrive with funds, why didn’t ye make an attempt at negotiation?”
“I didn’t see any hope in negotiating. The amount he asked was unreasonable. He was clearly seeking revenge.”
“If ye believed that, why did ye leave Fiona in his hands, instead of yer men? By all that’s holy, she could have been killed.”
“Why are ye attacking me? MacKay is the villain here. Besides, I told him to ask Sutherland to pay her ransom. I was hoping to buy time and raise the money. I thought as long as he believed there was a possibility of receiving the ransom, he wouldn’t harm her. If I had ransomed her and left my men, he would have killed them. He hates me.”
Alec looked disgusted. “He has good reason to.”
Eoin shook his head. “I don’t believe ye. Ye tell a very nice story now, but ye didn’t even try to negotiate. Ye made no indication to me that ye were attempting to raise the money.”
“I told ye to ask Sutherland, but ye didn’t!” Bhaltair roared.
“Fiona was yer responsibility. I was under no obligation to seek compensation from anyone else.”
“She is betrothed to my son, MacKay. I would have paid, had ye asked. I am here now, prepared to pay the ransom.”
“Ye’re too late. Fiona is my wife.”
Bhaltair was apoplectic with rage. “This was yer intention all along. This is yer revenge. Ye’re just like yer father.”
Eanraig Sutherland remained collected. “Calm down Bhaltair. Flying into a rage will not resolve this. Facts are facts, MacKay. There was a betrothal in place, so yer marriage is invalid, because Fiona was not free to marry ye.”
Fiona squeezed Eoin’s hand. This is what she had feared, and he knew she was terrified. “Laird Sutherland, yer contract was with Bhaltair MacNicol. He relinquished all rights to his authority over Fiona when he refused to pay her ransom. Therefore, according to my priest, she was no longer bound by that contract.”
“That would be true if Bhaltair had relinquished his rights to her, but I don’t believe he did. By telling ye to seek the ransom from me, he was, in effect, granting me authority over her. She would only be free of the contract if I had refused to pay the ransom, but I am here today, prepared to pay it.”
Could this be true? Panic began to rise within Eoin. He couldn’t let Fiona see that he was worried. He wouldn’t lose her. “Ye’re too late. The banns were posted on the Feast of Saint David. We wed two days ago in the eyes of G
od and our marriage has been consummated.”
“Posting the banns for one week is hardly customary but that doesn’t really matter. Ye cannot skirt a valid betrothal contract simply by posting banns.”
“Eanraig is right. Consummated or not, with a contract in place yer vows mean nothing. Ye aren’t married and it isn’t necessary even to seek an annulment.” Bhaltair appeared almost gleeful.
Alec was shocked by his uncle’s behavior. He banged his fist on the table. “Uncle, stop this. Fiona is happy. Laird Sutherland, I apologize. I know the alliance between our clans was important and I hope we can seek to solidify it in another way—maybe with a betrothal between my cousin Kara and yer youngest son, Boyd. Having said that, peace between the MacKays and the MacNicols is equally desirable. Perhaps it didn’t come about in the usual way, but I have received nothing but kindness from the MacKays and I am prepared to treat with them.”
“Kindness? Kindness?” Bhaltair blustered. “I was loath to tell ye this until I had ye safely out of their clutches, but it was Laird MacKay who arranged to have ye killed in the first place. Clearly, failing to do that, he sent men to ensure ye remained in his control.”
The room burst into shocked and angry exclamations. Eoin jumped to his feet. “That is the second time ye have made that outrageous statement today and it is a lie. I played no hand in the attack on Alec. I didn’t even know about it until the guardsman who delivered the ransom told Fiona he was missing.”
Bhaltair too was on his feet. “Then why did ye send men to find him?”
“Because Fiona was distraught. I wanted to give her something, to return her kindness. Ye broke her heart by abandoning her, ye bastard.”
“Don’t lay this at my feet. She was yer prisoner. Padraig told me how she begged to come home. I know her, MacKay. All it takes is a locked door to send her into a blind panic. She will comply with anything to avoid it.”
“How do ye know that, uncle?” Alec asked through gritted teeth.
“Because someone had to bring yer wild sister to heel! Don’t turn this on me. I have held the clan together for ye for years. The fact remains, I sent men searching for ye as well, and lucky that I did. They found the scoundrels responsible for attacking ye and dispatched all but their leader to hell. I spared him because he is the only one who can prove MacKay hired him.”
Highland Revenge (Fated Hearts Book 1) Page 9
