by B. J. Scott
“It all sounds too easy,” Logan cautioned. “We still have to get passed the guards.”
“If what Torren told me about their rounds is true, we’ll have nearly an hour to complete our task and get away before they circle around again. We will need to move swiftly and quietly, but I think it is a sound plan.”
“The entrance to the castle stores is right beside the door leading to the dungeon,” Arya blurted. The thought of the dismal place sent a shiver of repulsion slithering down her spine. She was forbidden to play anywhere near the cells, but once, out of curiosity, she disobeyed her grandfather and had to see it for herself. Not a place she wanted to visit again.” She closed her eyes and shuddered at the thought of the dark, dank abyss, the horrible smell of rotting flesh and human excrement was something she’d never forget. “We must make sure we use the correct door.”
Garrett nodded, then crouched beside some bushes outside the curtain wall. “We’ll wait here for Torren’s signal.”
But they did not stand idle for long. The parapet door opened a crack, and someone peered around it. “Garrett, are you here?” the man called out.
“Aye, Torren, but best you keep your voice low, or you’ll have the castle guards breathing down our necks.”
Torren opened the gate wider and waved his arm. “Hurry, time is wasting,” he whispered, then stepped back and out of view.
Garrett stood, then led his men and Arya through the postern gate.”
“Garrett, wait! It’s a trap,” someone shouted from behind. When Garrett glanced over his shoulder in the direction of the call, he spotted someone running toward them through the mist. But the warning came too late.
He grabbed Arya and shoved her behind him, then came face to face with a full garrison of Campbell warriors, armed and ready to do battle.
“They have us surrounded on all sides, and even from above.” Logan pointed to several men standing atop on the parapets.
“Torren, you traitorous bastard! I canna believe you betrayed us,” Garrett shouted.
“I am no longer a MacDougall and have sworn fealty to the Lord of Argyll. He paid me handsomely for the information,” Torren said, laughing.
“Spread out, men, and keep your head on a swivel,” Garrett shouted, not that his twenty companions stood a chance against fifty or more of the enemy. The thought of surrender crossed his mind, but he knew their opponents would show no quarter and would just as soon cut them down where they stood than take any prisoners. There was no choice but to fight.
“Arya, do your best to get out of here while we hold them off as long as we can,” Garrett ordered.
“They have the gate blocked, and I am not leaving you.” She drew her father’s sword. “My da groomed me for such an event and this is my chance to show the Campbell he may have taken MacEachan land, but he’ll never take our spirit.”
“You promised not to question my instructions.”
“I’m not defying you. They have the gate blocked and there is nowhere to run. So I am just doing what is necessary to save our necks.” She stepped aside, took a fighting stance, and readied her sword when challenged by two men running toward them with their weapons drawn. “This is not the time for me to turn into the helpless damsel in distress. Lord willing, I wish to live to see another day.”
Garrett nodded, then quickly disposed of the first warrior to arrive, while Arya ran the second one through.
“Even in battle we make a perfect pair.” Garrett yanked his blade from the fallen man’s chest, then wiped it clean.
“I canna discuss our relationship right now. If we get out of here in one piece, we’ll talk.” Arya retrieved her sword, just as another of the Campbell’s men headed in her direction.
Garrett could offer no assistance, while battling two attackers of his own. It was every man, or in her case, woman for themselves. With the Campbell men emerging from all sides, the odds often two or three against one, Arya somehow managed to hold her own. She tried to stay close to Garrett and Logan, but found it impossible to do so and not lose her head.
Focus, Arya, become one with your enemy. Anticipate his move before he even knows he is going to make it. Strike hard and fast. There is no time to second-guess yourself or your actions in a battle. Trust your gut and in the Almighty.
Her father’s words echoed in her head as if he were standing beside her. She sidestepped an attacker, then quickly spun around and delivered a debilitating blow to his back with her sword as he stumbled past her. A second warrior followed on his heels and this one she met full on, her blade sinking into his chest as he crumpled in agony before her.
She placed her foot on the shoulder of the fallen man and jerked her weapon free, just as another opponent rounded the corner of the castle and charged at her with a mace in one hand a claymore in the other. But he never reached her. One of her kinsmen stepped in the way, engaging the man in battle.
The sound of metal crashing against metal and the screams of wounded men resonated around her, but there was no time to think, only to react as she dodged one attack and then another. But it wasn’t long before she grew weary, the sword now feeling like it held the weight of an anvil. There were so many of them, and they were coming too fast. She spied the open gate and thought about running, but she knew she’d be cut down before getting a few yards. As the sun began to rise, she frantically searched for Garrett, but couldn’t locate him. Had he been slain? Was this the end?
She swallowed hard and stood her ground as yet another Campbell approached. With the castle wall behind her, there was no place to run. As the warrior charged in her direction, she raised her father’s sword above her head.
Show no fear.
“Look, they have women fighting their battles,” an enemy soldier shouted as he joined the first.
“They bleed red just like their men,” the first man replied.
She swallowed hard. If she remained focused, she’d be able to get one of them, but both would take a miracle. As they drew nearer, her chest tightened, beads of sweat dampened her brow, and her breath came in short, sharp pants. Her hands began to tremble, so she gripped the sword with both fists. But she’d not back down. “Lord, give me the strength to die a good death.”
Chapter 5
“Hand me the dirk, then hold him steady, Callum,” Logan shouted. “Seamus, grab his legs, and whatever you do, dinna let go.”
When Garrett heard his cousin’s voice, he struggled to open his eyes, but to no avail. Strong hands wrapped around his ankles like bands of iron. He couldn’t move his legs. The full weight of someone else’s body pressed on his right shoulder, pinning him to the ground. Then the hot metal touched his left arm, the nauseating stench of burnt flesh filling his nostrils, and he quickly found the strength of ten men.
Garrett cursed, then gritted his teeth against the excruciating pain. He bucked against the hands hobbling him, fought to break free. The person at his feet finally let go, just before Garrett hurled the bastard holding his right arm across the clearing as if he were a bairn’s rag doll.
“Calm down, Garrett. It’s over,” Logan said while squatting beside him. “I know it must have hurt like hell, but cauterizing the wound was the fastest way to stop the bleeding.” He placed his hand on Garrett’s uninjured shoulder. “Lay back and rest a bit, then we must be away. The Campbell’s men will be looking for us.”
“I was injured?” Garrett mumbled.
Logan hovered over him. “Aye, you were fighting three of the Campbell’s men when another crept up from behind and struck you on the head with a rock. When you toppled forward, one of the buggers lashed out with his blade at the same time, catching your left arm.”
“That would explain why my head feels like it is about to burst.” As his thoughts began to clear, Garrett remembered the confrontation and how their attempt at p
rocuring supplies to get the clan went badly. The betrayal, the lord’s men waiting in ambush, it all came rushing back to him.
He glared at Logan. “Where were you when all this took place? I thought you had my back.”
“I was trying to cover my arse. Two of the buggers were determined to sever my head from my shoulders. I got to you as soon as I could, but it was too late.”
“I’m surprised they dinna finish me off,” Garrett said through clenched teeth.
“Nay, thank the Lord. They must have thought you were dead because they ran off when Callum and I charged at them.”
Garrett glanced around the clearing, then clutched Logan’s tunic and yanked his cousin toward him. “Where is Arya?”
“I’ll tell you, but only if you promise not to run off like a half-crazed madman.” Logan broke free of Garrett’s grasp, then stood.
“Where is she, damn it?” Garrett rolled to his side, then attempted to stand, but his legs gave way, and he flopped to the ground. He tried again. He had to get up and find Arya, but his limbs were too shaky to support his weight.
“Keep that up and you’ll have the wound opened and bleeding again,” Logan warned.
“Damnation Logan! Where is Arya?”
“The Campbell has her.”
“What do you mean he has her?” Garrett snapped.
“She was captured during the skirmish and taken prisoner.”
“And you did nothing to save her?”
“What would you have us do? They outnumbered us and carted her off under heavy guard before anyone had a chance to think. She put up one hell of a fight.”
Garrett cursed and pounded his fist on the ground. “That is what I feared. The stubborn lass will refuse to yield, and the Campbell willna take her obstinacy lightly. Providing she is still alive.” Garrett moaned when he touched the throbbing lump on the back of his head. “Did you see where they took her?” His stomach twisted with anger at the thought of Arya in the Campbell’s dungeon, or worse, the pit.
“Nay, we were too busy hauling your arse out of harm’s way. However, I overheard someone say they took her to the donjon in the castle and would be held there pending the Campbell’s orders,” Logan replied.
“You should have left me there and went after Arya instead. We have to go back and rescue her.” This time, Garrett managed to rise to his knees. “Help me up.”
Logan slid his arm around Garrett’s waist, then tugged until his cousin stood upright. “You are not going anywhere in your condition. The wound you sustained might not be life-threatening, but you lost a lot of blood and are as weak as a newly born colt. Push it and things can quickly go from bad to worse. Not to mention the nasty lump on the back of your head.”
“I’ll manage,” Garrett grumbled and took a wobbly step, followed by another. “We canna leave her there. If you willna help me, I will do it by myself. Either way, I am going to get her back.”
“Dinna be a fool, Garrett. Even if you were strong enough to ride, and Seamus, Callum, and I went with you, the four of us are no match for the Campbell’s warriors. One hundred against four poorly armed men are rotten odds.”
“Then I will go alone.” Garrett said. “I willna leave the woman I love in the hands of the enemy. Not while there is a breath left in my body.” The confession of his feelings for Arya slipped out before he could stop them. “Bring me a sword and anything else I might need.”
Logan shook his head. “We were lucky to get out alive. There was no time to worry about our weapons. Aside from a broadsword, two dirks, and a targe, we have nothing.”
Garrett staggered forward, then sat on a nearby stump and cradled his face in his hands, praying the pounding in his head would stop. “They will have to suffice.”
“The Lord of Argyll will be expecting us to come for her, so she will be heavily guarded,” Callum pointed out as he and Seamus approached. “Is it safe to return?” He stopped a few feet away from where Garrett sat and out of arm’s reach.
“Aye.” Logan nodded. “He has more pressing matter on his mind.”
Garrett glanced up at his friend. “I’m sorry for tossing you, Callum. I wasn’t in my right mind at the time. Strange how having a hot blade thrust into your flesh can do that to you.”
“I dinna blame you,” Callum said, smiling.
“But my cousin is right, my arm isna the issue.” Garrett returned his attention to Logan. “What about Arya? I refuse to abandon her.” He glanced around the clearing. “Where are the rest of our men?”
“Some of our kinsmen were killed or wounded during the skirmish. The rest fled into the mountains. Callum, Seamus, and I were able to drag you away in the commotion, and we were fortunate enough to round up a couple of horses.”
“Good. There is no time to dally. We must go back for Arya,” Garrett said.
“Unfortunately, we canna return to the Campbell’s castle. Not yet. If we get ourselves killed or captured, we’ll be of no use to her. With any luck, they will make her stand trial and buy us a day or so to plan.”
“What if Campbell decides to forgo the trial and punish her according to the Jedburgh Justice—the Law of Pit and Gallows? It is well within his right to execute her without a trial. The Campbell can drown any woman in a pit of water or hang any man accused stealing on his property.”
“It is possible.” Logan scratched his chin. “But my guess is he will use her to set an example. Show others what happens to those who dare steal from the Lord of Argyll, be they a man or a woman. There was no love lost between the Campbell and Arya’s father. He may see punishing Arya as a means to get even for wrongs of the past. Either way, I fear he willna show leniency and will drag the sentencing out as long as he can.”
“All the more reason to go back for her now.” Garrett slammed his fist against the tree stump.
“Nay, it is the reason we need to return home, regroup, and calmly figure out a way to free her. Going off without thinking it through will only get her killed, and you as well. This isna the time to let your feelings for the lass rule your head.”
“You have no idea what you are blathering about,” Garrett snapped.
“You just admitted you are in love with her,” Logan reminded him. “Besides, it is no secret you have been smitten with her since you were a lad.”
Garrett bit back another curse. His cousin knew him too well. Logan also made sense when he suggested they wait and plan the rescue. While his heart dictated he throw caution to the wind and rush headlong into the castle with his sword drawn and demand her release, it was a fool’s errand at best. “If anything happens to Arya, I will never forgive myself. I should never have let her accompany us.”
“Second-guessing your decision willna change things.” Logan placed his hand on Garrett’s shoulder. “She insisted on coming, and there was nothing you could have done to stop her. Had you left her behind, she would have followed us.”
“Then I should have tied her to a tree so she couldna tag along,” Garrett snapped. “It is my fault for not doing everything in my power to stop her.”
“I’d have liked to have seen you try.” Logan chuckled. “Arya knew the risks. She is not like other women, but then you already know that. She has more skills than many of the men who accompanied us and fought like a warrior. At one point I caught a glimpse of her battling two of Campbell’s men at the same time, and she appeared to have the upper hand. Unfortunately, I lost sight of her, and it was not long after that I learned she’d been captured, along with six of our men.”
“Logan is right.” Seamus stepped forward. “We need to return home and warn our kin to be prepared for a possible retaliatory visit from the Campbell’s men. Once we know our wives and bairns are safe, we can gather some volunteers, rearm ourselves, and try to figure out the best way to get Arya and the others home safely.
”
Logan did not wait for Garrett’s rebuttal. “Callum, fetch the horses. We will have to ride two aback, but it is better than walking.”
Callum nodded, then sprinted off, returning a few moments later with two destriers.
“I know you are worried about Arya and with good reason, cousin. But this is the only way,” Logan said as he hoisted Garrett into the saddle. “If we leave now, we’ll be home by nightfall. We can secure the village, gather the men, and leave at first light.”
Garrett had no choice but to comply. His strength was waning, and without extra men, trying to get into Campbell’s keep would be useless. “What am I going to tell her mother? I promised Scotia, I would not allow Arya to go on any more raids.”
“She knows how stubborn her daughter can be.” Logan mounted behind Garrett, then grasped the reins. “Tell her the truth, and that we plan to do everything in our power to get her back.”
“Easier said than done,” Garrett replied, then released a heavy sigh. “Best we make haste. Every minute is precious if we have any hope of rescuing Arya.”
“Glad you, agree.”
“Do I have another option?” Garrett grumbled.
“Nay. Let’s go,” Logan shouted to the others, then kicked his horse into a trot.
The guard opened the heavy wooden door, revealing the steep stairs leading into the dungeon. Arya’s stomach twisted at the sickening stench of excrement and death wafting up from the bowels of the castle. It was worse than she’d remembered. She drew in a deep breath and took her first step.
