She dropped obediently to her knees, and as she moved cautiously forwards in the pitch darkness, she felt his hand on her head, protecting her from the rock she could not see, but which she guessed hung close above her.
'Lie down and listen,' he breathed in her ear, and she did so, stretched out uncomfortably on the rocky floor. All she could hear was the beating of her heart, and she thought that if there was anyone in the cave, they could not fail to hear her. But all was silent, and Alexander was evidently satisfied, for he produced one of the candles, struck a flint, and after several attempts managed to light it. As the faint glow illuminated their surroundings, Blanche looked curiously about her, realising with some horror that she was lying on a narrow ledge in front of the narrow opening of the tunnel, and the floor of the passage was several feet below them.
She shivered. One more step and they would have gone hurtling down onto the rough rocky floor of the cave. But she had no time for worrying, for Alexander was already moving and he swung himself over the ledge and dropped easily down into the cave, then turned and reached his arms up towards Blanche. She looked down into his eyes and thought they mocked her.
Flushing slightly, and recalling vividly the previous time she had jumped into his arms, she scrambled into a sitting position and again jumped down towards him, trembling to feel his warmth and strength enfold her for a brief moment before he set her on her feet.
'We are making excellent time,' he commented as he turned to pick up his candle. 'Would you like to rest a while? We must set off well before dawn to be far away from the castle, but if you wish we could spare a half hour?'
Blanche shook her head. She was not tired, and in any event had no desire to wait here in the dark cave so dangerously close to the castle. She pushed aside the uncomfortable thought that neither did she especially wish to be alone here with Alexander, whose proximity she was finding oddly disturbing.
'I am not weary, and would prefer to make haste,' she replied in a low voice.
'Come then. Take my hand for I must dowse the candle.' She clung to him as he led the way unerringly across to the cave entrance. Although it had been cold in the caves Blanche had been too preoccupied to notice. Now, as they emerged into the open beside the loch, she shivered at the increased chill in the air. There was no moon, but the stars gleamed brightly above them, and as she looked about she could see the faint sheet of water that was the loch winding away from them. Turning, she saw the vast bulk of the castle looming above, a menacing shadow.
Alexander's voice, close to her ear, brought her attention back to the task they had yet to complete.
'The track follows the bank for some way. There is just enough starlight for us to see, but we will not be seen. Keep near the trees as much as possible.'
He retained her hand in his, and she was unashamedly glad of the comfort it gave her as they began cautiously to follow the faintly visible path that edged the river.
A strong breeze soon arose, and Blanche shivered and pulled her cloak more closely about her. Alexander felt the shiver and stopped, pulling a small flask from his pocket.
'Drink this, it will warm you.'
Blanche took the flask, and gasped as the fiery spirit flowed down her throat. It stung, but immediately she felt the warmth steal over her.
'Thank you,' she murmured, and Alexander put the flask back in his pocket.
He slipped his arm about her shoulders and held her close for a moment.
'We walk for perhaps an hour, to where I have a friend who will lend us horses. Come.'
He urged her forward, and she went as though in a dream. It must be the effects of the whisky, which had been very potent, she decided, as she appeared almost to float along supported by his arm. The dream was shattered when Alexander suddenly halted, and then pulled her down behind a tree, his hand firmly clamped over her mouth. Startled, she began to struggle, but he held her with ease and bent to breathe in her ear a warning that they had almost stumbled over a sentry post.
*
Instantly she lay still and he took away his hand. They had been observed, however, and a challenge rang out. When Alexander remained silent they heard a swift muttering barely two yards ahead.
Then cautious steps came towards them, and Alexander stood up, so silently Blanche felt rather than heard his movement.
As the sentry approached he shot out his hands and grasped the man, twisting his arm so that the dirk he carried fell harmlessly to the ground. The man let out a cry of alarm, swiftly choked off as Alexander plunged his sword into him, and he dropped soundlessly to the ground.
The warning had been given, however, and Blanche heard the steps of more men thrusting through the undergrowth towards them. Terrified, Blanche thought the noise must come from at least a hundred men, and she crouched where Alexander had pushed her, straining to distinguish the shapes that loomed formlessly in front of her.
As the man he had killed dropped to the ground, Alexander had turned to face the rest of the attack. There were two of them, but they hesitated to attack, unaware of how many opponents they faced, and in addition wary of hitting one another or their comrade who was before them.
Alexander, unable to see more than vague shapes that appeared more solid than the surrounding darkness, slashed and thrust indiscriminately. Soon there was a gasp of pain that told him one of his opponents was hurt, and he almost fell over the man who was rolling on the ground in his agony. Alexander leapt backwards, knowing his remaining opponent would be at less of a disadvantage. Giving way slowly, able to see the deadly sword only by the occasional flash as the starlight was reflected on it, he moved towards the waters of the loch. Enticing the sentry by appearing to be afraid to attack, he drew him on until, as the man lunged forwards, he stepped swiftly to one side and smiled grimly at the splash as the man hit the icy cold water.
Moving quickly and competently, he pulled thin, strong twine from his pocket, and as the man's hands appeared, clutching at the edge of the bank, he tied them together, laughing softly as the helpless man cursed him. Then he hauled the fellow out and similarly secured his legs. Next he dealt with the wounded man, tying him firmly after roughly bandaging the wound in his leg. Blanche tore a strip from her shift for the bandage, and watched unflinchingly in the light from Alexander's candle as he trussed up the man. The third man was dead, the sword having penetrated his heart, and they left him alongside his companions.
'I was careless,' was all the comment Alexander made as they set off once more. 'I had not expected Duncan to be efficient enough to post sentries so far away. One constantly needs reminders not to underestimate one's enemy.'
'Will there be more?' was all she replied.
'I doubt it, but we had best go silently.'
They met no more sentries, and as the first faint rays of light illuminated the sky, came to a largish farmhouse with many other buildings scattered about it, barns and sheds and cottages. Alexander led the way to the door and hammered on it, and a window above the doorway was flung open.
'What the devil is that? Who makes that unholy row?' a man's angry voice demanded.
'The devil himself,' Alexander answered, laughing, and the man above gave a cry of welcome and disappeared, soon to be unbarring the door and effusively inviting them in.
'Alex, my dear fellow, what brings you here at this unearthly time?' he asked, and glanced fleetingly at Blanche. She blushed as she read the speculation in his eyes.
'No time to explain. I need horses. Duncan has attacked my cousin and possesses the town. I must ride to Fiona and fetch the rest of the men. She is with Colin.'
The man wasted no time. Shouting for his servants to bring wine and some slices of cold beef, he nodded to a settle beside the fireplace.
'Sit there for a moment. The lady goes too? While you eat I will see to the horses, and I will ride with you.'
Alexander did not attempt to argue, seeming happy to allow his friend to make the arrangements. He led Blanche to the settle and flung
himself down beside her.
'Fergus Macleod was my friend when I was a boy, and since then we have fought together. He is utterly to be depended on. We will eat while he deals with the horses.'
Blanche found she was hungry, and did justice to the food a goggling maid soon set before them. They had barely time to eat the beef and some cold chicken, the whole washed down with an excellent wine, before Fergus was at the door with his horses. Alexander lifted Blanche into the saddle and they rode off, the story of the siege being told to an angry Fergus as they went.
'It is unbelievable no word of this should have reached us! We are so near!'
Alexander explained tersely how the silence of the crofters about had been obtained.
'Duncan needs a lesson. I am with you if you will accept my assistance!'
Alexander laughed. 'With the greatest of pleasure,' he replied. 'I hoped you might join me in this fight!'
The journey to Colin's house was accomplished with no more incidents. It was just after mid-morning when the three of them rode up to the strongly fortified house. They were challenged by a man on duty at the gateway.
'At least Fiona seems well guarded here,' Fergus commented as the man, recognising Alexander and Blanche, bade them welcome and offered to conduct them to Sir John.
'He insists on seeing all visitors personally,' the man explained rather apologetically, but Alexander laughed.
'Good. I want to see him without delay.'
After his first surprised greetings, John listened intently to the story Alexander had to tell, turning unconsciously to Blanche for confirmation. Alexander's lips curled wryly and he met the apologetic glance Blanche threw across at him with a sardonic smile.
'You will believe your sister?' he asked quietly and John, too worried to see the implications of this question, nodded abstractedly.
They all went to Fiona, Alexander demanding from an incensed Katriona, avidly curious at this sudden visitation, that they speak in private with his cousin.
Fiona appeared and courteously but firmly dismissed her aunt. Such was her dignity that although she grumbled, Katriona recognised defeat and went. Then the story was related to Fiona and John, who had been busy making his plans, detailed them to her.
'You will have to stay here. I can leave only half a dozen men, those I can trust, with you. I will take your uncle and as many men as he can provide with me. That will be safest. We should reach the castle in time to give battle before dark. Tomorrow, or as soon as it is safe for you to return, I will send for you.'
Fiona shook her head. 'I am chieftain and I will ride with my clansmen,' she said calmly.
They stared at her in amazement.
'Do not be so ridiculous,' Alexander broke the silence, but Fiona turned on him angrily.
'My father and his father before him led the clan into battle. I will do no less.'
'But you are a woman, not fitted for such a task,' Alexander retorted.
'I may be a woman, but I am subject to no one. If I choose to do something, you will not deny me!'
John stood up slowly and looked down at her, then took a deep breath.
'If you insist on putting yourself into danger so, my lady, then I can no longer serve you as your steward,' he said, the words dragged painfully from him.
Fiona stared at him, aghast. 'John! You would desert me?' she whispered at last.
'No, never!' he uttered in agony, looking down into her eyes turned beseechingly up to his. 'My bounden duty is to protect you, and I cannot permit you to take such a risk. If you were hurt by any negligence of mine I could never live at peace with myself again.'
For a long moment Fiona stared back at him, and then she lowered her gaze. 'As you wish it, John,' she said simply.
*
Chapter 10
John had leapt into furious activity, hurling orders at his men, and within a remarkably short time the Macdonald clansmen were preparing to march. Fiona stood on the steps of her uncle's house and watched as they went past, led by John. They cheered vociferously as they marched past her, waving their bonnets, and she watched, tears in her eyes as she waved back. Blanche stood at a window and watched her brother as he led the way out of the courtyard. Then her eyes turned to where Alexander, with Fergus and Colin and his men rode in the rear. She had had no words alone with anyone since that extraordinary scene when John had forced Fiona to his will, and she was still somewhat bemused by the meek capitulation of her friend. Alexander had been immersed in the preparations, and Fiona had gone to talk with the men as they saddled their horses and loaded up what little baggage they proposed to take with them.
Blanche looked on as the last of them disappeared. They would make good speed for most of them were mounted and the others could, she knew, maintain an incredibly fast pace. Also they had no heavy equipment to slow them down, for they had no big guns to take. It had been decided a swift battle was the best way to defeat Duncan, since they had no means of mounting a siege, so the few pack ponies carrying food could follow more slowly. She turned to go to the room Katriona had given her when she had heard the story, but she had scarcely reached it when Fiona came bursting in, the calm she had displayed for the last hour deserting her.
'Blanche! I cannot bear it! He might be killed! I must know, I must, I tell you. I cannot wait for them to bring him back to me. I am going after them. Will you come with me?'
Blanche stared at her in amazement. This wild girl was so unlike the normally calm and dignified Fiona she knew that she had no answer to give apart from a weak protest.
'You cannot! You promised John.'
'I said I would not ride with them to lead them into battle! I did not promise I would remain here, helpless, awaiting news of what happens!'
'That is but a quibble,' Blanche retorted, recovering her wits. 'He was worried for you and would never forgive me if I allowed you to run into danger.'
'I will be in no danger, Blanche, I swear, for I will keep well back from the fighting.'
'What if they lose?' Blanche asked bluntly. 'If they do not defeat Duncan you will not be able to escape.'
'If they lose I know John will have died. He would never run away. And if he is dead what have I to live for?' she asked, almost in tears.
'The clan, your lands and your family!' Blanche declared bracingly.
Fiona shook her head. 'I care for nought of any of it if he is dead!'
Suddenly the tears welled over, and she clung to Blanche. The younger girl drew her to sit on the bed, where she put her arms about her friend and comforted her as best she might. Gradually Fiona's sobs lessened, and she sat up, wiping her eyes, and smiled bleakly.
'You must think me a fool to give way so, but I love him so very much!' She stood up. 'Thank you, Blanche dear. I would not drag you into danger but I am going.'
'Then I am coming too,' Blanche replied.
She had done her utmost to dissuade Fiona, but she was in just as great a turmoil of mind, anxious to know the result of the battle and the fate of those involved. Not even to herself did she admit it was Alexander's fate that concerned her most.
Fiona gave her a dazzling smile, and they went to order horses to be saddled. The six men John had left behind as a guard for Fiona were horrified at the very thought, and only gave in to her when they saw that unless they used force to detain her she would go without them. They did not dare treat their chieftain so, and therefore grumblingly made ready, with many loud comments that their lives would not be worth a moment's grace when the steward discovered their disobedience.
' 'Tis rank mutiny,' one of them muttered loudly enough for Fiona and Blanche to hear as he mounted.
'Nonsense, Jem! I order you, and can order my steward,' Fiona said coolly, and turned her horse to lead the way, watched by Katriona, half anxious she would be blamed, but half hoping ill would come of it.
Most of the way was through wooded valleys, not so narrow or so wild as those Blanche had struggled through on foot after the abduction. Surro
unding the town there was a narrow ring of cultivated fields which had been cut out of the forests, and the castle on its hill rose majestically at its centre, the loch curving protectively about the base.
With the shelter of the forest hiding them from watchers in the town the clansmen were able to approach to within half a mile before they needed to leave cover. In the edge of the forest John formed them into companies and then, on a signal, they marched out on a long front, trumpets hurling defiance and pipes wailing as they advanced straight for the town.
Fiona and Blanche, with their small, worried escort, had remained just out of sight of the marching army on their journey, and as the clansmen spread out across the fields they moved cautiously to the edge of the trees, keeping within their shelter and out of sight.
On the ride Fiona had talked quietly to Blanche, admitting to her she had been in love with John since she had first met him.
'If Patrick had not been killed and I had married him as my father wished, that would merely have seemed the destiny of one in my position,' she explained. 'I could have borne it. But with his death all has changed. I hate the thought of making a loveless marriage by my own choice, and yet what alternative is there? You must know your brother, Blanche. Do you think he has any affection for me?'
Blanche stared at her friend, astonished she could not see what was so plain to the rest of his family.
'Of course he loves you!' she exclaimed. 'Do you not know that from the way he looks at you, the way he wishes to do everything for you, and waits on your every word?'
Fiona smiled, and then spoke somewhat tremulously. 'I had wondered, I had hoped, but I thought I might be pretending, reading into his politenesses more than was meant!'
'You probably read too little!' Blanche declared.
'Even so, would he ever consider asking me to marry him?' she asked wistfully.
'I think he would consider it presumptuous,' Blanche had to admit. As Fiona nodded, her eyes bleak, Blanche continued. 'But the marriages of girls such as you are arranged through third parties much more than those of ordinary folk. You could, with all propriety, ask him. Apart from your feelings, would the people accept him? He is an Englishman, and landless so long as the King has no power.'
Highland Destiny Page 13
