The Rogue

by Allison Butler

  ‘Leith.’ Keila’s lips trembled as she fought to hold her smile. ‘Good morn.’ He didn’t dismount. He wasn’t staying. Her lips no longer trembled. ‘I thought you’d gone north?’

  ‘I concluded my business.’ His mount suddenly danced about, its front legs coming close to where she stood. She took a step back. ‘And you’re back from market early.’

  Her stomach turned at the reminder. ‘Aye.’ Leith likely knew precisely when they’d returned, as he had a way of knowing most things. Did he know about Adair? Keila lowered her gaze and looked in the direction of Rory’s cottage. She hoped Adair didn’t return until Leith had gone.

  ‘Likely a good thing, with the fires and all.’

  ‘The fires?’

  ‘Three all told.’

  They’d seen the glow from the flames. ‘Three.’ Keila swallowed. ‘I hope nae one was hurt.’

  ‘None were, but a widower lost his cottage, as did a young expectant couple.’

  The sombre face of old Graeme Leslie and the joyous faces of Meg and Busby MacTier instantly came to mind. Just because they were the few who’d acknowledged Keila and Moira didn’t mean they were the ones Leith spoke of now. It must be coincidence. Now he was here, she should mention the four men who had tried to ride them down? After all, he was the one she paid her protection money to.

  ‘Did I forget to mention the stable belonging to Mortlach Inn was also burned down to the ground?’ Keila’s hand fell to her side. Any thoughts of telling him about the four masked men slipped from her head. ‘They are all fortunate they did not lose their lives.’ His words spoke of how blessed they were to still be alive, but his tone rang with something sinister, something that said they’d only survived because he’d allowed it. ‘Does it not make you wonder what ills they have obviously done to deserve such losses?’

  A chill slid through Keila’s veins. Her gaze slowly climbed from where it had fallen on Leith’s leather boot and up to meet his black stare. She’d already wondered and hadn’t liked the direction her thoughts had taken her.

  ‘Now I have seen you’re safe and well at Drummin House, Keila,’ his dark eyes lowered to her chest and lingered, ‘I bid you a good day.’ He didn’t wait for her answer. He’d fulfilled the purpose of his visit. With a nod, he turned his unsettled mount around and galloped toward Drummin Castle.

  It was only as he rode away that she realised the two caterans who accompanied him everywhere weren’t with him now. He’d come alone to deliver his distressing news and his warning.

  Keila hugged herself tight and stayed where she was until Leith disappeared from view. But the coldness remained. Did Leith have something to do with their recent bout of misfortunes? Had Leith played a part in the three Mortlach fires? Could Leith have instigated their estrangement and lack of sales at market? Would Leith have warned Euan not to purchase their ale and to not give them their usual room?

  With every ill query that popped into her head, the powerful hand that had seized her heart crushed tighter, stealing her strength and deepening her fear. There was no such thing as coincidence. Keila knew exactly what those who’d been affected by the fires had done. They’d all acknowledged her in some way and had suffered dearly for their kindness.

  A bout of dizziness swept through her. Keila reached out and pressed her open palm to the stable’s outer wall to steady herself. Was Leith punishing her by making others suffer because she’d declined his offer to marry? Were Rory and Netti alright? Her stomach turned and she pressed her free hand to her middle. Why hadn’t Adair returned to tell her all was well? Had Leith commanded the brutal attack on Adair? If he had, why? She’d never met him before.

  She stood in the same place, on levelled ground, outside her stable, but the air she breathed suddenly thickened and the grassy patch where she stood seemed to tilt beneath her feet. Keila stumbled back two steps and her back collided with the stable’s wall. She clawed her fingers, trying to find better purchase on the timber, but earned only splinters of wood. She peered toward the kitchen’s shuttered window, silently begging Moira to stay inside, to stay away from her. She wanted to run and hide away. Not for her own protection, but for those around her. For those she loved.

  Pounding hooves rumbled. Had Leith returned to deliver more crushing news? She wished she’d never met Leith of Drummin. He frightened her, but she refused to let him see she was afraid. She pushed away from the stable’s wall, and with her chin held high and her back straight, she waited for Leith to reappear.

  But instead, her gaze found the handsome smile she’d longed to see so recently, yet now seemed to have yearned for so long ago. And with it, the powerful hand that had squeezed and crushed now juggled her heart within her chest. His blue gaze lit on her and his smile stretched into a grin. Her heart felt like it had been tossed high in the air and while she waited to see if it landed safely she watched this man, who had taught her things she hadn’t even known were possible, throw himself from the saddle.

  ‘Rory’s fine and his Netti’s pain is easing now she’s taken your potion.’ Even his voice sounded like a smile.

  ‘’Tis good to hear.’ Keila gritted her teeth so her lips could not respond in kind.

  ‘They’re grateful to you, Keila.’ He strode toward her.

  Keila held herself as still as a stone. He was so full of life and exuded an energy she could feel even from a distance. Just watching him made her want to run to him with open arms, and feel his surround her.

  ‘I have news regarding my search for my kin.’

  Like everything else, his excitement became hers and her heartbeat doubled. ‘What news?’

  ‘I ken nothing definite yet, but once I do, you’ll be the first to know.’

  Keila battled the sudden tears that stung her nose and crowded her throat. She’d never know, but at least he would be out of harm’s way.

  Two strides separated them. Keila held her hand up, signalling him to stop.

  He slowed and the confusion stealing his smile sent a fresh bout of threatening tears to clog her throat.

  ‘Keila?’

  She cleared her throat. ‘While you were gone, I’ve been thinking.’

  ‘Nothing too serious then. I wasn’t gone long.’

  Keila recognised his attempt at mirth, but she’d learned it was his way of coping with matters he’d rather not face.

  ‘Naught too serious and nothing unexpected.’ The lie burned her tongue as she spoke it aloud and reminded her of her other most recent lie she’d told herself and Moira.

  ‘Good. What is it then?’ He gave her an encouraging smile.

  Keila pressed her palms to her thighs, knowing she’d only have one chance to convince him. ‘I am happy you have discovered something about your kin and hope you return to the Borders knowing who you are.’ A line she couldn’t remember seeing before appeared in the centre of his brow. She continued into the silence. ‘You’ve healed well and there’s nothing more I can do for you now.’ The line deepened. Her fingers clenched. ‘It has been good to know you and I wish you well but—’

  ‘You want me to leave?’ His words rang with disbelief.

  Keila swallowed the truth and voiced another lie. ‘’Tis for the best.’

  ‘The best! Best for who?’

  His beautiful eyes stared at her across the small distance. The pain in the blue tested her strength, but her fear for his life made her strong. ‘Best for all.’

  ‘Did something happen while I was gone?’ She wouldn’t mention Leith. He looked around, as if expecting to see someone. His troubled gaze fixed on her. ‘Keila?’

  Her name shot to her heart like an arrow. She couldn’t watch what her lies were doing to him any longer. She needed to end this now. ‘I never expected more, Adair. I’m sorry if you did.’ She half turned. ‘But it’s time for you to go and I need to prepare in case another should need my help.’ She took two steps before he spoke.

  ‘Do you plan to help another as you helped me?’

 
The hurt in his voice matched the pain in her heart. She knew he spoke of her lying with him, but she couldn’t soften now. She stopped and glanced back and shrugged one shoulder. ‘I won’t know until they arrive.’ She faced forward and continued walking toward the rear entrance, as if he’d already gone.

  But every step was like moving a gravestone to the top of a mountain, heavier with the knowledge that all she had to do was turn and rush into his arms. She struggled on, one foot in front of the other, hoping he’d mount and leave. The door loomed before her, yet still she waited for the sound of galloping hooves. She reached for the latch and pushed the door open. She yearned to have one last look at him but she couldn’t take the risk. As she stepped inside, she felt his loss like the absence of the sun’s touch and a damp coldness she’d never felt before settled deep inside her bones.

  She closed the door and heard the unmistakable sound of retreating hooves.

  ‘What happened, Keila?’

  She looked up and found Moira walking toward her from the far side of the kitchen trestle. ‘I told Adair I have nae interest in him.’ Her heart descended from where it had been tossed high and jolted as the powerful hand tried to catch it.

  ‘You’re a terrible liar, lass,’ Moira said and gathered Keila into her arms.

  Her vision blurred as she thought of how surprised Moira would be. ‘I asked him to leave.’ The hand misjudged and missed. ‘Adair has gone.’ Her heart shattered.

  Chapter 17

  The landscape to the west rushed by as Adair urged Demon into full gallop. Away from Drummin House and away from Keila, the woman who had dismissed him in preparation for another. He clenched his teeth and roared his anger and pain into the midmorning air. How could she say such things when she’d gifted him with her innocence?

  I wish you well. Christ God! Even her words of dismissal had sounded as if she spoke to a stranger. Is that how she thought of him after what they’d shared? She hadn’t answered him when he’d asked if something had happened while he was gone. But her creamy skin had been too pale, and mingled with Demon’s hoof prints had been the imprints of a heavier horse. If someone unwelcome had paid her a visit, didn’t she trust him enough to ask for his help? Help he’d already given and would offer again in a heartbeat. He may have heeded her words to be gone, but once he’d visited the earl, he would return to Drummin House.

  His frustration mounted, but so did his determination to reach Lochindorb Castle before dark.

  Imagine if he was the son of an earl. What would Keila think of him then? She’d sworn never to wed, and she’d asked him to leave, but would she see him differently, and change her vow if she knew he was the grandson to the king?

  Excitement joined the hurt and thrummed and pulsed in his blood. What would Duff and Cal’s reaction be to such life-changing news? He laughed aloud as he easily imagined the looks of disbelief on their faces. What would Lachlan Elliot think of Adair’s newfound status?

  Adair Stewart. A name he instantly liked.

  What would his father think of the man he’d become? Would his father accept him?

  He pushed those uncertainties aside for when he stood before the man who had sired him. Once he found out if the earl was indeed in residence at Lochindorb.

  With a touch of his heel to Demon’s side, he lay low along his mount’s neck as they followed the lay of the mountainous lands. The joy he’d experienced in Keila’s arms through the night just gone rushed through him now, reminding him of what he most wanted. Reminding him of everything he’d just lost. He’d only recently realised he wanted to marry Keila and live the rest of his life with her. But she’d put an end to any such wants and the cold, dark feelings of being abandoned as a lad, feelings he’d conquered long ago, slithered and coiled to life deep inside of him. But he was a man full-grown and he refused to let them rule him now, refused to let them out. He turned his mind and energy on reaching their destination.

  They stopped twice to drink from a burn they needed to cross, but once they’d quenched their thirst, Adair remounted and continued west. With the sun halfway through its downward arc, they topped a rise and Dair drew rein to search their surroundings and captured his first glimpse of the well-hidden Lochindorb Castle.

  The sliding sun glinted on the tips of the rippling blue waters of the large land-bound loch that enclosed the stronghold on the island below. Mud-coloured stones formed the four high curtain walls that reached each edge of the island and defended numerous round towers rising at every angle. The outer defensive walls were further strengthened by deep ditches, portcullis gateways and a drawbridge, and of a sudden he wondered if he’d be permitted inside.

  Was his father within? What if Alexander Stewart had gone south to Atholl? Then Adair would head to Atholl next.

  Adair searched the mainland embankment but saw no one, yet his nape prickled as if he was being watched by many. A boat docked on the castle side of the loch and a lone passenger disembarked from the vessel and approached the iron gate.

  His attention shifted to study the never-ending ridge of mountains, barren in places where the mists were rolling in, yet crowded with forests of pine and birch trees in others, the whole forming a basin, Lochindorb at its centre. Any who planned to attack Lochindorb would be seen coming from any direction and any who dared would need a boat to even try.

  Below on the mainland, to Dair’s right, stood a weather-beaten lean-to that sheltered horses left waiting for their masters’ return. Dair contemplated leaving Demon here on the ridge, untethered within the trees, but the lad who appeared to be in charge of the mounts showed a genuine kindness to the two beasts, giving a gentle pat down the length of each nose as they drank from the pail he carted.

  ‘You’ll be in good hands, Demon,’ he said quietly, stroking his mount’s neck.

  Adair turned his gaze back to the fortress and wondered again if he’d be permitted inside. He inhaled deeply. ‘As Lachlan would say, there is only one way to find out.’

  Halfway down the slope, the sound of a horn blasted from one of the towers, telling Dair his presence hadn’t gone unnoticed. He dismounted at the edge of the trees and walked Demon the rest of the way to the lean-to, his movements watched yet unchallenged. Dair sought out the lad caring for the horses for information.

  ‘You have a fondness for horses and them for you,’ he said, stopping a few feet from where the skinny lad was refilling his pail from a large wooden cask.

  The lad looked up and pushed back the thick dark hair that covered his eyes. ‘Aye, but the caring doesnae come free.’ He resumed his task.

  Forthright, yet he looked to be only seven summers. ‘If it were free, I’d sooner leave Demon alone in the trees.’

  ‘Ye call him Demon?’ He stopped, turned his head and studied Adair’s horse.

  ‘Aye. He’s spirited and powerful and has a temper the Devil would envy.’ The lad straightened and gave Demon his full attention. ‘He also refuses to be tethered.’ Dair jingled his purse. ‘I have coin for Demon’s care, if he likes you. What’s your name, lad?’

  ‘Wallis.’

  ‘And there’s an extra groat for some information, Wallis.’

  Despite Dair’s description of his mount’s temperament, Wallis wasn’t afraid and neither was Demon.

  ‘The tower guards blew their horn to ensure the hilltop guards know yer here, though they likely already know,’ Wallis said, gliding a hand along Demon’s neck.

  ‘Is the earl in residence?’

  ‘Nae for long. He went south some time ago and returned yester eve.’

  ‘Then I’d best go speak with him.’

  ‘They’ve sent a boat for ye,’ Wallis said, nodding at something behind where Adair stood. ‘All are watched at all times.’

  ‘Then I’d best not keep the boatman waiting.’

  Dair led his mount to the open end of the shelter where he dropped the reins. He withdrew several coins and handed them to Wallis. ‘There’ll be more when I return.’

&
nbsp; Wallis looked about before slipping the coins into one side of his leather boot and gave Dair a single nod. ‘Guards will meet ye across the way and take yer weapons,’ the lad said before turning away.

  Never pleased to be separated from his sword, but knowing he’d not be granted an audience with the earl if he refused to part with the blade, Dair drew a long breath and strode to where the boat gently bobbed at the edge of the loch. The feeling of being watched scraped along his skin and set the hairs on his arms to standing on end.

  Adair boarded. ‘Do you carry people to and from Lochindorb throughout the night?’ he asked the bearded boatman.

  ‘If the earl commands it.’

  Adair nodded. He was a lone passenger for the crossing, and after rubbing his palm along his nape twice, he forced himself to settle on the planked seating and hold still. Grabbing hold of the edge of the boat, he stared at the walled fortress as it grew larger with every dip and drag of the oars. Was he about to meet his father? What would the earl think of his son from the Borders? Did he know Dair had been born? Would he claim him? Why had his mother taken him away? Why had she then abandoned him?

  Keila’s bonny face, with her mesmerising emerald eyes, her creamy-smooth skin and her beautiful lips, all surrounded by wisps of her fiery-red hair, came to life so well she could have been sitting beside him. But she wasn’t, for she’d asked him to leave and walked inside Drummin House as if he hadn’t been standing there, watching her go, waiting and hoping she’d stop and turn and ask him to stay.

  Adair shook the last thought from his head as the boat bumped into the island’s jetty. The boatman held it steady and Dair alighted and offered him a nod, before he slowly walked toward the castle’s closed entrance. As he neared, chains rattled as the portcullis gate rose high and a fully armoured and armed guard stepped out, relieved Dair of both his sword and dagger, and waved him through. Another guard met him on the other side. ‘Follow me.’

  Within the walled enclosure looked to be a small town, boasting what resembled a road down the centre. Buildings, all made of stone, with no thatching to burn in sight, lined the road and consisted of a chapel, a brewery, a washhouse, an armoury and kitchens. The smell of roasting meat and bread assaulted his senses reminding him he hadn’t eaten this day. But he was here for more important things than food. Throat tight, he wondered if this was where he was born. Had he played within these walls?