“Why did he not travel here himself?”
“Many of our people are being held prisoner.” Deargh shook his head. “My Da willnae leave them. He intends to take back his castle.”
Logan well understood that but had little trust in the situation. Nonetheless, he was given no other direction to go in thus far so it seemed he would be heading back toward MacLauchlin land. “Baird, stay with Aline until she awakes. She willnae want to be alone in those first few moments.” His eyes went to Deargh. “Ye will travel with me.”
By the time he made it back to the courtyard, Niall was already rallying the warriors who would be traveling with them. Logan swung onto his horse and came alongside Cassie, who stood by Athdara. He held out his hand. “You’ll travel with me until you learn how to ride a horse properly, lass.”
“What about Athdara?”
“Dinnae worry. She’ll keep up.”
Cassie patted the horse and murmured in her ear, “No worries, we won’t leave you behind.”
When Cassie's hand slid into his, Logan pulled her up in front of him. He still couldn’t believe she was coming but oddly enough as they crossed the drawbridge, fifty MacLomain warriors in front of him and fifty behind, he was glad. The idea of having her anywhere that he couldn’t keep a close eye on her left a sour taste in his mouth. Yes, his castle was well-protected but even so—and some might call it arrogant—there was no safer place to be than with him and his cousins. They had been training for what lay ahead for a long time and few if any were fiercer or more skilled.
Dark clouds rolled overhead as they left the drawbridge behind, passed beneath the mighty oak then headed across the wide field. As Niall was his first-in-command, his second-in-command, Conall would oversee the castle in his absence. He spoke to him earlier and had every faith in his ability to defend the MacLomain’s well.
So when the first swollen raindrop fell from the sky and they entered the forest, Logan at last felt a sense of purpose.
Of destiny.
Of fate.
At long last, everything he had prepared for was happening. He would save Robert the Bruce. Scotland would have her king. And his clan stood a fighting chance. But even beyond that what pleased him most despite the circumstances was the lass in front of him.
Though he worried for her, downright feared for her, there was a rightness in it.
Cassie was meant to be a part of this.
A part he would not trade for anything.
Chapter Nine
Three days later, they were nearing their destination. Apparently because of the number of warriors with them and the inclement weather, they were unable to travel via magic and arrive sooner. Regardless, the journey so far had been an experience. As it turned out, learning to ride Athdara was more challenging than expected. Even so, Cassie was slowly but surely getting the hang of it. Sort of. And while the weather remained fairly dismal, she wasn’t all that bothered by it.
Not with Logan around.
She had enjoyed getting to know him better and though their current situation was far from romantic, there had been more than a few heated moments between them. He hadn’t tried to kiss her, but a few times it almost seemed like he wanted to. She was definitely flattered considering she was no sexy thing, especially with the weather and traveling. Thankfully, not only did they have the opportunity to bathe that morning but the rain had finally let up.
At his insistence, Cassie continued riding with Logan and had long since settled back against him. The air was warm enough and even though she was nervous about what lay ahead, the beauty of Scotland kept her mind occupied. It reminded her of both New Hampshire and Maine, but more hilly. Yet somehow, though the vegetation looked similar, there was a certain mystical beauty that set Scotland’s forest apart.
Then there was the guy she was leaning against.
As he had often done over the past few days, he chatted on and off with her. With an obvious love for his homeland, he was thorough in his explanation of a variety of trees, bushes, flowers and even wildlife.
Voice soft because of possible trouble in the area, Cassie said, “I’ve always been more of a fan of oaks than pines.”
“Why?” he asked. “Pine trees weather the seasons better. They create a more solid canopy.”
“And their sap is damn hard to get off my car,” she mumbled.
“And what of the oak’s acorns?” There was a smile in his voice. “I remember Ma complaining about them dinging her car.”
“Oh, I don’t care about acorns.” She smiled too. “You just have to learn how to dodge them when you’re outside. Those little suckers can hurt.”
Logan chuckled. “Aye.” He hesitated. “Tell me about your car. Do you love it like Aunt Leslie loves hers?”
It was strange hearing him refer to a woman who had to be around the same age as him as his aunt. “Actually, yeah, I do.” Cassie shrugged. “It’s no luxury sports car.” She kept smiling. “But way better.”
So she told him about her Chevette.
“‘Tis a classic then, aye?”
“She turned twenty-eight this year so yup, as far as cars go, she’s a classic for sure.”
“‘Tis good you love your car but you live in Maine,” he said. “Hard winters. Is it so safe?”
“Safe enough,” she defended. “And it’s got a stick shift. You’re better off in one of those on icy roads.”
Cassie could almost hear his mental wheels spinning. She knew Logan wasn’t quite buying her being safe in an ’87 Chevette. “Have you not considered buying something newer? I’ve heard at length what Aunt Leslie’s car can do and it includes traction control. That sounds just as good if not better than a stick shift.”
Oh, but the conversations you never knew you would have with a medieval Highlander.
What she did not want him to know was the real reason there was no point in buying a new car. “I mostly work from home so it doesn’t make sense right now.”
“Ah.” He tucked her cloak more securely around her as random drops fell off of the trees. “Well, I hope to see your Chevette someday, Cassie.”
She pursed her lips, suddenly a little emotional at the thought of him seeing her car, of him being in the twenty-first century at all. Though she knew he was born there, it seemed so opposite of who he was supposed to be. Logan might have been born in New Hampshire, but he was so entirely Scotland.
But she wouldn’t be rude. “Yeah, I’d like that too.”
Yet she wondered if her emotions had more to do with the idea that there was a very good chance he might never see the twenty-first century again. That they were riding into something that might take his life. Cassie didn’t care in the least that she might never see home again because it was an upcoming reality and in a very literal sense. But Logan? He wasn’t going blind. He was just determined to put himself in harm’s way.
Cassie nibbled on her lower lip, mind suddenly on what he had said in the stable. How he desired her and was she willing to go on this journey knowing that. Though she came because she wanted to help find little Robert the Bruce, she could admit that she also came because she was worried about Logan. Did it piss her off that he said she would perhaps be a hindrance?
Hell yes.
But she understood it. This was serious and she was one more person he felt he needed to protect. From what she gathered, Logan had devoted his life to protecting people, to putting his clan first. But he needed to understand she would never forgive herself if she did not try to help.
So he had his reasons and she had hers.
But she was here and his attitude had improved so they were on the right track. She hoped.
And what a track it was. She could barely believe that his betrothal had fallen through. That though Aline was already married, he had so graciously given her over to Baird. She knew her history. Based on the promise between the clans, Logan could have made things truly miserable if he were another sort of man. But it seemed he wasn’t. And thank God fo
r that. Even if Aline had betrayed him, Cassie couldn’t imagine a guy who would cause problems after knowing a woman had lost her child.
“M’laird.” Deargh came alongside. “We will need to head Northwest soon. Then ‘tis best yer men fan out. ‘Twill not be good to have too many approach the cave.”
“Aye,” Logan said. “Verra well.”
Cassie shivered at the mention of a cave since she speculated Robert was in one. Then again, she imagined there were thousands of caves in Scotland.
When Deargh lingered by their side, Logan said, “Out with whatever ye wish to say, lad.”
Deargh paused for a long moment, clearly uncomfortable before he spoke. “‘Tis just that…well, as I mentioned afor…” He cleared his throat. “My sister went against the promise made betwixt our clans and mayhap whilst my Da is going through trying times ye’ll not share something that will overly distress him.”
“Och.” Logan’s voice was a deep rumble against her back. “I’ll deal with things as I see fit. Now off with ye. Lead Niall in the direction ye want me. My men will follow along from there.”
“Aye, of course, m’laird.” Deargh nodded and trotted ahead.
“I sensed that Robert the Bruce was in some sort of cave,” Cassie warned softly.
“Aye, dinnae worry, lass,” Logan said. “My eyes are wide open.” His arm came around her and he squeezed her hand. “But I'm grateful for your concern.”
Though her skin heated at the intimate gesture, Cassie squeezed back. She liked the friendship developing between them and remained determined to keep it at that. “No problem.”
Niall trotted alongside and nodded before he pulled ahead.
Though the skies had brightened through the canopy of leaves overhead, she felt the shift in the atmosphere. The tension and wariness. MacLomain warriors started to spread out, but several stayed both in front and behind her and Logan.
“‘Tis a thing to be chieftain,” he murmured. “I’m never given much privacy.”
“You’re important.” Without thinking, she entwined her fingers with his, marveling at their weapon-roughened texture. “When they watch over you like this it's a good reminder that they have a lot of faith in you to protect their clan, their families. What better compliment is there than that?”
“Aye, I know lass,” he whispered. “I know.”
Cassie knew he did, but it didn’t hurt to remind him. She wondered how often people took the time to do that. To be thankful that he cared so much. That he was willing to give up everything for them, including his own life.
Of all people, Machara trotted up alongside, a frown on her face as she eyed Logan. “Ye thought to leave me behind, cousin? It took nigh on two days to convince that bloody bastard Conall to allow me to follow!”
Logan sighed. “Aye, few can look over our clan as ye can.”
Machara humphed as she scanned the forest. “I serve my clan best by protecting its Laird.” Scowl fierce, words disgusted, she muttered, “Such as he is.”
Then she spurred her horse and vanished ahead.
Cassie shook her head. “It doesn’t take much to piss her off, eh?”
“Nay, it never has.”
“What you should have done was left her in charge while you were away,” Cassie said. “That’s called killing two birds with one stone.”
Logan chuckled and spurred his horse forward. “You might just be right about that, lass.”
Nothing more was said as they stayed behind Niall and Machara with Athdara trotting alongside. The further they traveled the edgier Cassie felt. Though she by no means enjoyed the bizarre episode she experienced when Robert first appeared to her, she was eager to have another vision. Was he okay? Was he still frightened? Seven years old was so young. She still wondered why Robert and his mother had been in the MacLauchlin village to begin with, but Logan had remained vague.
The reprieve from inclement weather seemed to be shifting because the forest grew darker. Or maybe it was just the thickening trees. Large clumps of bushes became more frequent until they were trotting alongside what looked to be one long bush. Then it was a mountainside caked with moss.
Niall and Machara slowed as Deargh joined them, making soft whistling sounds. Though it might have been the wind, Cassie swore she heard whistles returned. Logan swung off of the horse then helped her down. Like they had been the past few days, her legs and backside were sore from riding. Supportive hands on her waist, Logan backed her against the mossy rock and murmured, “Stay here, lass. Sit if you need to. I'm not going far.”
Cassie nodded, surprised when Athdara trotted up and stood in front of her. Was the horse protecting her? She peered around and watched as Logan and his cousins drew their weapons, scanning the woodline. Niall and Logan vanished for a few moments before returning.
Logan took Cassie's hand and pulled her after him. She lowered her hood as they entered a small opening in the rock she had no idea was even there. Then they traveled down a long hallway before entering a small, dimly lit cavern.
Several warriors wearing the same color tartan as Deargh stood in a semi-circle around a monster of a man. Overly tall, muscular, sporting a big belly and a harshly receding hairline, his sharp eyes took her in then went to Logan. Though she suspected he typically had a booming voice, right now he was soft-spoken. He opened his arms and said, “Ye came, my lad. Ye really came.”
Logan embraced the man. “Of course I did, m’laird. As soon as I heard ye were alive.”
The MacLauchlin chieftain didn’t seem inclined to let go so Logan murmured, “All will be well, my friend. Ye lost a lot but not yer daughter. Aline still lives.”
The MacLauchlin Laird pulled back and held Logan’s shoulders. “Aye, she lives? Truly? I told her not to go to the village. To stay close.”
“Aye,” Logan assured. “She is safe and well-protected at my castle.”
“‘Tis good news this,” the MacLauchlin grunted and looked Logan over. “And how fare ye, my good friend? ‘Twas a bloody slaughter. Were any of yer people injured? Are all well?”
Cassie didn’t think anyone could make Logan and Niall look small, but this guy did as he wrapped an arm around Logan’s shoulders and led him further into the cave. “Tell me everything. I have done nothing but sit here and fret."
“Come, lass,” Machara murmured, leading her after them. “And say nothing lest spoken to, aye?”
“Okay.”
Though there were several MacLauchlin men here, the majority that followed and surrounded them as they entered a wider cave were MacLomain warriors. Machara urged Cassie to sit next to her on a rock. Niall sat next to her as well and she knew without question Logan had somehow ordered them to protect her. Because though they might be with an ally, all of the MacLomains had their weapons not drawn but visible.
A small fire crackled in the center of the cave as the two chieftains remained standing and caught up on all that had happened. From what she could tell, everything Deargh had told Logan, everything he then shared with Cassie on the ride here, was the absolute truth. The MacLauchlin castle had been taken and a good majority of the clan murdered.
When the MacLauchlin Chieftain eventually plunked down on a rock, Logan sat beside him and at last made introductions.
“Laird Clyde MacLauchlin, this is my friend, Cassie,” Logan said. “Cassie, meet one of the greatest Chieftains to grace the Northern edge of Argyll.”
Cassie and Clyde nodded at one another, the MacLauchlin eying her with renewed interest as he took a long swig from his skin. Then he wiped his hand across his mouth and looked at Logan. “And who is she to ye?”
If she wasn’t mistaken, Logan’s eyes met Niall’s and Machara’s briefly before scanning his warriors. “Mayhap ‘tis not the best time to tell ye, m’laird but I cannae in good conscience help save yer castle with lies betwixt us. ‘Twould be wrong.”
Clyde rubbed his meaty nose, braced his fist on his knee and eyed Logan. “So yer set to make my day more difficu
lt, are ye?”
What was Logan doing? Was he actually going to tell this man what his daughter had done? Heck, just the pure size of Clyde made Cassie want to run in the opposite direction.
“‘Twill be brief and ‘twill be up to ye what ye make o’ it,” Logan said, his tone matter-of-fact as he held Clyde’s eyes.
“Say it then, lad,” Clyde huffed.
When Logan did, not batting a lash, she about hit the floor.
“I’ve love for another lass. I’ve betrayed yer daughter.” Logan nodded Cassie's way, clenched his jaw then hung his head. “I cannae see through the promise my kin made to ye so long ago. But know this, as it has always been, ye’ve the support of the MacLomain clan. Our sword is yours and I pray ye might forgive me my weakness.”
“Love for another lass?” Clyde whispered, his lower lip hanging as though he didn’t quite know what to do with it. “Love for another lass,” he repeated. “‘Twas a pledge made long ago!”
Logan shrugged and stood. “And one that I cannae see through m’laird but still ye’ve my pledge that I will help retake yer castle.”
“My c-castle?” Clyde sputtered as he stood, monstrous muscles bulging as he grabbed a sword tossed to him. Venom in his eyes, he roared, “No traitorous MacLomain will help me reclaim my castle.”
Logan leapt away, barely escaping his blade. “Aye, but I will m'laird.”
“Nay!” Clyde went after him. “Ye've always been like a son to me. Mayhap ye should have laid eyes on Aline sooner and this wouldnae have happened. But nay, that shouldnae have made a difference to an honorable lad." He shook his head, sword swinging. "I kept my daughter away from ye until the day ye wed because ‘twas the right thing to do in God’s eyes ye bloody bastard!”
“Not a bastard,” Logan reminded, slamming a sword against Clyde’s. “Born to two wonderful parents.”
“Ye’ll be a bloody bastard if I say ye are!” Clyde slashed again and again, muttering under his breath, “May God and yer good parents forgive me for my words but ken yer deserving of them.”
Quest of a Scottish Warrior Page 13
