“He cannot afford to attack right now, can he? Surely, many men are either injured or dead after yesterday’s battle.”
Her husband cupped her face, lifting it to meet his gaze. “He is a new laird and out to prove himself. Ye know him better than I do. What do ye think he will do?”
In a way, Ava felt as if she was betraying her brother. But at the same time, it could be there was a way to stop him from being foolish. “He can be impulsive at times. I do not think he is prepared for the lairdship. Father was in good health and would have lived many more years.”
“All we can do is wait for now. In a few days, if we do not hear from him, it will be safe to send a messenger.”
They went inside to prepare for last meal. Servants went about clearing tables and sweeping, while other people milled about waiting to eat.
A maid hurried over to her. “Milly, one of the cooks in the kitchen, cut her hand. It’s bleeding horribly. Can ye come help her, Miss Ava?”
“Of course,” Ava replied and looked to Keithen. “I may miss last meal.”
He nodded, understanding her need to be accepted by the staff. “Aye, go.”
The scene in the kitchen was chaotic. The cook was visibly upset over blood being everywhere.
The poor pale Milly whimpered as another maid clutched her cut hand. A cloth was wrapped around her hand, already turning bright red.
“Lift yer hand over yer head,” Ava instructed and rushed to the fire. “I require hot water.”
Pulling a piece of wood from the fire, she went to where Milly sat in the adjoining servants’ dining area.
“Hold this. Continue to blow on it,” Ava said to the maid who stood with Milly.
She took the maid’s hand and removed the cloth. Blood spurted from the large cut that traveled from her palm straight to her wrist. Ava scooped warm water from a bowl and poured it over the injury and then pressed a clean cloth over it to dry it as much as possible.
“Take a deep breath,” Ava instructed. She grabbed the hot fiery wood and pressed the reddened end to the maid’s injury.
The girl screamed and the maid next to her did the same.
“What are ye doing?” The cook hurried over. Then seeing that the bleeding had stopped, the cook took the wood from Ava’s hand and nodded in approval.
“Tis best to keep it covered so it does not grow infected,” Ava said after wrapping the maid’s hand and wrist. “I will look at it again in two days.”
The maid looked away, still unhappy. “Thank ye, Mistress Ava.”
It was the first time any of the servants had spoken to her by name. She hurried out of the kitchen, not wanting to linger and needing to see about Keithen.
*
“Ava, come away from the window. If a messenger arrives, I am sure ye will know right away,” Lady Fraser said.
“It has been three days since the attack on my…er, Clan Mackenzie and still there has been no news.” The tightness in her chest made it impossible to take deep breaths. No matter that Keithen had repeated that neither side had a clear victory. It didn’t mean someone couldn’t have made it inside and hurt her mother or brother.
The silence and lack of activity reinforced the strange feeling that something horrible had either happened or was about to.
Afternoons in the sitting room with Keithen’s mother and Catriona had become her routine. They’d sip on honeyed mead and either embroidered or weaved grass baskets.
Flora had taught them to make baskets and they’d decided to make enough to decorate the tables in the great room for an upcoming visit by Laird Ross.
“When do the Ross and his family arrive?” Catriona asked in an obvious effort to distract Ava.
“Two, perhaps three days,” Lady Fraser replied. “I am hopeful Esme will travel with them as well,” she said, referring to her daughter who’d married a Ross.
“I hope she does as well,” Catriona remarked. “I miss her terribly.”
The two continued speaking about the upcoming visit while Ava fought not to jump to her feet and return to the window.
“Lady Fraser, riders have arrived at the gates.” A maid walked in and looked around the room. “Laird Fraser asks that ye remain here.”
At the news, all three of them rushed to the window. At the gates were a group of Mackenzie guardsmen. Two had approached the gates and dismounted. When they walked into the courtyard, they became hidden by the corner of the building.
“I am going to my bedchamber to look.” Ava raced from the sitting room before anyone could stop her.
She hung over the balcony to get a good look. The men who’d arrived were familiar to her. The two had been her own father’s personal guardsmen.
Closing her eyes, she did her best to hear what was being said, but it was impossible. Everyone went into the great room and out of sight and earshot.
“What can it be?” Ava asked the empty room as she paced and wrung her hands. If only she could go downstairs and ask about her family. But she dared not go against the laird’s orders.
It wasn’t much later that the two Mackenzie guards reappeared and, along with their contingent, rode away. Ava watched them and went to the doorway, considering if she could now go downstairs.
Keithen appeared at the top of the stairs. For a moment, his gaze met hers and then he seemed to relax.
“They came to speak to Father and ask questions regarding the attack. They refused to answer any questions about yer brother and mother when I asked. I am sorry.”
Pressing her lips together in an effort not to cry, she sagged against him. “Do ye think they have perished?”
He hugged at her in return to her question. “I do not know.”
“What exactly did they say?”
“Only what I said. They wished to question Father about the attack. I will know more when I go to Father’s study.”
As he turned, she grabbed his hand. “Please ask about my mother and brother. Also about the staff, how many were killed.”
“I will.”
Chapter Thirteen
Laird Fraser met Keithen’s gaze for a long moment. “Is what the Mackenzie accuses ye of true? That ye killed several of their guardsmen and the laird?”
It was ridiculous that anyone would fault a man for protecting his clan. “The bastards deserved death and much more for what they did to Catriona. I did not kill Laird Mackenzie. Although, he deserved it, too.”
The room was silent as everyone digested Keithen’s reply. Or lack thereof.
Broden met Keithen’s gaze. “I am not sure Alastair Mackenzie is brave enough to declare war on us. However, I would not put it past him to send men to capture ye. I suggest ye remain in the keep for now.”
“I will not hide from them,” Keithen growled. “Let them bring their men and try it. What proof does he have it was me?”
“Ye have been seen on Mackenzie lands more than once. This last time when ye were with Ewan, they presumed it meant our clan was behind goading the MacDonnell to attack them,” his father explained. “I do applaud the MacDonnell. He lost a lot of people when the late Laird Mackenzie attacked his villages.”
“There is much to consider in all of this,” Ewan Ross said with a grin. “Rumors of masked men, invisible archers in trees. Several lairds’ vengeance on the Mackenzies. I must say, I am glad I came here.”
Keithen gave the man a flat look. “Ye find entertainment in strange places.”
“I believe the new Laird Mackenzie is as mad as his father. We should proceed with caution,” Broden interjected.
“Mad or not, if Alastair is anything like his father, he will act without care for what happens to his men,” Laird Fraser replied. “I agree with Broden, Son. All of ye should remain in the keep for the time being. We will send scouts to find out what is truly happening.”
The changes could actually work in his favor, Keithen considered. Although, if he ever wanted to kill the man with the birthmark, it would mean being patient. It was highly pos
sible the bastard would be sent to hunt him down.
“Have ye seen him? This masked person?” his father asked.
Keithen shrugged. “Actually, I have. Twice. I think whoever it is has the answer to who, exactly, killed Laird Mackenzie. The man rides like the wind and is swift with sword.”
“Perhaps, I should go on a hunting expedition of my own,” Ewan said with a grin. “My curiosity has been piqued.”
Laird Fraser shook his head. “For now, everyone must remain in the keep. Other than patrols to the nearby villages and farms to ensure all is well, the rest of guardsmen will remain here. Call those from the village,” he said to Broden. “I must speak to everyone at once.”
If Clan Mackenzie declared war on Clan Fraser, they were evenly matched. Keithen wasn’t worried about the possibility, although he did not cherish how it would affect his mother and the other women in the keep.
He walked toward the courtyard with his father, who headed to the guards’ housing area. “We should send Mother, Catriona and the other women across the river to our relatives’ keep.”
“Not a word of this to yer mother. I will speak to her and ensure I explain it in a way that will not be upsetting. I’ll suggest a trip to visit our family.”
“Mother will know why ye send her away. She will fret, I am sure. But nonetheless, it would be better than her remaining here under threat of attack.”
Both the Fraser and Ross guardsmen were lined up when they approached. One hundred men who would give their lives to protect their clan, heavily muscled and toned from constant sword practice, presented a formidable image.
His father straightened and silently assessed the men. “Today, we received word that the Mackenzie blames us in part for the attack by the MacDonnell.” The men didn’t respond and kept their gazes locked on his father.
“I will always be truthful to ye,” his father continued. “I have not spoken to the MacDonnell, nor did I have anything to do with the attack, justified as it was.”
The guards snickered at the truth of the last words.
When his father held his hand up, they went quiet.
“They also accuse us of killing the late laird.”
At that statement, the men all looked to each other without speaking. But then, once again, they returned their attention to their laird.
“If any of ye did it, ye must inform me at once.”
For a long moment, everyone waited, but none came forward. His father then paced before them, from one end of the line of men to the other.
Every so often, he stopped and spoke in low tones to several guardsmen. One man held out his hand and they shook at whatever his father had said. Keithen hoped to one day be as respected as his father was.
“I thank all of ye for yer willingness to defend our people. We have grown stronger as a clan because of it.” He let out a breath. “I do know that we must remain vigilant now as the accusations can bring an attack.”
When his father motioned to them, Broden and Ewan divided the guard into three groups. Broden’s men would be patrolling the surrounding lands, Ewan’s archers would protect from the wall and also be sent out with patrols. The third group, Keithen’s men, would remain in the keep and protect it from attack.
The three leaders of the groups finished giving orders and assigning times of duty. Then, two hundred men from the village arrived.
Laird Fraser and the three men went to the gates where the information was repeated to the newly arrived warriors. They were then divided like the ones inside the keep and given their assignments. A third of the group would be camping on the lands outside the keep. Another third would camp near the village. And the final third would be inside the keep.
The entire atmosphere changed in the great room when Keithen entered. Tables were moved to one side, allowing for floor space around the hearth so people could sleep on the floor. Groups of women had arrived from the village who’d be working as cooks and assist with other chores necessary for the camps.
Keithen’s mother rushed down the stairwell. “What is happening? Are we about to be attacked?”
Keithen looked over his shoulder, hoping to see his father. “No, Mother. We are preparing, just in case. But it is doubtful that anyone will attack us. No one is strong enough anymore.”
There was obvious skepticism in her expression as she looked toward the doorway. “I was to go to the village today. To the market.”
“Not today, Mother.” Keithen took her elbow. “I can send someone to fetch whatever it is ye need.”
She blew out an annoyed breath. “I will not have some man pick out ribbons and such.” His mother glared at him. “Not that I will need them if we are to all die.”
He almost laughed at her comment but managed a straight face. “We are not going to die.”
“There ye are, I was about to come find ye.” Thankfully, his father appeared in that moment. “What are yer thoughts on traveling to visit my brother across the river?” he asked his wife.
As his father painted a picture of leisurely travel to enjoy a visit, his mother’s eyes narrowed. “No. I will stay here.” She turned on her heel and hurried back up the steps.
“What did ye say to her?” his father asked.
Keithen shrugged. “I assured her we were not about to be attacked.”
“Ye were not convincing enough.”
“And obviously neither were ye,” Keithen countered.
His father went up the stairs to find his wife, but Keithen knew that there would be no changing his mother’s mind. She would not leave, not after what happened to her the last time she left the keep. If she feared they were to be attacked, the possibility of being captured was obviously a much more horrible possibility.
In a way, he was relieved. He did not think Catriona would be able to withstand the travel while imagining she could be taken again.
It was curious that his wife had yet to appear. He raced up the stairs to his bedchamber, which he found empty.
“Ava?” He walked into the sitting room where only Catriona and her companion remained.
“She is not here,” Flora said. “She went to yer bedchamber to see what was happening. That was early this morning.”
Catriona’s wide eyes moved from him to the doorway. “Are we to be attacked again?”
“No, there are no warriors headed this way. No one has issued a warning. There is an untrue rumor that Father helped convince the MacDonnell to attack Clan Mackenzie.” He did his best to explain what had happened. Although it was not something that would normally be told to women, he felt that Catriona had the right to know every detail.
“Father is taking precautions to keep everyone safe, although they are only threatening a few of us.”
Her intelligent eye met his. “Ye and who else?”
“Broden, perhaps even Ewan.”
She nodded. “Thank ye for being honest with me.”
Once again, he returned to the chamber he and Ava shared and looked about. Nothing seemed to be missing other than his wife. She wasn’t in the kitchen, in his parents’ chamber, or in the back of the keep where she’d started a garden.
As he continued to search, his concern grew. Finally, he went to the stables.
“Have ye seen my wife?” he asked one of the lads. The young man nodded.
“Aye, she left earlier today.”
“Who with?”
The boy shrugged. “I do not know. I only helped her get a horse saddled.”
Keithen knew exactly where his wife was headed. She was going to find out about her mother and brother.
His father would advise him to remain there and not look for her as she’d probably be safe going to her family’s lands. However, with a battle just ending, there was the danger that MacDonnells continued to be hidden in the forest waiting for an opportunity to strike again.
Gallant was more than willing to leave the confines of the corral. The horse’s giant hooves pranced in place as Keithen saddled him.
Thankfully, his father was inside. Broden and Ewan busy were with their men. The guardsmen in the keep all knew their assignments and were now at sword practice, so there was little need for him to be about at the moment.
Guiding Gallant through the gates, he hesitated at noting tents being erected and a central bonfire built already. People hurried about performing all the necessary tasks to ensure everything would be set and prepared by nightfall.
His chest expanded with pride in the resilience of his clan. They worked hard to support him and his family and came together without hesitation to ensure everyone’s safety.
Not wanting to attract attention, he guided Gallant to keep a slow pace until they were out of sight. Then he urged the horse to a gallop.
He rode for hours, not seeing any sign of anyone. It was strange in a way. He’d expected to have to hide from Mackenzie guards out patrolling.
It was early evening when he spotted riders and guided his horse to hide behind trees. They were Mackenzie guardsmen.
Not overly watchful, the men spoke loudly as they headed east and away from where he was. Nonetheless, he waited for a while to ensure they could not turn and see him before once again heading toward Mackenzie Keep.
Keithen was unsure what he would do once he got closer as he could not very well knock on the door and ask if his wife was there.
The forest became silent and he slowed the horse at noting the lack of sounds. Wildlife usually quieted at the presence of a horseman or other unnatural sounds.
It could be his own presence that caused it, so Keithen stopped his horse and listened intently just to be sure.
A rustling to his right caught his attention, just a second before he was tackled off the horse.
Cursing for not drawing his sword, Keithen grappled with the man. But then he was hit from behind by another man.
Keithen swung wildly and managed to punch one of them in the face. But his victory was short-lived when a third man appeared on horseback.
A Fearless Rebel Page 11
