"What do ye mean?" Her curious gaze flew from Calum to Angus who shrugged.
"My friend Paden Fraser returns to Skye. Ye can never outrun yer past young lass." Angus sighed. "It always comes calling."
At having known Paden Fraser was not truly the blacksmith's birth name, Calum studied Rhona and then looked to Angus. Both saw the same thing.
Astride the galloping horse, Emma leaned forward over the horse’s back clinging to the reins. Her breathing ragged and eyes watering from the cold wind, she could only focus on her destination. A guard followed behind and she did not bother to see if he kept up.
Paden had sent as message as he'd promised, but what did it mean? Where could he possibly be traveling to and why now?
His message to wait for him made little sense, other than perhaps something horrible had happened.
She’d made a fool of herself time and time again for Paden, but today it ended. Once she found what happened and ensured he was not dead or injured, she would reconsider marriage to Gavin McDonnell.
There was no need to fight the marriage, after all, she was a laird’s daughter and had to obey. All her life, she’d been aware that whom she married one day had to be to someone that would bring honor and strength to her clan.
She’d go with her husband to wherever he lived. There was absolutely no need to remain in Moriag at the end of the season.
No one was about at the stables. Her guard watched her with curiosity as she stomped to peer inside.
One of the lads lifted his head from working on what looked to be a sword and met her gaze. "Paden has gone, not sure when he will return milady."
"Where to?" She attempted to keep a neutral face.
The lad shrugged. "Ye'll have to ask Angus milady."
"Where is Angus?"
"At the tavern." The young man pointed across the town's square.
She walked slower toward the tavern. If Paden was gone, she very much doubted he would return. Perhaps it was a waste of time to even go there.
Just then the door opened and a familiar woman walked out. Emma blinked and narrowed her eyes. Could it be?
"Rhona?" She neared the pale woman who put a hand up to her chest. "Why are ye here."
Rhona swallowed visibly. "I ran away. I was not going to marry the tyrant who is forcing my father’s hand. No matter how hard my family tried to get out of the agreement it was for naught. I escaped with my maid." Rhona began to cry and Emma guided her to a nearby bench.
"Of course ye did. I find myself in a similar situation. I will help ye. I'm sure together we can find a solution. Come with me and stay at the McNeil's."
"No, Yer family will be required to contact my family. I can't take that chance. I have found suitable accommodations for now. My mother knows I ran away and she is hoping to be able to send word once I can return."
“How I wish I could find my brother.”
"I must tell ye. I met a man here who very much resembles yer brother Stuart," Emma told her and sighed. "It seems ye missed him. He just left."
Rhona's eyes rounded and she looked to the tavern. "I was just told a man named Paden was returning to Skye."
It was Emma now who was shocked. "Can it be then? Perhaps he is Stuart and is returning home?"
Rhona’s face brightened. "If it is him, my brother will protect me. He will not allow this marriage to a man who uses his power to force my family’s hand."
"I think we shall return to Skye immediately," Emma told her friend a plan formulating.
Chapter Twelve
With the backdrop of misty mountains, the McLeod keep loomed huge and imposing. The tall gray walls more of a threat than an invitation to come forward.
Once stepping inside, if he got past the guards stationed at the gates, there would be no escape.
For many years the combination of the walls and high drop the sea protected the clan from invasion or mishap.
Only once that the walls been breached and the battle had been fought in the courtyard. It had been with the help of traitorous guards who'd dislike the late laird.
The story was told for generations, the hero of the day being the youngest son of the laird, who'd fought valiantly and felled many an enemy.
The lad had grown to be a might warrior and leader to clan McLeod. The lad, Brenan, had been quite promiscuous and thanks to that, the McLeod lineage continued. So was the story of his great-grandfather Brenan McLeod.
Stuart McLeod, Paden was now gone, sat atop his newly acquired steed, Raven, and looked down to where guardsmen patrolled the road. Although they gave no indication of doing so, he knew they'd spotted him. Their movements stilted, the men were ready to defend their post.
He guided the horse forward assuring to move slow and raised his right hand. "I come in peace. I'm here to see the McLeod."
The guards studied him with disinterest as one would study a bug. "He is not here." One finally spoke up. "Get on yer way now." He made a shooing motion with his hand while the others laughed.
"Then why does the banner fly high?" He looked to the flag with the family crest, the sight of it bringing a pang to his chest.
"He is not receiving." Another guard, burlier than the first stepped forward. "The family is in mourning." At least this one was serious. His dark eyes meeting his for a moment then narrowed. "Are ye a McLeod."
"Aye. I am." He preferred not to disclose his identity. However at the words, his heart beat erratically. Who had died?. To ask would mean the guards would not allow him past, but he couldn't help the alarm from his voice. "I come to pay my respects. Now let me pass."
After some hesitation, the guards reacted to the command and moved aside.
No sooner inside the gates, did he dismount allowing the stable lads to lead his horse away. At once the familiarity of his home struck and he almost fell to his knees as too many memories assaulted.
In every corner he visualized his brother Larkin. The mischievous lad had a way of getting whatever his wished with a quick wink, a contagious smile followed by a hearty chuckle. The sound of it seemed to echo toward him from every side.
"Stuart?" The familiar feminine voice came from the doorway. He turned to face the first member of his family and prepared for what could turn out to be disastrous.
"Mother." He kept his voice flat and stood still as a statue not moving waiting for the accusations that would come.
Instead she rushed to him, tears rolling down her cheeks as she crashed into his chest. Her entire body shook from the sobs as she held to him. "Thanks be to God that he sends ye back to me now that I need ye the most. Yer Da is dead darling."
The words hung in the air. Stuart's ability to breathe gone until all he could do was take shallow gulps. He dipped his head and placed his cheek on his mother's hair. "What happened?"
"Wound that would not heal. It festered." She sniffed but didn't move away. "We have prayed without ceasing for yer return." His mother moved back and cupped his face with both hands. "Ye have come home."
"I am sorry." He couldn't bear to look into her face. "I have failed ye in so many ways."
His mother's lips curved into a soft smile. "There is nothing that can be done to bring either yer brother or father back. However, now that ye are here, we will work on building a strong future for the clan. Ye are laird now Stuart."
His legs gave out and he fell to the ground. "What?"
"Ye are now The McLeod."
The next day Stuart paced his chambers. Today he’d face the clan and stand before them as the new laird. It was his duty and the first opportunity to finally recount for his clan the truth about what happened the day he’d left.
He considered what to do about Emma. He’d send a messenger to her and ask that she come to Skye. Letting out a breath, he wondered at her reaction to knowing his true identity. I could be she would rebuff him, especially if she and her family believed him to be either a murderer or a coward.
First he had to take care of the matter at hand and stand be
fore the people of his clan and take the helm as laird. He’d tell them the truth and what happened next would be an indication of how to continue forward.
At this point it mattered not if they believed him or not. As their laird, no one would come forth and accuse him openly. However, it did matter to him, it was important to have the respect of his people.
With his reputation as fierce warrior, he didn’t fear being attacked. His fear was to see hatred in the eyes of the clan people.
The only person who would have anything to gain by his demise was an uncle who lived not too far away, and although the man was a good and fair laird to his people, he lacked ambition, and thus most of the people barely scraped by on whatever they could barter and trade. The last thing his uncle would aspire for was more people to lead.
His mother was the only one who welcomed him openly and without judgment.
“Perhaps, we should just have a celebration feast to welcome ye as Laird. There is no need to explain yerself son.” His mother wringed her hands.
Stuart studied her and felt a sense of love and protection. “Tis best that I do. There will always be questions and I prefer to be open with the people.”
“I will not stand by and allow any disrespect toward ye. I willna attend.”
“Ye must mother. Tis imperative that ye stand beside me as a show of support Mother. No matter how painful hearing what I must say will be, I need ye there.”
He understood that she would hurt when knowing every detail of her youngest son’s death would be he could not grant her exclusion.
Finally she nodded and he held out his arm. “Very well, I will be there and I do trust that they will respect ye as Laird.”
When they entered the great room and walked to the high board, the crowd fell silent. Every eye followed their movements.
Ever the lady of the keep, his mother kept her head held high, her expression soft and looked upon people as they passed acknowledging them.
He assisted his mother to sit and then turned to face his people. For a long moment he scanned the crowd noting familiar faces that’d aged some in the years since he’d left. Young lasses were now women and those older were now much more so.
When he looked to the town council, suspicion in their expressions. From his father's advisors down to the scullery maids, it was obvious everyone knew of the rumors regarding Ian's death and his own disappearance. The suspicions he'd either killed his brother out of jealousy, or had not defended him and left due to cowardice were renewed.
Although the room was mostly quiet, Stuart held up a hand.
“I killed my brother.” The statement brought gasps and widening of eyes. He didn’t look to his mother, as he needed to remain strong. “Not with my own sword, but because I could not defend us both from the group of men who attacked without provocation.”
Swallowing, he continued. “Six men wearing Clan Dunn colors came upon us. I asked Larkin to hide, to run, but he refused to cower. While I fought, I saw a man cut him through.”
His mother’s hitching breath made him hesitate, but he forced himself to continue. “Larkin died before falling to the ground.”
Heart pounding he continued on. “And the accusation I see in yer eyes is correct. I was a coward. I ran. After I placed my brother’s body atop the horse, I went after the men. For all these years, I’ve sought revenge for killing the two that survived.”
The only sound in the room was his mother’s crying and for a moment he almost waivered.
“As yer Laird, I promise ye the same. To fight alongside ye and to avenge any harm that comes. Unlike what I did when grief struck, I will not abandon the clan ever again.” The words made him want to fall to his knees. Not even for Emma would he abandon his people. He had a duty to them now.
Stuart took a breath and turned to the guardsmen.
“Ye are sworn to my family and I ask that ye now stand beside me as I strive to lead and guard the clan. I will need each of ye, because together we will not only defend our people, but also ensure everyone is provided for. I learned a valuable lesson at the cost of my brother’s life. I cannot stand alone. A man no matter how strong a warrior needs a brother in arms at his back. Will ye do that?”
There was a loud “Aye” from the guards who fell to one knee with their sword arm across their chests.
Stuart waited for them to stand before proceeding. “And to ye Clan McLeod, I vow to be a fair leader. Do not take my grief for my father, or my declaration of what happened on the day my brother died as a sign of weakness. I continue to be a warrior first and ask that ye as a clan accept my leadership. I vow to continue in the steps of my father and make this clan a strong and proud one.”
There were mumbles among the crowd finally an older man stepped forward and fell to one knee. “Welcome Laird Stuart McLeod. I declare my loyalty to ye.”
One by one, a representative from each family came forward to swear loyalty. Jaw tight, Stuart fought to keep from weeping. It was a good feeling to gain his birthright back.
This was a day he’d not thought possible and yet without Emma at his side, his heart was not full.
Chapter Thirteen
Emma could not help but shiver at the anticipation of what she’d say once facing Stuart. Accompanied by his sister and her new champion Calum, the trip had been easier than expected.
Rhona’s maid, Maisie, woke up and blinked. “This jostling of the carriage keeps rocking me to sleep.” Emma and Rhona laughed. The woman was making a miraculous recovery. It seemed after learning they’d travel back to Skye, she’d begun to regain her strength.
Rhona nodded. “True it’s hard to remain awake with nothing to see but the passing trees and sky.”
In a few moments they’d be on a boat to Skye and from there less than a day’s journey to McLeod keep.
“I will have to wear a head covering to keep from being recognized by someone of my clan,” Emma declared.
“Mayhaps Ye should visit them first,” Rhona declared. “If not they could worry and send sentries out to look. It would cause yer parents unnecessary concern.” Stuart’s sister was right of course. As anxious as she was to see him, she did not want to cause any more distress than she’d done already by turning down the offer of marriage. Her parents would be furious and she didn’t blame them. It was her obligation to honor their decisions.
How would she explain her love for Stuart? Although he was by blood a McLeod, currently he had little in the way of means. Her father would never agree to a union with him. And as much as it would pain her, even if her mother understood, she would stand with her husband.
With a resigned sigh Emma decided she’d hire a coach and return home. Calum would accompany Rhona home.
“Tell Paden...er Stuart where I am and that I must speak to him at once.” Emma bit her bottom lip. “Tell him I love him.”
Rhona’s smile was warm. “Of course I will.” Stuart’s sister and her maid Maisie would continue with Calum, once she and Anna were aboard a carriage headed home.
Two weeks later...
The grey sky forewarned of another cold day. Stuart McLeod sat at the high board drinking ale and speaking with Calum.
For several days he’d tried to convince the man to remain at Skye. He was obviously smitten with his sister.
“I cannot remain here without a way of supporting myself.” Calum scanned the almost empty room. “A man must have something to offer a woman. Which brings me to a subject I should have spoken to ye about before now.”
Stuart shrugged. “Whatever it is, go ahead tell me.” He expected news from Moriag. Something that seemed to make the bar keep tongue-tied. “I won’t expect anything good, if that helps.”
“Tis good news I think. I held off speaking to ye about it since this is more yer sister’s story to tell. Yer sister... the person...have ye heard?”
“Person? What do ye mean? No I haven’t time alone with Rhona. She’s taken to spending every free moment with ye and most days I’v
e gone before she rises. I have many duties. Have to visit the clans people before winter comes.”
“True.” The man swallowed visibly. “I would like to marry yer sister. However I am of lower means and cannot possibly afford her the life she is accustomed...”
“Stop,” Stuart interrupted hating the redness of Calum’s face at thinking he was being rebuffed. “The reason I wish ye to remain is because my sister will be heartbroken if ye go. My mother will be as well. Yer leaving will break two hearts.”
Calum fought not to smile. “What can I do here? I must earn my keep. I am not bad with the sword.”
“Ye can do what ye wish, as long as ye make my sister happy.”
His friend met his gaze. “Ye are a good man Stuart McLeod. There is something else.”
The guards entered signaling last meal would soon be served. Stuart returned his attention to Calum. “What is it.”
“Ye see when we left Moriag, Lady Emma and her maid Anna traveled with us. She sent ye a message with Rhona.”
The pang in his chest annoyed him and Stuart did his best to ignore it. “What was her message?” He suspected it had to do with her deciding to bend to her father’s wishes and marry the man chosen for her.
“I don’t know word for word Laird. However I do know she had plans to see ye and let ye know she will not marry the man, McDonnell.”
For a long moment he could not move. “Are ye sure?”
“Aye,” Calum replied with a grin. “Very sure.”
“Lad!” Stuart called out to one of the young boys sweeping at the rushes. “Go to the stables, ask they bring my horse immediately.” He motioned his personal guards forward. “Get something to eat in the kitchen, we ride at once.”
Just a short while later, he was atop Raven, galloping toward keep McNeil.
The sun was low in the horizon when they arrived at Emma’s home. Unlike his own keep the McKenzie’s did not have guards at a ready near the gates. The clan relied on its reputation for safety and in truth, only a fool would attempt any kind of attack on them. They were the largest clan on the Isle of Skye and although the latest laird was known as a fair man, it didn’t mean he was not as blood thirsty as he predecessors.
Highland Mists: A Highland Romp Page 7
