The Viking's Highland Lass

by Terry Spear

  “In the meantime, I will do what I had intended before, offer a tie between our clans, but only if he keeps peace with Inga’s,” James said.

  “How many men did Seamus have with him?” Brina asked.

  “Around twenty,” James said.

  Brina considered two dead men nearby. “I have never seen these men before.”

  Lynette studied them for a moment. “Neither have I. He must have hired mercenaries.”

  They remounted their horses and headed for the keep. Gunnolf couldn’t help worrying about the ladies’ safety though.

  “Since we have no idea what to expect, I suggest we follow our earlier plan. The ladies stay a safe distance from the castle’s archers’ reach.” Gunnolf still couldn’t believe that Seamus had been Lynette’s twin brother.

  “I agree. Until we know what kind of reception we will get, we have to be wary of Brina’s cousin’s response to our unexpected arrival,” James said.

  When they saw the four stone towers of the castle, they could see movement along the wall walk. Distant shouts could be heard as the guards called out a warning to their people.

  “Mayhap we should have a change of plan,” Brina said. “If my cousin sees Lynette and me approaching with you, they may believe you are no’ the enemy.”

  “Or that we are with Seamus and caught the both of you and are returning you now.” Gunnolf still didn’t want the ladies to draw too close to the castle.

  “I am going with you,” Brina said to James. “My cousin willna take action to harm me. He has no reason to. And my people would revolt against him if he did.”

  James agreed. Gunnolf still didn’t like the plan, but he went along with it as determined as everyone was. He rode forth with Brina and James, ready to fight.

  When they were close enough, Brina called out to the guards. “’Tis me, Brina, returned with the support of Laird James MacNeill of Craigly Castle to help my…our people.”

  Gunnolf wondered at first why she had not said to help her father, but then suspected she didn’t want to sound as though she would be unwilling to accept her cousin as chief.

  “Lynette is with us and she is Laird James’s half sister, we just learned. His lairdship wishes to forge a clan alliance. He and his men took care of Seamus and his mercenaries. Let us in to speak with my cousin.”

  A swarthy guard named Ahern came down to speak to them. “Christophe welcomes you home, Lady Brina.”

  “Ahearn,” she said, inclining her head in greeting, her expression grim.

  Then they allowed the ladies and their escort into the inner bailey.

  “You will have to leave your weapons with the guards,” Ahearn said, then spoke with James. “Welcome, my laird. Our chief will be eager to hear your plans for an alliance.”

  “What about my da? What has become of him?” Brina asked.

  “I thought you knew he died on the battlefield. Everyone else did. We thought that was why you ran off. That you didna wish to do as your da had commanded. Seamus had our men help bury those who died while Seamus searched for you.”

  “Did anyone verify that Robard’s body was discovered, proving that he was actually dead? If so, where is he buried?” Gunnolf asked.

  The guard sliced him an irritated look.

  Did Robard’s own men not have any interest in learning the truth? Maybe they truly wished him dead.

  14

  ”Where is Cadel and his wife?” Brina asked Ahearn, the grizzled old guard, before he led them into the keep.

  “I havena seen Cadel since he left the battle and returned home to his wife.”

  Brina exchanged glances with Gunnolf and James, but she could tell they thought it was best to keep quiet about her da’s being alive. If he was still alive.

  James stopped, took one of his men aside, and spoke to him in private. Then the man gathered ten of James’s men and they headed back out.

  “Some trouble?” Ahearn asked, wary.

  “Just making sure that none of Seamus’s mercenaries are about,” James said, and gave the guard a dark smile.

  Brina suspected James was having his men search for her father along with Cadel and his wife to provide them with protection if need be. If they found them, she knew James’s men would inform them Brina had returned with help, Seamus was gone, and Christophe was now in charge.

  She wondered what her da would think of that. If Gunnolf had been serving as chief, he would be on his horse, ready to do battle against Seamus no matter how many soldiers he might have recruited. Not only that, but Gunnolf would ensure her people living in outlying areas were safe from Seamus’s vengeance.

  She wanted to go with the men to find her da, but she knew that would look suspicious. She didn’t trust that Christophe had suddenly shown up to take over. And wasn’t that a cowardly way to deal with Seamus anyway? Just lock him out? Maybe that was why Seamus had solicited the aid of mercenaries. To attempt to take the castle back.

  “Christophe,” Brina said when she saw her cousin, his raven hair shoulder length, his blue eyes quickly shifting from her to Gunnolf and then James. He finally saw Lynette and nodded, as if the women were back where they were supposed to be.

  He should have been ashamed that someone else had to bring them home instead of their own clansmen.

  “I see you have finally returned,” Christophe said, as if she had just taken a walk in the glen.

  Brina narrowed her eyes at him, furious that he would do naught to find her da or deal with Seamus. “Aye, I returned. With help to save our people from Seamus.”

  “You had no need. I took care of the matter easily enough.”

  By locking him out! And anytime her people needed to leave the castle, Seamus and his mercenaries could have struck at them. But she bit her tongue and didn’t speak her sentiments out loud like she wanted to.

  “Come, we were just getting ready to sit down to a feast.” Christophe beckoned to a golden-haired woman to come forth, and she stepped forward. She smiled, but not in a friendly way. “This is my cousin, Brina. Her da, my uncle, was the former chief. And this is Lynette—“

  “My sister. I am Laird James MacNeill. ‘Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

  “I see. This is my lovely bride, Guennola. We were wed this past year. You can show her how to manage the staff, Brina. Though after you show her what you used to do, you will have to find another duty. I am sure Guennola can think of something.”

  The woman gave her a simpering smile. Brina inclined her head a little to Guennola, but didn’t comment about her “new” role. Brina had worked for years at learning everyone’s personality and knowing how to motivate them the best she could with as little angst as she could manage. Though there were always those who were difficult no matter how she managed them. She didn’t figure this woman would last a sennight before she was ready to give up and have someone else do all the work for her.

  “The elders have decided you are their new chief, I take it.” Brina tried to keep from showing her temper, though she was certain she looked annoyed as much as she was frowning. She had no intention of teaching this woman how to do anything. All she cared about now was ensuring her da was truly alive and learning what he wanted to do.

  “Mayhap the two of you can serve as her companions and fetch whatever she needs when she needs it,” Christophe continued as if his earlier comment hadn’t gotten enough of a reaction from Brina.

  She remembered then how Christophe had always tried to unsettle her in front of her da, as if to belittle her for being only a woman, his daughter, and not the son he had wanted so badly.

  “You are mistaken about why we are here,” James said. “Lynette is returning with me. It remains to be seen about Brina however. I am sure she will want to go wherever her husband goes.”

  Christophe suddenly looked in Gunnolf’s direction as if he hadn’t really noticed him before this, his expression unsmiling. He ground his teeth like he always did when he was attempting to keep his temper in c
heck. “Who are you?”

  “Gunnolf. And since you are the new chief of the clan, I hope you can see your way to making peace with Inga and her kin.”

  “I have every intention of killing every last one of them.” Christophe paused, waiting to see Gunnolf’s reaction, who did not react, which Brina was glad for. “After they killed Robard, of course.” Christophe motioned to the head table. “Come, sit.”

  Once they were seated, Christophe turned his attention to Brina. “What I want to know is who gave you permission to wed anyone other than who I decided since you did not wed Seamus?”

  “My da, as was his right.”

  “I have never known you to lie—“

  “Aye, ‘tis true. My da was wounded on the field of battle. That much is true. But he didna die there.”

  Most everyone in the great hall was watching the head table because of Brina’s return, and the special guests her cousin was entertaining. Even more so as Brina’s words were heard by those closest to the high table and were spread to the rest of the clan.

  “That is why Gunnolf asked if anyone from the clan had truly witnessed my da’s burial.” She looked at her kin sitting at the other tables and spoke louder for them all to hear. “He was your chief. Did no one think to ensure that he had died before believing everything Seamus told us?”

  Everyone looked shocked to hear the news; a few looked a little guilty.

  “He was alive, last we saw him and he asked if Gunnolf would consent to wed me. And so we married at Craigly Castle.”

  Gunnolf’s expression softened a bit, his eyes smiling. Her da never asked anything of anyone. Or rarely. He demanded obedience from those he was associated with.

  “If Robard is alive, why is he no’ here? Why didna you bring him here?” Christophe asked, angry, as if it were their fault that he was still beyond the castle walls.

  Guennola looked just as distraught as Brina’s cousin. “What does this mean, Christophe? You will no longer be chief?” She acted as though the notion was repugnant to her and nothing else mattered but the position he would hold.

  “He isna alive any longer. He was terribly wounded. He would have died by now or returned to the keep.” Christophe slammed his tankard on the table. “You sent men away to search for him?” he asked James, sounding furious. “You didna say this when they left.”

  “And to see if any more of Seamus’s mercenaries were about.” James was eating his roasted grouse, not in the least bothered by Christophe’s temper. “About this alliance between our clans--”

  “Where was he and how badly wounded?” Christophe asked, ignoring James’s comment, appearing more worried about the ramifications if Robard returned and might be angry with him for taking over.

  Brina wasn’t sure he would be. He’d always wanted Christophe to return home and be the clan chief someday. Maybe even now, if her da couldn’t manage the clan any longer. Would their people even back Robard over Christophe now?

  “I am done, thank you.” Even though it was Christophe’s place to end the meal, Brina rose from the bench and Gunnolf immediately joined her. “I am going to search for my da.” She couldn’t wait a moment longer.

  Several of her kin stood also and she was heartened to see their response. Unless, they had more devious intentions and wanted to ensure her da would not return to take over.

  Christophe’s face reddened and he stood. “I will lead a search party.”

  Why? To save face? To look like a man of action? Or to ensure they didn’t find her da alive?

  “Five of my men and I will go with you,” James said. “My sister will stay here and visit with your wife.”

  Lynette immediately objected. “Brina will go and I will remain with her to watch her back.”

  “Watch her back? From whom? Her own kin?” Guennola asked, appearing highly agitated that Lynette would even insinuate that Brina was in danger from her own people.

  “Mayhap you were no’ listening,” Lynette said, her tone caustic. “Some of Seamus’s mercenaries could very well be about. One of the men with Seamus already shot Brina with an arrow, so who would say he wouldna try that again.”

  Guennola snapped her gaping mouth shut.

  James took Lynette’s hand in his. “Are you sure you dinna want to stay behind?”

  “Nay. My place is with Brina.”

  “All right. Some of my men will go west with you, Gunnolf, and Brina, the others will come with me.”

  Brina prayed they would find her da alive, and hoped all this could be resolved easily. But she feared it would not.

  When Brina and the others were well on their way, she said to Gunnolf, “Is James staying close to Christophe to ensure if he finds him first no harm comes to my da?”

  “That was the impression I had. I am sure Christophe would have had the same notion. Better to be vigilant and ensure your da remains alive, than leave it to fate.”

  “Do you think mayhap my da was still corresponding with my cousin and that is why he showed up so fortuitously? I canna imagine Christophe would have just happened to be in the area and took over while Seamus was searching for me.”

  “I was thinking the very same thing. You and Lynette know him better than I do. Do you believe him capable of killing his uncle to stay in power?”

  “Aye,” Lynette said without hesitation before Brina could respond. “He didna like to be told what to do so he left. He didna want to work at leading a clan. He just wanted the status. Look how he handled Seamus!”

  “Aye,” Brina agreed. “I wouldna have thought it possible until I saw him serving as chief of the clan.”

  They saw a rider approaching from the north and Brina smiled. “’Tis Rory.” Then she frowned. “I hope he isna bringing us bad news.”

  They rode toward him and Rory greeted them. “Lady Brina, Gunnolf, Lynette. I have had word you brought men here to take Seamus and his men down.”

  “Aye, Laird James MacNeill and his men helped us to do so,” Gunnolf said.

  “Where is my da? Is he well?” Brina quickly asked.

  “Aye, though he needs to be in his own chamber where he can rest and fully recover.”

  “Which my cousin has probably commandeered as his own. Take us to him. Can we move him to the keep?” Brina asked.

  “Only if Gunnolf and the men he brought can protect him until we have assurance that he willna come to harm.”

  Brina looked to Gunnolf. She couldn’t speak for James or his men. She didn’t know if they could or would want to stay for a while longer.

  “I will stay and help protect the chief,” Gunnolf said, and Brina loved him for it.

  “As will I,” Brina said.

  “As long as James doesna want to drag me off, I will help our chief recover also,” Lynette said.

  Rory looked like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. “Aye, I thank all of you. This is the best news we have had since he was struck down. Come this way then. He will be eager to see you. He will want to know if you have already married Gunnolf. If not, he insists that you do so right away at the chapel.”

  “Gunnolf and I are wed.” Brina smiled at her husband.

  “And no one had to insist on it,” Gunnolf added.

  “Then all we have need of is a feast to celebrate the good news.”

  How different Rory’s greeting was from the way her cousin had reacted upon her return. She was glad they had come back to help her da. Though she knew it wouldn’t be the greatest of situations. Not with Christophe wanting to hold onto the position of chief and the knowledge the elders could want Christophe to continue to lead even after her da was well. She was excited to see him though, but worried he would look as bad as he did the last time she had seen him.

  When they reached the shieling, Rory quickly escorted them inside while the rest of the men with them waited outside to serve as guards. She was shocked to see her da sitting at a table, eating fish stew, the color returned to his once pale cheeks.

  “You look w
ell,” she said, meaning it.

  “Come here, daughter.”

  Unsure what he wanted from her, she did as he asked. He seized her arm and pulled her closer for a hug. He was much stronger than she thought he would be. She was glad for that, but also shocked at his unreserved show of affection for her, especially in front of others. She assumed it was because she had returned with help to save him.

  “You know Christophe has returned and taken over the clan,” she said.

  “Are you married to Gunnolf?” he asked, ignoring her comment.

  She was surprised he wanted to know that when she thought he’d respond to her comment instead. “Aye.”

  Gunnolf smiled at her.

  “Good. Aye, I have had word concerning my nephew. What about Seamus?”

  “Dead by Gunnolf’s hand,” Brina said, proud of him. “Many of Seamus’s mercenaries are dead or gone also. But I have a question. Seamus said he was James’s half brother, Lynette’s twin. Lynette is my half sister. That meant Seamus was my half brother as well. Did you know this?”

  “He lies. But if there is any truth in the matter, I would never have arranged for the two of you to wed. Does that ease your mind, Brina?”

  “Aye.”

  “I have heard while Seamus searched for you, he lost some of his loyal men.”

  “Aye. Mayhap that is why he had to hire mercenaries. Da, what about Christophe? Gunnolf promised to protect you while you heal until you can return to power. Do you think Christophe might wish you harm because he will want to keep the power he has now?”

  “He has only the power the elders gave him. Dinna worry about him. Gunnolf, help me to my horse. Rory, thanks be to you and Cadel and his wife for all your help. You will be rewarded.”

  Gunnolf helped her da out to his horse and assisted him in climbing into his saddle. The effort appeared to pain him, and Brina hated to see his face turn pale, his hands unsteady on the reins. But no one said a word about his difficulties, which would have made him feel helpless.