by B. J. Scott
Roderick sat atop his destrier. While he and Ciaran would orchestrate the raid and dole out orders, he would do so on horseback and from a safe distance, away from the actual fighting. If anything went wrong, he’d be safe and escape unharmed.
Connor, on the other hand, had never been that sort of chieftain. He’d not ask or expect his men to do anything he would not do himself. When faced with a battle, he could be found front and center, leading his men, his brother and cousins flanking him.
Should a skirmish break out between the Morgans and Frasers this day, Ian knew his cousins and brothers—had they managed to rejoin the clan—would be the first to offer up their lives defending Quinn. All the more reason to free Roslyn and get to Connor before Roderick and his men had time to block their means of retreat.
“Are you ready to march, men? Ready to rid the earth of some Frasers?” Roderick shouted and waved his sword in the air.
The throng of men cheered and chanted the Morgan war cry, as they marched out of the clearing.
Roslyn waited exactly five minutes, then called to her guard, “Please, I must tend to my needs.”
“You can wait until I finish my ale,” the guard replied.
“Please, I beg of you. I really must go. It will only take but a moment.”
Grumbling, the man stomped toward her. He untied the ropes binding her to the tree, but not the ones securing her hands behind her back. He grabbed her elbow and dragged her to her feet, then escorted her to the edge of the clearing. “Go here and be quick about it.”
“I canna do what I need to here. Not in front of you. Please, if you could just take me into the woods a little ways and turn your back. I promise na to tarry.
The man huffed and dragged his fingers through his hair. “I suppose it willna do any harm. Let’s go. But make it fast.”
Roslyn bobbed a curtsy. “I will. Thank you so much.” She led the way down a footpath, the guard on her heel. After they had gone several yards, she stopped. “This will do nicely. If you could just untie my hands, I can do what I need to and—”
“Do you think me a fool?” the guard asked. “I have no intention of cutting your hands free. Roderick would skin me alive.”
“Then I will do it for her,” Ian declared as he leapt from the bushes and tackled the man.
They rolled around on the ground exchanging punches, Ian winning, when another man appeared on the trail.
“What the hell is going on here?” he shouted and ran back into the clearing. “Help! Lord Morgan, come quickly, your sister is trying to escape.”
Ian finished off the guard with a strong punch to the jaw, the man out cold. He snatched the dirk from the warrior’s sheath and cut the ties binding Roslyn’s hands. “We must be away.”
Roslyn glanced down at Ian’s leg. “You’re hurt. Your trews are covered in blood.”
“Dinna fash. I’m fine, we must go. Now.” He shoved Roslyn ahead of him, then fell to the ground, an arrow protruding through his left shoulder.
Roslyn dropped to her knees beside him. “Get up, Ian, they’re coming.”
Ian heard the thunder of hooves entering the clearing and the sound of men shouting. He clutched Roslyn’s hand. “I canna make it. You must go on yourself. Run as fast as you can, find my cousin Connor and tell him what Roderick is planning. You’ll be safe with them.”
Roslyn clung to his tunic and tried to haul him to his feet. But she didn’t have the strength.
“Go, Roslyn. Please, I beg of you.” Ian managed to stand, kissed her, then shoved her away. “Only you can save Quinn and my clan. Go.”
Roslyn wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. “I love you, Ian.” She turned and raced out of sight, just as Roderick appeared on the path before him.
Chapter 20
The guard Ian had been fighting rose, then lumbered forward, rubbing his chin. “I’ll kill you, you bastard.”
“Hold,” Roderick ordered. “Take one more step, Fin, and I’ll run you though.”
Fin stopped abruptly and peered over his shoulder at Roderick. “I want just one minute with him, m’lord.” He slammed his fist against his other hand.
Roderick pointed his sword in Fin’s direction. “Did you na hear me? Stand down or die.”
“But, Lord Roderick, I—”
“Unless you wish me to flay you here and now. I’d suggest . . . nay, I order you to back away.”
Fin grumbled beneath his breath as he did what Roderick ordered. “Aye, m’lord.”
Roderick strode down the path toward them.
Intent on escaping, Ian turned to run, but the man who shot him was standing on the trail behind him, blocking his way, his crossbow loaded again and aimed at his chest.
“I wouldna try it,” the archer warned. “I was aiming for you heart with the last shot. This time, I willna miss.”
“Running never crossed my mind.” Ian leaned against a tree, doing his utmost to remain upright. Beads of sweat dripped from his forehead, his shoulder throbbed, and his leg ached. But Roslyn had gotten away and that was all that mattered.
“You were supposed to be guarding my sister, not brawling, Fin. Perhaps you’ll enlighten me as to how a woman tied to a tree with her hands and feet bound got away. I’m beginning to think Roslyn is a witch with magical powers, na a mortal woman.”
Fin lowered his gaze. “She told me she had to tend to her needs and when I took her to do so, the bugger jumped me.” He pointed at Ian.
“I canna believe you were so easily duped.” Roderick clucked his tongue, then scowled at Fin. “Dinna just stand there, you inept buffoon, go after Lady Roslyn, and dinna show your face again unless you have her in tow.”
Fin glared at Ian. “I’ll be back to settle the score,” he threatened as he passed, then raced after Roslyn.
Roderick stomped toward Ian, halting an arm’s length away. “I remember you. You’re the servant from Clan Forbes. I welcomed you into my castle and gave you work. Is this how you repay my kindness?” He grasped the shaft of the arrow protruding from Ian’s shoulder and twisted. “Or could it be you are na who you claim? Tell me your real name.”
Ian crumpled to his knees. Gritting his teeth against the excruciating pain, he glowered back at Roderick. “You know who I am.”
“Tell me your name.” Roderick twisted the arrow again. “Or are you ashamed of who you really are and what you’ve done?” He slammed his boot down on Ian’s injured leg. “What say you now?”
Despite the mind-numbing agony, Ian refused to cry out. His head began to swirl and nausea tugged at his belly. But he’d not give Roderick the satisfaction of yielding. “I—” he began, then swallowed hard.
“Speak up. I dinna hear you.” Roderick increased the pressure he inflicted on Ian’s injuries, a sinister grin tugging at his lips.
“I have naught to be ashamed of. However, you do have plenty to atone for,” Ian spat. “But you’ll na get that chance. The devil has a spot at his table all picked out for you. Of that I am certain.”
Ciaran and three warriors appeared on the trail. “Roderick, what’s detaining you? The men are anxious and getting restless. We must act now or lose the element of surprise.”
“My sister escaped. And this man is responsible.”
“It matters na. Let her go,” Ciaran said. “We have come for your son and dinna need her to complete the task.”
“I have no intention of letting Roslyn go.” Roderick motioned with a flick of his hand at two of the men who accompanied Ciaran. “Search for Lady Roslyn and bring her back to me unharmed. I wish to do the honors.”
After the men ran off to do his bidding, Roderick returned his attention to Ciaran. “You’re very indifferent about Roslyn’s escape, leaving me to wonder if you had any part in it.”
“Are you insane? Why would I help Roslyn escape?” Ciaran threw his hands in the air.
“You have always had an eye for my sister. Dinna deny it. Maybe you thought if you helped her get away, you c
ould have her for yourself. Maybe it was you who attacked Lord Sinclair, hoping to stop the marriage.”
Ciaran scowled at his friend. “You’re spewing nonsense, Roderick.”
“I’m na so sure.” Roderick narrowed his gaze and studied Ciaran before he continued his tirade. “At the castle, you tried to persuade me na to flog her when she clearly needed to be punished. And I’m na blind, man. I see how you ogle her when you think no one is watching.”
“I’ll na stand here and have you accusing me of such things. Do you want your son back or na?” Ciaran challenged. “If so, we best get on with it.”
The two men Roderick sent in search of Roslyn returned. “We have news, m’lord,” one of them announced.
“I dinna want information, I want my sister,” Roderick growled.
“We met Fin on the path,” the first man continued. “He trailed Lady Roslyn as far as he could, but had to turn back. She managed to make it the Fraser camp.”
“Damnation!” Roderick slammed his fist against a tree. “I thought that might happen. Where is Fin now?”
“Gone, Lord Morgan. He told us what he knew and fled. I suspect he feared your wrath,” the warrior replied. “Do you want us to go after him?”
“Nay, he has good reason to fear me, but he’s na worth my time.” Roderick stroked his chin. “However due to his ineptness, my sister is now with my enemy.” He glowered at Ian, and without warning kicked him in the jaw. “For which I also have you to thank.”
Ian crumpled, landing face down in the dirt.
“We still might be able to surround them if we move quickly,” Ciaran said.
Roderick began to pace, then stopped. “We may have already lost the element of surprise, but I have a new plan in mind. A way to get Quinn and my sister back.”
Ian moaned when Roderick nudged him with his boot. He could hear the conversation going on around him, but he could not muster the strength to raise his head.
Roderick addressed his men. “I want one of you to secure his hands, then drag our friend here into camp.”
“Do you intend to execute him, m’lord?” one of the warriors asked.
“Nay. He may serve as a pawn we can use to get the Frasers to set my son and sister free.”
Pain swamped Ian as his arms were yanked behind his back, his wrists bound. Strong hands wrapped around his upper arms, then hoisted him to his feet. “It willna work.” Ian met Roderick’s malevolent glower with one of his own. “Connor will never deal with a swine like you. Nor will he swap Quinn and Roslyn for me, if that is what you are thinking.”
“We’ll just see about that,” Roderick snapped and punched Ian in the stomach. “Bring him, and dinna dally.”
Roslyn ran until her legs cramped and she didn’t think she could continue. Her bare feet bloody, the soles shredded and bruised, each step was pure agony. But she’d made a promise to Ian, so she forged on.
Winded, she stopped to catch her breath, but she knew her brother’s men were following so she could not tarry for long. She heard a tree branch snap and bolted, straight into a large man she didn’t know.
“Easy, lassie. Where are you going in such a hurry?” He studied her from top to bottom. “And what are you doing running about the wood barefoot and in nothing more than a night rail?”
“Please.” Roslyn sucked in a ragged gulp of air. “I . . . need to see Connor . . . Connor Fraser.” Suddenly feeling faint, she brought her hand to her brow. “Ian sent me to warn him.” Her knees buckled, but the stranger scooped her into his arms.
“I’m Alasdair Fraser. I’ll take you to Connor.” He carried her into the woods, and when they reached the glen, he set her down on a fallen log. “John, bring the lass some ale and a pelt,” he called out to one of his men.
A tall, dark-haired man joined them. “Alasdair, who is this woman and what is she doing here?”
“I found her running through the forest like the devil was chasing her,” Alasdair explained. “She said she was sent by Ian to warn you about something.” He glanced at Roslyn. “This is my brother, Connor, laird of Clan Fraser.”
“M’lady.” Connor bowed. “What’s so urgent that finds you in this state of—”
“Lady Roslyn!” Before Connor could finish, Quinn darted toward them. The lad threw his arms around her waist and hugged her. “I’m so happy to see you. I heard you were flogged and thrown into the dungeon because you were my friend. I’m so glad you’re well.” He frowned and looked around. “Where’s Ian? Is he na with you?”
“Do you know this woman, Quinn?” Connor asked.
“Aye. This is Lady Roslyn. She’s Laird Morgan’s sister. I told you about her and how nice she treated me when I was being held captive. I was afraid I’d never see her again.”
“I brought the ale and a pelt, just as you asked, Alasdair.” John handed the items to his cousin.
“Wrap this around yourself, before you catch your death of cold.” Alasdair gave Roslyn the pelt, then squatted beside her and offered her the flask. “Have a drink, then tell us what all the palaver is about. What do you know about Ian?”
“Thank you, but I must speak with your brother.” After pushing the flask away, Roslyn stood and faced Connor. “Please, Laird Fraser, I’m na here to chat. I’ve come to warn you. I promised Ian.”
John lunged forward and clasped Roslyn’s forearm. “What do you know about my brother, Ian? Where is he?”
“An archer shot him,” Roslyn replied, “wounding him in the shoulder. It happened while he was helping me to escape.”
“How bad is his injury?” John asked.
“Bad enough. He told me he was fine, but I know better,” Roslyn said. “He also injured his leg when we jumped into the falls.”
John stared at her in disbelief. “You leapt from the falls? Now I know my brother has lost his mind.”
“We had no choice. It was that or be captured by my brother’s warriors.”
“Where are these men now?” Connor asked.
“That’s what I’ve come to tell you. Roderick has a large army camped just beyond those trees and he intends to attack you and take back the lad.” She sucked in a gasp of air and continued. “He plans to have his warriors surround your encampment, wait until dark, then slaughter you as you sleep.”
“Nay. Please, Uncle Connor, I dinna want to go with them. I’m a Fraser, na a Morgan.”
“Dinna fash, lad. No one is taking you anywhere. You’re a member of Clan Fraser and my brother’s son. Every man present will protect you with their life if need be.”
Three men approached. Quinn turned and ran to one of them and wrapped his arms around his leg, sobbing.
“What’s wrong, Quinn,” the man asked.
“Laird Morgan and his army are going to raid our camp and take me back to Morgan Castle with them,” Quinn explained. “Dinna let them take me, Lazarus. Please. I wanna go home and see Sheena.”
“The only place you’re going is to Fraser Castle.” He placed his hand on the lad’s shoulder. “I give you my word, Roderick Morgan willna get near you.”
Connor approached Lazarus. “I want you to saddle up four of our best mounts. Then, select three men to accompany you and leave here at once. Take Quinn, Lady Roslyn, and Fiona with you.”
“Fiona is here?” Roslyn could not contain her excitement at learning her friend was safe.
“Aye,” another man said. “I’m Ian’s cousin Bryce and this is Collin, his younger brother. Fiona came to us at the glen and let us know that Ian was safe. She also informed us that Roderick was going to come after the lad and suggested we rejoin Connor at once.”
“Can I see her?” Roslyn asked.
“There isna time right now, but you’ll have plenty of opportunity once you are on your way to Fraser Castle,” Connor said.
Roslyn crossed her arms over her chest and glared up at him. “I beg to differ, Laird Fraser. I’m na going anywhere. Not until I know Ian is safe,” she replied adamantly.
Conn
or didn’t reply, addressing Lazarus instead. “Return to Fraser Castle and dinna spare the mounts. Once you’ve seen them safe, assemble another garrison of men. Make sure they are heavily armed and riding the swiftest horses.”
Lazarus offered a curt nod. “Aye. I will return with one hundred of our fiercest warriors.”
“Nay,” Connor said. “I want you to send the men, but you’re to remain at Fraser Castle.”
“You canna ask me to do that,” Lazarus argued. “This fight is because of me and my son. That bastard violated Sheena, kidnapped Quinn, and may have killed Ian. I demand my chance to meet Roderick face-to-face in battle.”
Connor cupped his brother’s shoulder. “I understand your anger, but plan to make our stand here. There is no telling what the outcome will be. By the time you get back, it might all be over,” he explained. “If I’m killed, someone must be at Fraser Castle, ready to assume my place as laird. I want that man to be you, Lazarus.”
“He’s right, brother,” Alasdair interjected. “You will best serve us and the clan if you remain at the castle. Besides, you have a wee one on the way and Sheena needs you.”
After a moment of silence, Lazarus answered, “I dinna like this one bit, but will do as you request, Connor.” He glanced down at Quinn. “Ready yourself, lad, we are going home.”
“And what of me?” Roslyn inquired. She’d not leave Ian behind to save herself. She also carried a secret, something she has disclosed to no one, that might persuade her brother to set Ian free.
“This is na a place for a woman. You’ll be safer at Fraser Castle,” Connor replied. “You’ll go with Lazarus.” He faced his brother. “See that she accompanies you.”
Lazarus held his hand out to Roslyn. “Come, lass, we best get started.”
“Aye, come with us, Lady Roslyn. I canna wait for you to meet Sheena and all my cousins.” Quinn clasped her other hand and peered up at her, smiling.
