When Greer had left the great hall to scavenge in the kitchens, she’d overheard Blair make a comment to him. “I can’t believe you’d do that to your own son.”
Greer had just said, “Mayhap. Why do you care? You’ve killed plenty of men over the years. You can’t make me feel guilty.”
“But they were laddies, Greer. One of them is your own son. Have you no conscience?”
Greer chuckled. “Apparently not. I might search for a few more to add to their collection. This is more coin than we’ve had in years.”
After hearing that, Cairstine had crept from her chair toward the staircase, but Greer must have heard her because he returned to the hall, grabbed her plait, and pulled her back. “You aren’t going up there. You’ll sit here, so when he returns, I still have you as a bargaining chip.”
“Why don’t we just leave?” Blair asked.
“And go where? We have nowhere to go, and there are Grants everywhere. Let them come after us, and we can send our men out to fight while we go out the back. If they’re all focused here, then we can get away.”
“He won’t be back, Greer. I saw what your men did to him. He was nearly dead.”
Greer chuckled. “Aye, they did do a nice job on him. I hope he is dead.” He scowled as another thought crossed his mind. She had no idea what he was up to now. Greer had always been a bad man, but this moodiness was something new, and it worried her. It made him completely unpredictable.
“I thought you said you’d take me to Steenie,” she whined, hoping to annoy him.
“I never claimed to be a man of my word, wench. I have no idea where he is.” He moved over to a side table, took a jug, and filled a chipped goblet with ale.
“You truly sold our son?” she asked as he chugged down the ale. “How could you do such a thing, Greer? Even I didn’t think you were so cold. Steenie loves you.”
“Not cold. We need the coin. Everything from the previous shipment is gone. With the wealth we’ll get from this one, we can finally make plans to leave, find a new place. We could go into hiding for a long while with this much coin. Selling Steenie was a smart move. It’s always possible to get a new son in time; coin is not so reliable to come upon.”
Cairstine fell into a chair, sickened by her choice to stay behind. She was more helpless than she would have been had she left with Braden. He may not have known where Steenie was, but she believed with her whole heart that he would have searched all of Scotland for him.
For her. What had she done?
Of course, she didn’t fully believe Greer would have let them go. Had she chosen the man her heart yearned for, he may have killed both of them.
Without warning, the front door burst open and two of Greer’s guards stood in the entryway, both trying to catch their breath. “Guess who’s back?” one of them said.
Could it be? Her heart leapt into her throat.
Greer peered over at her and said, “Stay here until I tell you to move.” He turned toward his guards and sheathed his sword, which had been lying across a nearby table. “And how does he look?”
“He looks rough, chief. Don’t know how the lad is still standing. They did a good job on him.”
“What does he want this time?”
The guard looked at him strangely before he followed Greer out the door. “You. He wants you.”
Blair came bolting out of the kitchens, yelping as he raced through the hall. “Greer. Wait for me.” He glanced at Cairstine. “What happened?”
She shrugged, not wishing to speak to either of the brothers ever again. She also had no intention of following orders. As soon as she thought it was safe, she’d slip outside. Creeping over to the door, she opened it, giving herself just a small slit to view the courtyard. It didn’t help. All the activity had moved toward the gate.
What had compelled Braden to come back? The man had actually kissed her, and the biggest surprise of all was that she had enjoyed it. Could he be returning for her?
Impossible. Her shoulders slumped because she recalled how she’d spit on the man. She hadn’t wished to, but Greer had forced her into doing something she hadn’t wanted, just as he always did. How she prayed Braden had been able to interpret her message and understood her motives.
Braden Grant was probably back because Greer had obviously stolen a Grant lad, Kennie or something like that. He was that noble, facing a group that had nearly killed him over the life of a wee laddie.
She had to admit that if she was around him more, she’d probably fall in love with him, if she knew what love was.
Love was elusive and always would be to her. She loved her son and had loved her family, but could she ever love a man who rutted on her? Probably not.
But she was as close to loving Braden as she’d been to loving any man. She loved his tenderness, his honesty, his demeanor, the way he held her, and the way he looked at her. In fact, thinking about him helped her make up her mind. She was going outside to watch everything, because if she could help Braden at all, she would. He’d tried to protect her more than once. Something caught her eye on a nearby table—a sharp dagger. She grabbed it, hid it, and headed out the door.
***
Braden stood outside the gates, his sword in his hand. Lamont’s men had done some damage to his arm, but not his fighting arm. He couldn’t wait to show the bastard his skills. He fought the desire to glance over his shoulder to see if his cousins had arrived. The last thing he wished to do was give them away, and he knew they’d stay back until he needed them.
A moment later, Greer Lamont came through the gates, looking as arrogant as ever. “They did a fine job on you, Grant. Have you not learned your lesson? I’m not sure they’ll be so generous as to spare your life this time.” he said with a grin.
Braden didn’t answer, knowing he needed to draw him closer, close enough that he could catch the fool if he ran. He said nothing, waiting for the arse to continue to shoot off taunts that didn’t bother him. Uncle Alex’s lesson had stayed with him. Never listen to the fool threatening you. Teach him the error of his ways by being the stronger man.
Without moving his eyes, he noticed Gregor in a tree not far away. He knew Maggie and Gavin were also in position. Three guards followed Greer as his protection, and his brother Blair came barreling out through the gates, afraid he would miss something.
All was going exactly to plan.
He waited, though his urge to be impulsive nearly killed him, until just the right time. He’d hoped Cairstine would come out, but he didn’t see her. He’d have to find her afterward. As soon as Greer was close enough, he flicked his left wrist—the signal he’d agreed upon with his cousins—and all hell broke loose.
Braden swung his sword over his head and ran straight at Greer, who barely managed to block what might have been a fatal blow.
One arrow caught the man to his right, a second arrow caught the guard to his left, and a third arrow caught the last guard. Perfect shots. Blair raced back into the keep, calling for all their guards to protect the castle.
A slew of guards flooded through the gates as Connor and Roddy joined the melee with the Grant guards, a welcome canvas of red plaids everywhere. The Grant war whoop echoed in Braden’s ears as arrows continued to take Lamont men out.
Greer roared into attack mode, but Braden stayed calm as he went after the bastard who’d massacred the Muirs and raped Cairstine. They parried, moving several steps back toward the keep, close enough for Braden to notice Cairstine standing in the courtyard. She moved toward the gate and he yelled at her, “Stay inside, Cairstine.” She froze in the gateway. “Step back. Archers.” True, he’d wanted her safe, but he’d hoped she could get out ahead of the battle. Once the archers started shooting, it was safer for her inside the keep.
And less of a distraction for him. She understood him enough to move back to the courtyard.
He had to focus on Greer. Lamont’s skills were not great, but Braden could tell he’d lost much of his own stamina in his ba
ttle with Lamont’s guards. They’d weakened him considerably, or he’d have sliced Greer’s throat twice over by now. Shocked to realize his vision was blurring, he forced himself to focus.
His only chance was to catch Greer off guard. If he failed, he’d probably take a blade in his own belly because he could feel his strength waning. He gave one last war whoop and swung at Greer from the right.
Greer blocked it with a roar.
Then from the left.
The arse blocked him again.
Then he brought his sword over his head and swung down as hard as he could. Their blades collided and rang out, but Greer held strong against him. Their faces were a hand’s length apart as each tried to push his blade into the other.
“Weakening, Grant? You’ll not be able to hold that sword for long. You’re losing your stamina. After what my men took out of you, you’ll be a dead man within minutes.”
“I warned you, Lamont. I told you that you’d pay for hurting Cairstine. That I’d kill you with my own hands.”
Greer laughed. “And who’s the stronger one now?” The cords in his neck stood out, evidence of how hard he worked to hold Braden off.
Braden gritted his teeth, pulling everything he could from deep in his gut. “Don’t look around much or you’ll see how fast your men are going down. Grant warriors and archers have taken out half of them already.” He saw a glimpse of uncertainty in Greer’s gaze as his eyes flitted to the side and back again. Now he had the bastard.
Braden had to end this soon. When he pulled from his gut to push harder, to his surprise, Greer came up with a surge of power and shoved him back. The force made him turn his back to Lamont. Greer was ready to take advantage of it, but then the arrogant bastard made a big mistake. Before he swung his sword down, aiming to slice Braden in two, he paused for long enough to shoot him a haughty grin.
A fatal mistake, according to Braden’s sire and uncles. The smile weakened him and left him vulnerable.
Braden spun in the opposite direction, bringing his sword in a wide arc from the side, catching Greer by surprise. He had been so quick to celebrate his victory, he hadn’t anticipated Braden’s move at all.
Greer’s sword was just starting to drop in what he thought would be his final blow when Braden’s sword struck him from the side, nearly cleaving him in two across his waist.
The shock registered in his eyes for a split second, long enough for Braden to lift his foot and kick him backward, forcing him to drop his sword.
Before he took his last breath, Greer managed to spit out another vile word, “Bastard…”
Braden moved over the swine, placed his foot on his chest and spit on him. “That’s for Cairstine and all of Clan Muir.”
Braden wiped the sweat from his brow before he turned around, pleased to see there were only two or three Lamont men still fighting, but they were quickly taken out by Grant warriors.
When the last man was struck down, a round of cheers echoed around him as he scanned the area for another attacker. “Any of our men hurt?”
Roddy and Connor both shook their heads as they walked through the battlefield checking. “Only a couple of small slices.” The archers dropped out of the trees with a cheer. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he caught another movement.
Cairstine. She flew across the courtyard and out through the gates in a dead run, headed straight for him, then jumped into his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck. She let out a sob but then cupped his face and kissed him, another round of cheers ringing out around them.
When she ended the kiss, she whispered, “You’ve brought vengeance to my clan, Braden Grant. I will thank you well enough in time but there’s another life that still needs saving. Please, help me find Steenie?”
Chapter Sixteen
As Braden set Cairstine’s feet back down on the ground, he kissed her forehead. Yet she knew something was not right.
“Braden? You don’t look well.” She could feel the slight tremor in his legs.
Connor came up to him first. “I’ve seen that expression before. Sit on that log. Roddy, go inside and find him something to drink. Here’s an oatcake.” He handed it to him, but Braden continued to stare at him, running his hand up and down Cairstine’s back.
Maggie said, “Braden, you fought a hell of a fight, as we all did, but you had already been through hell. You need to sit down before you collapse. We’ll find you something to eat and drink.”
“I’ll go,” Cairstine said. “I know where the food is kept.”
Braden held onto her wrist lightly. “Take someone with you. Roddy, go with her, please. Blair ran inside. Who knows if he’s still lurking around in there.”
Roddy motioned to three guards to follow him inside. Cairstine stayed outside the door until they waved her in.
“He’s not here.” Roddy said as she stepped into the great hall. “No one’s here. I found a jug of ale and some goblets. Any cheese or bread you can find?”
“Aye,” she ran into the kitchens and gathered a few things for Braden and the others.
They carried the repast outside, and once they were settled under a shady tree, Braden introduced her to his cousins. “Tell us what you know, Cairstine. I could tell you had more information than we do.”
She kneaded her hands in her lap and explained everything she knew. The last few comments she said were the most frightening, but she had to tell them. “When I was locked up in the cellars, I heard some strange noises coming from down the passageway.”
Maggie asked, “Did you ever determine the source?”
She nodded. “Bairns. I’m certain they were keeping bairns there. I heard wee lassies crying. Hilda, my maid, was tending them, I’m certain of it. I asked her about it, and she said there were things she had to do that she hated, and it was better if I didn’t know.”
Will nodded. “This has to be the source of the Firth of Clyde channel. It explains how the Lamonts have survived here. I see few fields; no tanner, weaver, or blacksmith.”
“All I can tell you is the brothers often argued about coin, and they went to market frequently to buy what we needed. We had a cook, and they hunted often, but other goods were bought from the outside.”
Will paced behind Braden. “They were not self-sustaining. They needed coin. I suspect they could be one of the major suppliers to the Channel.”
“Of bairns?” Cairstine asked, afraid to hear the answer. Could this have been going on for some time without her knowing it? “Where do they get them?”
Maggie said, “They kidnap them or find families with too many mouths to feed. Convince a sire to sell one or two of their daughters off. ‘Tis how it went with my sister and me, though we were never in the Channel.”
“I’ve learned more than I care to know about it today.”
“I’m sorry, Cairstine,” Will said. “We’re here to help you and your lad. Can you lead me to the place they were kept, see if there’s any evidence to help us find them?”
“Aye. Follow me.”
Braden tried to get up. Will placed his hand on his shoulder and said, “You’re staying here with Connor. Roddy, Maggie, and I will go.”
“I should come.”
“Braden,” Will said, using a tone that told her he wouldn’t brook any argument. “We’re leaving in ten minutes. If you don’t save your strength, you’ll never make it the distance. In fact, Cairstine will ride with you so you don’t fall off your horse. Sit and eat and gather your strength, or we’ll leave you behind. I cannot afford to have you slow us down.”
The thought of leaving him behind, even for a short while, horrified her. Cairstine said, “Sit, Braden. Please?” She cupped his cheek and kissed him. “I care not to lose you. We’ve only just found each other.”
He nodded and settled in a spot where he could lean against the tree, waving at Roddy to move on.
Cairstine looked back at him once before she led them into the keep. The smile he summoned for her was surely the sweetest
she’d ever seen. Holding that feeling with her, letting it warm her, she led the way into the cellars. “I’m not sure which chamber, but ‘twas down near the end.”
They searched from door to door, and finally Maggie said, “Here.”
Once they were inside, no one spoke. The floor was scattered with small plaids, a few pallets, and fabric animals. The chamber was quite cold. “Three bairns?” Roddy asked.
Maggie picked up one of the fabric dogs. “Nay, I’m sure there were more. They can pack several of them onto a pallet. There were six or eight.”
“How can you be so sure?” Will asked, walking over to wrap his arm around her shoulder.
“I don’t know how I know, but I can feel it.” She glanced at Will, her eyes saddened. “There were at least six, and all of them were lassies.” She swiped a tear away and then turned toward the door.
Cairstine said, “With Steenie and Kenzie, they could have up to ten bairns.”
“We have to hurry to catch up with Loki.”
***
Hilda hugged him and then pushed him away. “I did not want you to see me, lad. But why are you here, Steenie? You should not be. Your poor mother.” Her face looked as if she were about to cry.
“Don’t cry, Hilda. I ran away again. I tried to get to the Grants and Loki found me and this is his son Kenzie and he helped me come save my mama because they were not going to come until morning and I feared for her too much…”
“Hold, lad. Calm down. It does not matter now.” She turned around to look at Kenzie.
“You were going to hit me with that?” She took the piece of wood out of his hand and threw it outside the door.
“Nay, ‘twas for the mean man. We must escape.”
“Hilda, will you help us?” Kenzie asked.
Tears filled her eyes and she swiped them away. “I hate this, whatever it is they do with these bairns. ‘Tis not right.”
Highland Retribution Page 14
