Chapter Nineteen
Andrew rose when the first light of dawn streamed through the small window. A rainbow with colors of red, blue, and violet danced in a light beam filtering through the leaded glass. He rose quickly to dress and prepare for the day. Colin rolled off the trundle. Andrew hurriedly tended to his morning ablutions, and the men were fully dressed when a knock sounded. Colin opened the door to let two servants with food and another with clothing enter the chamber. The garments bore Munro colors. Great. Their old clothing had been restored. Now Colin and he could dress properly for the return home.
After breaking the fast, the two anxious men waited. Andrew paced the floor. Colin stood beside the window.
“He’s armed with a crossbow this morn,” Colin said while watching the guard on the ramparts.
“I reckon he’s ready for a fight if need be.” Andrew walked over to the window to examine the warrior’s weapon. Another with a similar crossbow appeared from around the corner of the curtain wall. All of the guards on the ramparts probably held crossbows today. The MacKenzie seemed prepared for trouble.
The noon meal came and the trays removed. Heat from the sun’s rays shining through the window said the time to be mid-afternoon. Andrew paced the floor, eager to know about the happenings outside his door. Finally, a knock sounded. Colin quickly walked across the room and opened the door to MacKenzie’s gille.
“Your presence is desired in Laird MacKenzie’s chambers,” the young servant announced.
Andrew and Colin wasted no time following the gille to the chamber Andrew visited the day before where the same four men with members of their luchd-taighe waited. Hugh MacKenzie remained seated at the large desk, as did the other gentlemen in their chairs.
The MacKenzie gave instructions. “Your brother waits with Cameron’s daughter and her son in the copse of trees across the field. Your daughter waits at the gate. You will take her and walk out to your brother with an armed escort. The Cameron lass will walk thus from the other side of the clearing.”
“Why all the fuss, MacKenzie? Do you think I’ll try to run away?” Andrew couldn’t believe his ears. “Maidie is probably more than happy to return home.”
“Don’t be so impertinent or you’ll stay in my dungeon instead of going back to your lands.” The chief slammed his hand on the desk, sending several articles flying to the floor. “’Tis no’ a secret to you that the lad is the sole inheritor of Charles’s estate. You may wish to keep the estate in your possession.”
Andrew shook his head. “So you want the estate in your possession. Is that it, MacKenzie? Is that the true reason Maidie will wed your son?”
“Umph!” The chief snorted and then rose to walk out of the door with the others following.
Andrew and Colin walked behind the group surrounded by armed guards. They descended the spiral stairs, crossed the great hall, and left the keep. Andrew’s heart raced at the thought of returning to Fàrdach Castle and his people. Soon this nightmare would be over. He turned to Colin. The lad smiled broadly with white teeth gleaming. Andrew returned the bright smile. He nudged Colin with an elbow but remained quiet, not wanting to cause the guards angst during the exchange. He only dreaded to see Maidie and Sven walking toward the castle.
The group reached the gate. Tara stood with her maidservants and the nanny. She held Briana. Saints above, he hated taking the child out of her mother’s arms. MacKenzie took his place beside Tara, then plucked the child from her. Tara began to cry with unabashed tears streaming down her face. Fraser took her into his arms and held her tightly. She buried her face into her father’s chest, sobbing.
Scara and Crag stood in the bailey surrounded by heavily armed mounted warriors, their reins held by two of the men. Andrew noticed more guards on the ramparts with crossbows, as he expected. The gates swung open. The group of mounted warriors surrounded Andrew and Colin.
Hugh MacKenzie stepped forward and handed Briana to Andrew. Tara turned her face to him with red, moist eyes, but said naught. His heart broke for her. She turned into her father’s chest again, and wailed. Briana reached for her mother with tears streaming from her eyes and small whining sounds coming from her throat. Andrew wished he could help Tara, say something reassuring to her, but a mounted guard nudged him forward. He walked through the gates clutching Briana with Colin at his side. Briana tried to flay her arms and turn to her mother, but Andrew strengthened his hold.
A disturbing scream, causing his blood to run cold, came from the gate behind him. He tried to turn around, but the guard nudged him onward with his horse. He heard Tara scream, “Take me with you! Take me with you!” Then silence. The MacKenzie or her father quited the screams.
The wee lass tried to turn to see her mother, but Andrew thought it best to keep her from viewing the scene behind them, so he held her tighter. God in Heaven, help this child and her mither. Send Your loving grace to help both through this time of parting and separation.
Andrew spotted Maidie and Sven walking toward him with a group of mounted men in Munro colors and the Munro crest on their shields. He could not have been happier to see a group of warriors as he was at the moment. He spotted a large number of men ahorse and Gavin waiting in the copse of trees not far away. A feeling of pride and relief washed through Andrew.
The two groups of mounted warriors met. Tavish came forward and saluted his chief by pumping his right fisted hand into the air. Andrew returned the salute then turned his attention to the source of his heartache, Maidie and Sven. Tavish handed a rolled parchment to a MacKenzie warrior. Andrew didn’t miss the exchange, and instantly knew what the parchment contained—the deed to Castle Chanonry. So the MacKenzie finally bested the Munro and took ownership of the coveted castle. Several hot battles had been fought over the estate with many lives lost. Curse Hugh MacKenzie. At that moment, Andrew determined to get Maidie and the castle back into his possession.
He spoke to the leader of the MacKenzie warriors. “I’ll have a word with Madam Munro.” The man nodded an affirmative.
Briana made a distressful noise when he handed her to Colin. Having no way to comfort the lassie, he kissed the small hand. She buried her head on Colin’s shoulder.
Andrew turned to Maidie. “That is my daughter. She is four years and canna hear nor speak. She will live with me at Fàrdach Castle. Her mither is betrothed to the MacKenzie and will wed soon.” He decided not to mention the MacKenzie’s son. Maidie would find out soon enough. Sven stood quietly beside her. The chief squatted down and spoke to the lad. “Take care of your mither. You must be a brave lad now.”
Sven smiled. “Aye. I’ll take good care of, Mam.”
Andrew stood. He must tell Maidie how he felt. He took her chin into his hands and looked into azure eyes. First, he kissed the tip of her nose, then a freckle on both rosy cheeks, and at last he found her mouth with fervor. Maidie wrapped her arms around his neck while he embraced her, pulling her closer. She returned his kiss much to his amazement. Her moist lips pressed firmly against his. His lips left hers, planting kisses on her eyelids, around her face, down her neck, and then on her mouth once more. She tasted sweet like heather ale and smelled of roses. His heart ached with love for the lass. How could he let her go, now that he had just found her?
He lifted his head. She sank into his chest. “I love you, Maidie. With all my heart, I love you.” He said it with little difficulty, because his heart brimmed with a deep love he had never before experienced.
“I pledge my fealty and my heart to you, Laird Andrew Munro. With all my heart I love you,” she answered with her head tucked under his chin.
He pushed away to look into her eyes. “I’ll come for you. No matter where you are.”
“I will be waiting.” Her eyes reflected the deep emotions of her heart like the black water of Cromarty Firth reflected the blue sky above.
“Come on, Munro, you’ve done enough love making. Time to get on with this exchange,” the leader of the guard commanded and nudged Andrew w
ith his mount.
Stumbling, he released Maidie. The leader kept nudging him on. He looked back, but Maidie and Sven were surrounded by MacKenzie warriors and he could not see her. He took Briana from Colin as they walked to the grove where Gavin waited. Andrew pumped his fisted right arm into the air, calling out the Munro battle cry, “Caisteal Fàrdach A Chaoidh.” An embrace from his brother with whoops, hollers, and returns of the war cry from his warriors followed.
The mounted guard left Scara and Crag then turned back to the castle. Maidie and Sven had reached the gates. His men turned to ride back, and he watched the love of his life walk into the bailey of Castle Lach. God, take care of Maidie and the lad. Help me get her back.
“Brother, good to have you back among us,” Gavin said. “Who is this lovely lass?” He reached for one of Briana’s hands, but she pulled it back, made a guttural sound, and buried her wee, brunette head on Andrew’s shoulder.
“This is my daughter,” Andrew answered. He studied Gavin’s face when his brother’s heavy russet brows lifted in question. “Come, let’s find a quieter place to talk.”
Andrew led the way through his men, who gathered around with warm welcomes. They shouted greetings, patted him on the back, and gave war whoops. Gavin followed. Colin brought the two horses along. All seemed well, except for the heaviness in Andrew’s heart from having to part with Maidie, but a plan turned over and over in his mind. Gavin and he had a lot to discuss before nightfall. The men reached the camp. A tent still stood not far from the fire.
“Is that Maidie’s tent?” he asked pointing in the direction of the canvas shelter.
“Aye, Brother. I can have the men start taking the tents down and breaking camp now that you’re safe among us.” Gavin gave Andrew another slap on the back. “I’m anxious to hear about this wee lassie. Should we talk first, or break camp and make for Fàrdach Castle?”
Andrew searched Gavin’s face over Briana’s head. “This one’s story is too long to tell now. Besides, I have a need to talk with you in private. Let’s go inside the tent.”
“Should we wait to break camp then?”
“Nae, I wish nae suspicion on the part of MacKenzie about our plans. Send riders to the camps and have the men begin packing to move out at first light.”
Gavin nodded his head and turned to carry out the orders. Briana gave a small cry, lifting her head from Andrew’s shoulder. He smoothed the silky dark hair and planted a kiss on her forehead. Never had his heart been so completely captured by a female in such a short length of time. He walked with his daughter to Maidie’s tent, opened the flap, and stood taking in the sight and smell of it. Her scent lingered still. He imagined her cuddling next to Sven in slumber and wished he were the one so close. Andrew lay Briana down on the fur robe then sat beside her. She climbed to his lap, put small arms around his neck, and hung on.
“You must let me go, Little One. You canna hang on my neck forever.” He removed Briana’s arms and sat her back on the rug.
She whimpered, covering her face with her hands. The fierce chief of Clan Munro took the child into his lap once more. He had no heart for making his daughter cry at the moment. She turned her pretty face to his and smiled.
“You’re a wee fake, Briana,” he scolded. “I can see you’ve learned to get your way early in this life.” He sighed. “I suppose your mither could tell you nae about anything. I ken you’re frightened or we would begin remedying the matter.”
Briana rested her head on his shoulder. Andrew sat on the fur robe with his daughter and formed plans in his mind until his brother returned.
Gavin entered the tent and stood above Andrew watching him with Briana. “Seems the wee lassie has captured your heart, Brother. You canna put her down.”
Andrew stood to face his brother. “She neither hears nor speaks. I learned of her two days ago while prisoner in Castle Lach. Tara deliberately dinna tell me about her, knowing I would come to fetch my daughter.”
“Seems she let her go now.” Gavin’s eyes searched Andrew’s.
“Aye, only because she’s betrothed to Hugh MacKenzie and the mon wanna let her keep Briana. Tara is now thinking more of herself than her child. After Gregor’s death, she had no means of support except her parents, and Bryson is short of cash. He gambles a lot, I’m told. So, Fraser arranged the marriage between Tara and MacKenzie.”
“And you get the daughter,” Gavin added. “Tell me, Chief, are you happy or sad about Tara’s marriage?”
“I dinna care about Tara’s marriage, but I do care about this wee lass in my arms. She’ll stay with me, now, that I ken of her, and Tara will no’ have her back.” Andrew raised a brow for emphasis.
“So what are the plans you wish to talk about?”
“I’m going back into the castle for Maidie and Sven. Tonight.” Andrew watched the shock register on Gavin’s face.
“Did I hear you right, Brother, or am I going deaf like the lassie?”
“You heard right. I ken a way to get in from the woods on the east side of the wall. Tara told me about a secret passage. She wanted to escape through a tunnel that leads from MacKenzie’s chamber to the trees. I would have naught of her escape, but I’m sure I can find the tunnel and get Maidie out.”
Gavin shook his head. “You would risk your life for the woman?”
“Aye. I’ll risk my life for her. ‘Tis no’ a life without her anyway.”
“You have your daughter to think of now. What will happen to her if you die?” Gavin pointed to Briana.
“You’ll take her to Fàrdach Castle and see she’s properly tended. Nellie will make a fine nanny for this wee one.” Andrew smiled at Gavin’s dismay. “Be no’ dismayed, Brother. My heart burns for Maidie. I can do this.”
Chapter Twenty
Andrew held Briana, fed her, and made her comfortable in Maidie’s tent. His heart nearly burst when he pulled back the fur robe and the smell of roses wafted to his nostrils. The image of freckles dotting across a pretty nose then a rosy cheek filled his mind. Blue eyes gazed at him with red lips parting in a smile. Swallowing a large lump, he bent to give his sleepy daughter a gentle kiss on the forehead. He brushed back dark, curly locks from the small face and stroked the velvet skin of her cheek with his thumb. A little jewel she was. Dark eyelashes fluttered open as she gazed at him. A smile of recognition crossed the sweet mouth before the lashes closed in sleep.
He told Tavish to watch Briana, then joined Gavin beside the fire. The heady aroma of Cook’s large pot of stew caused his stomach to growl. The good man handed him a wooden bowl filled to the brim.
Andrew spoke between mouthfuls. “I’ll be taking Tavish and Colin with me.”
“Brother, I have enough men to besiege the castle. No need for you to take this risk.” Gavin threw a stick on the fire.
“My mind is set. I’ll take the risk. They wanna expect such, nor be watching.” Andrew swallowed a large mouthful of stew then washed it down with a gulp of ale.
“I ken your strong head when your mind is made up. No changing it.” Gavin met Andrew’s eyes. “Just make sure the woman is worth the risk. You have a lot to lose here.”
Andrew nodded. “Aye, she’s worth the risk.”
“Then go, but I wanna give my blessing. I will be praying I don’t see your head on a spike at the castle gate come morn.”
“Will you care for Briana while I’m gone? She will be frightened to awake in a strange place.”
“Aye. Cook and I’ll watch her. The mon has ten wee ones of his own, so he kens the way of bairns.”
Andrew didn’t answer but finished the bowl of stew then rose to speak to Tavish and Colin. The three men discussed plans for the night. Colin had seen the outer room of Hugh MacKenzie’s chamber, so they filled Tavish in on the layout of the castle. They would take a dirk and pistol tucked inside their wide leather belts, with a broadsword sheathed on their waist. Andrew looked at the night sky. The moon shone through sparse clouds lighting the forest floor with an eerie glo
w between shadowed trees. They would use no torch to make their way through the woods. Samhain was fast approaching. An involuntary shiver coursed down Andrew’s spine as he thought about the spirits roaming through the woods and inhabiting each tree. Did the ghostly light send an omen of what must come this night?
Gavin acknowledged their leave without a word, only a shake of his head. Andrew nodded in his brother’s direction before turning to make his way through the dark woods and find the entrance to Castle Lach’s secret tunnel. He said a silent prayer they would be able to find the hidden door without difficulty. He planned to enter the castle while all slept from celebrating the exchange. But they must find Maidie and Sven then make their way out to the forest before the first light of dawn and the castle occupants awoke for the day. The long nights of late autumn were in their favor. Daylight came later and later each morn, and nightfall began earlier.
The three warriors reached the woods on the east side of the castle, moving silently around the Munro caterans camped in the forest. He wanted no man to know their mission, not even the Munros. Andrew motioned for his men to stop and spread out.
He whispered low so a sentry would not hear his voice. “We’ll spread out to search for the door. If you should find it, give the call of a night owl.”
His two companions nodded without comment. The three men spread out, each in his own way to seek a hidden door and passageway leading into Castle Lach. Andrew carefully moved leaves with his foot and the tip of his sword. Seemingly, hours passed with no sign of the entrance. He couldn’t give up. He wouldn’t give up, if he had to search for the rest of his life.
Suddenly, the screech of an owl pierced the cold night air. Andrew felt like running, but instead, carefully made his way in the direction of the call. Tavish and Colin stood under a large oak tree beside a metal door covered with sod that rose out of the ground to reveal a dark tunnel cut below the surface of the earth. The chief approached the two warriors without a word, but with a large smile gracing his face. He slapped both on the back then began a descent on a rotted ladder into the black hole. They must feel their way along the black tunnel, he supposed. Tavish and Colin followed him down the ladder.
A Highland Pearl (Highland Treasures Book 1) Page 18
