The Scot's Quest (Highland Swords Book 4)

by Keira Montclair

  “Nay, he wasn’t here last eve. There have been too many people around.”

  “Good, then mayhap he’ll leave you be,” she said, opening the door to the chamber. “Do you wish to bathe, too?”

  “Nay,” Claray mumbled, the dejection on her face telling Dyna all she needed to know.

  “I have to wash up, and then we’ll go out after Grandsire.” She leaned over and hugged Claray. “I promise to help, but first we have to find Grandsire.”

  Claray nodded and left, and Dyna was left with the sinking feeling that she’d failed her sister, too.

  ***

  Derric led the group through the woods. He was pleased he had something to contribute to the effort to find Alex. The lairds believed it possible that Alex might have met with King Robert, offered to help him in his final push to win the Highlands. And so they were riding back to the king’s camp.

  The Highland Swords group had agreed to travel together, while Connor, Jamie, and Finlay had ridden back toward Cameron land to see if Aedan had learned anything new. Since they had no idea where Alex had gone, or why, they needed to explore different possibilities.

  Both groups traveled with plenty of guards, which pleased Derric because Joya and Branwen and Emmalin had all come along. He hadn’t expected Emmalin to leave her bairns.

  Then again, she was a true believer in the spectral swords. “Together, we can find him and save him,” she’d said. “I believe it with all my heart, but someone must get us closer to him.”

  Joya drew her horse abreast of his. There was enough noise and conversation among the group that he knew they could speak freely without fear of being overheard. But had he known what she wished to talk about, he would have galloped ahead.

  “Brother dear, what happened between you and Dyna? You did it, didn’t you?”

  His head whipped around so quickly he’d probably have a sore neck later. “What?”

  “Don’t play innocent with me. She’s different. You did what she wanted and she’s changed her mind about it.”

  Dumbfounded that she had guessed so accurately, he glanced behind him at Dyna, two horses back. She stared off into the horizon, her face filled with sadness. “You do know she’s verra upset her grandsire is missing.”

  “Aye, but you didn’t answer my question, did you?” His sister had a small smirk on her face that told him she knew the truth anyway.

  “Nay, I did not dodge you. Some things are private, do you not agree?”

  Joya turned her head to assess him carefully. “I suppose they should be, I grant you that. Dyna is a fine lass, but I doubt that she has much experience with other men. You are far more worldly than she is.”

  “And your reason for telling me this?”

  “I want you to guard her heart. She is not used to talking about her feelings the way most lasses are, which is not to say she doesn't have them. Please treat her well and be kind about everything.”

  “I’m trying my best, but sometimes I’m a fool, I guess.” He didn’t know how else to explain his inability to make things right with Dyna.

  “Dyna has many other things demanding her attention right now—her grandsire, her sister, even her mother. Don’t be too hard on her. Once this all settles, you’ll be able to work things out. I think she’s good for you, brother. And you for her.”

  Derric couldn’t argue with her reasoning. “Tell me what you know about the spectral swords. Emmalin insisted the three of you needed to come along. Why?”

  “’Tis hard to explain, but Alex Grant believes the spouses are part of the magic, if that’s what you wish to call it. You’ve witnessed the power before. Don’t you believe in our strength together?”

  “I can hardly deny it given I was in the middle of it, with Dyna crawling up my back. I saw the thunderstorm, felt the ground shake, watched the enemies drop quicker than in any other battle. Where does the storm come in? Is that where the power originates?” He had a faint memory of the start of a thunderstorm last night, yet it hadn’t continued for long.

  “I don’t think any of us completely understand how it works. Dyna is the one who unleashes the power somehow, by raising her weapon over her head, and it channels into the others’ swords.”

  “But do you believe in it?” he asked, his gaze locked on hers as he awaited her answer.

  “Aye, I do. There is something special about the cousins. Wee John too. His presence has an effect on the unnatural storms the power brings. I’ve witnessed it more than once so I have to be a believer. Aren’t you?”

  He couldn’t deny what he’d seen. “I am. I hope it proves its value again in this search for Alex, but we don’t have John.”

  “Indeed, we do not. We can only hope we’ll be enough. Now, I wonder why Dyna is keeping her distance from you?” She clucked her tongue. “I hope ’tis just because she’s upset about her grandsire and naught else.”

  He gave her a look, and she laughed. “I’m going to join Els. Godspeed and be careful with her, Derric.”

  He nodded as she moved ahead of him to join her husband, finding a space on one side of him.

  Little did Joya know she’d struck a sore point. Derric had hoped Dyna would ride beside him. That she would speak to him. But although he’d gotten half of his wish—she was riding near him—she hadn’t said a word. She was distraught and tired, if he were to guess. And yet a part of him was disappointed that she’d turned away from him in her distress rather than toward him.

  Alasdair pulled his horse abreast of Dyna’s. “Anything at all? You must use your seer abilities to find him. Think, Dyna.”

  “I am,” she snapped. “Do you not think I was doing that yestereve when I searched for him?”

  “How much farther to Robert’s camp, Derric?” Els shouted. “Can we get there within the hour? If not, we should find our own place to camp this eve.”

  “Half the hour.”

  “Lead on, then. I wish to know this eve if Grandsire is there,” Dyna said.

  “And I’ll thank you for granting me the pleasure of speaking to me, Diamond. I was starting to think you’d prefer to curse me.” He glanced over his shoulder, catching enough of a glimpse of her to see her glare. It put a smirk on his face. At least she wasn’t down. He’d rather see her mad than downtrodden.

  “Corbett, I can lead the way if you’re lost.” Bloody hell, but the woman was as sexually frustrated as he was, for certes. You couldn’t participate in that kind of passionate foreplay and just forget it had happened. She’d be tough to win over, but he would, and he’d have her screaming with pleasure if it was the last thing he did.

  First, they had to find Alexander Grant.

  They were close enough to the camp to be heard by the guards so he let out a bird call, letting Robert’s warriors know he was a friend. When he received an answer, he led the group into the king’s camp.

  They dismounted and tied their horses, moving toward the large tent in the middle. He expected King Robert to greet them. His usual approach was to greet all new entrants to the camp, but this time he didn’t.

  The king sat on a large boulder and held his hand up to the group. “You only, Corbett.” Many of his men had to be on patrol because the area looked almost deserted. The king only had four guards nearby, and from the look of them, their specific duty was to protect him.

  The situation took him by surprise, but he turned to the others and said in an undertone, “I’ll find out what has transpired. ’Tis most unlike him not to greet us personally.” He hoped it wasn’t because of what he feared. The only other time he’d seen their king turn people away was when he was ill. A leader never wanted his enemy to know he was sickly.

  “Make sure you ask about Grandsire,” Dyna prodded.

  “Of course, I will, Diamond. I’m as anxious to find the man as you are.”

  She gave one of her unladylike snorts and tossed her opinion at him. “I doubt that.”

  He knew it wouldn’t do any good to argue with her, not in the mood sh
e was in, and truthfully he was concerned about the change he saw in King Robert, so he left the cousins and turned toward the king’s rock.

  “King Robert, you are hale?” he said as he approached, bowing a bit. The king, usually so quick to greet others, stayed seated. His color was pale and his eyes tired. Something was not right.

  “In secret, I’ll admit I feel a bit unwell, but I won’t allow it to stop me. Fortunately, I’ve no need to go to battle soon.”

  “Have you postponed it?” Days ago, the king had seemed intent on using might to win what diplomacy could not: the allegiance of the Scots who still sided with the English.

  “To my surprise, we’ve been able to form a truce of sorts with both Ross and Thane. They sent a messenger, and we shall meet later to finalize the terms. Ross does not wish for a battle. And even though I’d love nothing better than to show the man what loyalty looks like—and how disloyalty is justly repaid—I’m grateful that I don’t have to do it just yet. I’ll agree to this truce for a year, but we will revisit this again. I have unforeseen circumstances forcing my hand.”

  Derric had to admit, the king did look unwell.

  He let out a deep sigh, taking his time to gather his breath. “As you can see, I’m not well enough to go to battle. The old intestinal ailment has plagued me since last eve. You’ve found the Grant lass, I see.”

  “Aye, and her cousins are with me.”

  “The mighty Alexander Grant left this morn. The English didn’t get to him, after all. He’s an amazing man.”

  “He was here?” Derric tried not to shout, though it was beyond frustrating to know Alex had been and gone. If he’d stayed instead of going after Dyna, he would have found him. “Where was he going? Who was with him? We’ve been looking for the man for days.”

  “He was not suffering and came of his own free will,” Robert said. “I wasn’t about to issue orders to him. He said he was heading south again. Came to see if he could be of assistance. Spoke with some others in the camp, then took his leave.”

  Hell, he’d have to make sure they were far away from the king before Dyna learned of this information.

  The next instant, Dyna came up to stand beside Derric. Although the king had asked for a private audience, Derric wasn’t surprised by her boldness—if anything, he’d thought she would join him sooner. “King Robert, did I hear you say my grandsire was here?” She did well to hide her emotions because he guessed she was quaking inside. “Was he hale?”

  “Stronger than I am, apparently. He slept on the ground last eve, spoke to several people in the camp, then left this morn. You are worried, I see.”

  “He hasn’t spoken with any of us. We feared the worst.”

  “The man is a great leader of many Scots. You don’t trust him to use good judgment?”

  Dyna shuffled her feet and stared at the dirt. “He is a great leader, but he told us he was headed to Cameron land and left the next day without sharing his destination. We thought something had happened to him. With King Edward and his threats…”

  “Lass, Cameron land is not far. And Grant land is south of here. Perhaps he’s headed home. And as for Edward, the yellow-bellied beast, your grandsire is far enough in the Highlands that he needn’t worry about a direct attack. Edward’s son does not have the constitution his sire had. You’ll never see him out in this cold. He’s back in his royal castle with his friends, servants doting on his every need. I wouldn’t worry about it. I think Alexander Grant can take care of himself.”

  “Did he still have guards with him?”

  “Aye, six or eight is my guess. You’re welcome to spend the night here. This land can be treacherous in the dark, as you know. You can find him in the morn.”

  The king’s eyes fluttered shut but jerked back up again. Derric set his hand against the small of Dyna’s back and did his best to turn her away from Robert. “Our thanks for your help. Get your rest, King Robert. I’m sure you’ll be feeling better by morn.”

  King Robert nodded, stood up slowly, and made his way back toward his tent. He paused at the entrance and said, “Godspeed to you. I pray I’m right and no one is after your grandfather. ’Tis time for our people to be the power they were intended to be.”

  They returned to the rest of the group and explained what they’d heard, giving them a moment to gather their thoughts.

  Alasdair was the first to respond. “At least Grandsire’s not a prisoner of the English. Perhaps the king is right. He could be headed to Grant land. Mayhap he visited Uncle Brodie at Muir Castle along the way. That would fit. I think we can take our rest and follow on the morrow. Everyone agree?”

  “Aye,” Els said. “I still don’t like that he’s off on his own without any of us, but for all we know he simply left Cameron land because he thought it best to stay on the move. To keep the English guessing. He has guards with him and could be headed home now.”

  Alick nodded. “It sounds as if he came to help Robert, then left when he found out he wasn’t needed. And he had Grant guards with him, aye?”

  “Aye,” Derric replied. “He said six or eight.”

  Emmalin said, “I’m exhausted. Can we not sleep for a wee bit before moving on?”

  “Aye,” Joya agreed. “I’ll not get back on that horse again right now for anything.”

  Since Branwen was also in agreement, they found a spot under a copse of trees. Alasdair had brought a tent for cover because his wife was along, and Els had a tarp for the others to sleep on to help them stay dry. They clustered together, the three married couples cuddling close. As usual, the guards had found a spot on the periphery for their own camp, and three of them stood guard. The watch would shift in a few hours.

  That left Dyna and Derric. She’d already made it clear she didn’t want to get too close to him, but surely she wouldn’t deny herself the benefit of his heat.

  Derric came up behind her and whispered, “We’re in a crowd of your cousins. I’ll be on my best behavior, but you know you could use my warmth. You said you liked it last eve.” He knew she was not one to make any declarations in front of anyone, but he didn’t understand why she would turn him away. It wasn’t as if he’d make a display of them or run about telling her cousins what had taken place last eve. He liked his bollocks just fine where they were. “I’ll say naught, just settle.”

  She sighed and stared up at him, pondering her choices.

  Although he’d spoken for only her ears, her hesitation must have been obvious to the others—along with the reason for it—because Alick said, “Don’t be a fool. You’re fully clothed in the middle of your cousins.”

  “Aye,” Joya said, “and his sister would kick his arse if he touched you inappropriately.”

  Dyna glanced at Joya, finally agreed, and lay down close to him.

  But she wouldn’t let her skin touch his.

  Close as they were, they might as well have been a mountainside apart. The ice she gave off was as frosty as ever. He thought they’d settled everything, so why was she denying him?

  Could he have been mistaken about how she felt?

  Chapter Twenty

  Alexander Grant was tired. Tired of searching over half the Highlands for the person he sought. It wouldn’t be long before someone from his clan found him and he’d be forced to go back to Grant land.

  But he couldn’t.

  He was done watching his clan be tortured by the English.

  The last plan he’d made had failed—the Scottish sheriffs hadn’t been stationed near King Robert like he’d thought. His confidant had done as promised, but he couldn’t keep asking for help.

  It was time to complete this mission.

  He awakened early that morn and stood on his favorite vantage point, looking down at the snow-topped Highland mountains he so loved. He only knew one person who liked this view more than he did.

  His companion joined him. “’Tis a view I’ve always loved, but you know that. We’ve seen much happen in the Highlands over the years, and I stil
l treasure every single trip I’ve made across this point.”

  Alex clasped the man’s shoulder. “Aye, we’ve seen much. I’d hoped to see Scotland back in control of the Scots before I leave this land. I hope King Robert will be successful. This move I’m about to make should seal that for all of our countrymen.”

  The other man pointed. “Look below. The ones you’re searching for are there, I believe.”

  Alex squinted, cursing his loss of vision. “I cannot see that far any longer. I must depend on your eyes.”

  “Trust me that the man you are looking for is ahead of us. ’Tis time for us to move.”

  Alexander Grant smiled and squared his shoulders. “Lead on. We’ll end this.”

  ***

  Dyna awakened early and intentionally made enough noise to rouse Derric. He sat up and said, “You couldn’t leave us be for another hour, Diamond?”

  “Nay. We have to move on.”

  Derric rubbed his eyes and stared at her. “You’re certain we must go now?”

  “Aye, I must. You need not travel with me. You can follow with the others.”

  Els apparently overheard them, for he sat up and said, “Slow down and see if you can pick up on anything other than your bad feeling. Do you have any reason to think Grandsire is in trouble?” He pushed himself to standing, groaning as he straightened his back after sleeping on the ground.

  “Busby. DeFry. I have this feeling they’ve found him. And someone else, but I can’t wait. I had a dream.” She closed her eyes and put her head in her hands, trying to remember the exact details. “Grandsire is going with them to see Edward’s son.” She opened her eyes and stared at the group. “Hurry. We have to stop them. ’Tis a trap.”

  Els studied her carefully. “Are you certain, Dyna?”

  Dyna was already on her feet, hurrying toward her mount. She had to get to her grandfather and stop him. The clarity had come to her, and now she needed to move. To head toward him.

  “You can follow me,” she said to Els. “You and the others. You’ll have to catch up.”

  Alasdair sat up abruptly. “What the hell is happening?” he said, his voice thick with sleep.