Legacy of the Mist Clans Box Set (89 page)

Her second foot followed the first, and cautiously, she crept down. The soft whisper of voices reached her, but she could not make out their words. Her foot finally hit the stone floor, and she continued her silent journey through the shadows until she spotted two men. One was Sinclair, and if his hand gestures were any judge, he was unhappy with the man he spoke with, one of his guards.

She skittered deeper into the darkness, ignoring the fact that she hid among chains and manacles hanging against the wall. Although Sinclair’s hand gestures were urgent, both men kept their voices surprisingly low. Finally, she moved close enough to hear their words. She steadied her breathing and listened.

“What in the bloody hell did ye think ye were doing?” Sinclair growled.

“I told ye, I be following my king’s mandate.”

“And when were ye going tae tell me of this order? Ye’ve played me a fool before the MacGrigor. Now he’ll think I ordered this.”

The guardsman shrugged. “His Majesty didna believe ye needed tae ken. Yer duty was tae negotiate with the MacGrigor for the bairn. Ye failed.”

“I didna fail; he made a solid offer and one that put him at odds with his brother. The Bruce needs tae ken this, he needs those men.”

“Ye failed. This was simply a delaying tactic so his man could escape with the nurse and the bairn. That be why we canna find them.”

“Ye dinna ken that.” Sinclair snapped, his voice rising ever so slightly. “Once the gates are closed for the eve, there be no way out of this castle except for the postern, and our man has been watching it all night. It ne’er opened.”

“There are always ways out of a keep.”

“For a full-grown man, perhaps, but not for a maid with a bairn. And that man was present in the great hall when I spoke with the MacGrigor.”

The guardsman grew agitated. “We canna find him, the nurse, or the bairn. I have my orders directly from the king. I had a hell of a time hiding the other thirty men so the MacGrigor spies didna see them approaching with us. But the five men I hid in the gatehouse await my order. I will open the main gates tonight, and the thirty I left outside will search this keep by force.”

Kenna’s eyes widened and her jaw went slack. Nay! Stopping the bloodshed that would surely ensue suddenly became her priority. Stealth was no longer necessary. Now speed was required. She bolted from her hiding place and sprinted for the stairs.

“What—”

“Ye barmy fool,” Sinclair snapped and ran after her. “Ye didna take into account the spies within the keep.”

“The MacGrigor’s brother be wounded.”

Kenna didn’t check her pace and hit the stairs at a dead run. In an instant, she was at the door. She slid to a stop and grabbed the heavy lock, pausing to look down the stairs. “But ye forgot his lassie,” she said with a grin and slammed the door shut behind her. She placed the lock over the bolt and jammed it closed.

Thumps sounded on the heavy door, but it was solid, designed to keep people in. Her smile grew and she ran to the great hall, calling for Aidan.

A
idan couldn’t have been more proud of Kenna when she returned and told him of what she had learned. Ronan, although incensed at the treachery, had to bite back a laugh when she mentioned how she had locked them in the dungeon.

Aidan stood with her, Ronan, and Gordy in the middle of the hall. Soon, Sinclair and all of the guardsmen knelt in chains before them, watching fearfully as the enraged Demon Laird paced. But Aidan recognized his brother’s anger was well managed and controlled. He would use this turn of events to his advantage.

“MacGrigor,” Sinclair pleaded. “Forgive this indiscretion. I had no idea what had been plotted until well after it was set in motion.”

“I should send yer heads back tae the Bruce,” Ronan snarled.

Sinclair winced but set his jaw defiantly and lifted his head. “He is Scotland’s king.”

“Aye, he be king, but one who has yet tae solidify his power. Ye and yer men are guests in my keep. This folly has insulted me and reflects poorly on yer king. Since I canna trust ye, ye and yer men will spend the rest of the night under guard. Upon the dawn, ye may return tae the Bruce. My offer still stands, but I will be sending my own messenger tae negotiate with him. After this fiasco, the king would be well advised tae accept my terms.” Ronan motioned to Gordy. “See tae it.”

“At once, MacGrigor,” Gordy said, stepping forward. He and several castle guardsmen escorted the others out.

Ronan returned to his chair at the high table, taking a long drink of wine. Aidan was about to lead Kenna to their seats when Gordy returned.

“They are secure in the barracks.”

“Thank ye, Gordy,” Ronan said. “I have one last favor tae ask ye. Make sure this hall is free of prying ears and eyes. I wish tae continue the conversation I started with my brother before we were so rudely interrupted.”

“Of course,” Gordy said with a bow. He slipped away and began to prowl the hall.

Ronan waited a bit then took a long drink from his cup.

Aidan studied him. He knew that spark in his eyes—Ronan was clearly plotting something.

Ronan took Lia’s hand and pulled it to his lips then looked at Aidan. “For many years, my brother has stood behind me, in the shadows, watching, waiting. Always willing tae do his duty for his clan and laird. I owe him a debt I canna repay . . . I owe him my life.”

Aidan scowled and took a breath to speak, but Ronan held up his hand.

“Scottish law reigns here. Times, they be a changing as Scottish nobility gradually adopts laws similar tae the English. We shall change with them but not quite yet. Aidan, as yer laird, I have it within my own power tae reward ye for yer years of service tae yer clan. We have recently come into possession of a goodly sum of land in north Cumbria, but its distance from us means I need a man I can trust tae manage it, tae see tae it his heirs continue tae manage it in the name of MacGrigor, tae see that he leaves them the legacy of family, duty, and honor.”

Aidan’s heart dropped to his boots and his jaw went slack. He felt Kenna slide her hand in his, but his knees threatened to buckle as dizziness assailed him, and he put his arm over her shoulders, pulling her tight against his side.

He stared at Ronan, searching for the jest in his gaze, but he never found it.

Ronan leaned forward. “I ken exactly the reasons ye stated in yer youth of why ye said ye wouldna marry. I understand that ye didna wish ye and yer wife tae live by another man’s leave. I also ken that the Bruce will renew his offer tae ye once he learns what has happened here, perhaps even sweeten it. At least my offer be perfectly justified and doesna carry hidden costs. The only thing I ask is that ye continue tae manage yer birds, but ye can do so from the comforts of yer new home, with yer bonny wife by yer side. I also ask that ye work tae strengthen ties with the MacTavish; these be troublesome times, and strong alliances are needed.”

Aidan continued to stare at his brother, dumbfounded. He knew the land was Lia’s inheritance. His gaze slid from Ronan to her. She smiled at him, her hazel eyes sparkling with happiness. A new hope began to rise within Aidan, and he looked to Kenna. She too looked at Lia and Ronan, her eyes wide and her face pale.

Ronan was very much within his rights to award Aidan for his service, but never had Aidan believed he was owed anything. He had always supported his brother, even when others were terrified of the Demon Laird, it had been he who had sent men to fetch the healer who could work miracles.

He knew he would not be forced to live by another man’s leave because he had known where he stood with his brother and always would. He also noted Ronan’s words, that his own children gain the land, he would leave a legacy that would matter.

He looked again to Kenna, who stared up at him, tears welling in her eyes, and nodded.

He turned back to Ronan. “Brother, ye are too generous.” Ronan arched an eyebrow at him, but Aidan rushed on. “I accept yer offer with humble gratitude.” Aidan suddenly realized he had to remember to breathe; the floor beneath his feet shifted slightly.

“Aidan?” Kenna called, moving closer.

Ronan closed the distance quickly, grabbing his free arm. “Sit,” he said, helping him to the high table. “Ye are too newly healed tae be on yer feet for so long.”

“I . . . I thank ye, brother.”

“Ye are most welcome, Aidan. Ye have certainly earned this.” Ronan paused and looked to an archer loophole. “Gordy!”

Gordy seemed to materialize out of the shadows. “Aye, MacGrigor?”

“It will be dawn soon. Once the sun clears the eastern sky, send Sinclair and the Bruce’s men on their way. But there are still thirty men somewhere outside our gates. I want crossbow men on the walls. Should anyone try anything foolish when the gates open, that will thin their ranks well enough.”

Shock still rattled Aidan, but Ronan’s remark about sending the Bruce’s men outside of the keep bothered him, and he suddenly realized why. As he sat in his chair, he looked up at his brother, stopping him before he moved away. “Be there any sign of Connell?”

“Nay,” Ronan said. “Robert canna find him, and we’ve searched everywhere.”

“I think I ken where he is, Ronan. Connell be outside the walls. If ye open the gates at dawn and toss the bastards on the stoop, there be nothing between them and Adam.”

“Are ye certain?”

“I fear I am.” He reached over and plucked Lia’s sleeve.

“Aidan, are you all right? Your face is gray.”

“I’ve been better, but lassie, I pray can ye give me something tae get me on my feet for a time?”

Lia’s expression hardened and she shook her head firmly.

“Lia, please, I need tae get Connell tae return. These men ken they couldna find the bairn in the keep; once we release them through the gates, they will swarm the area.”

Lia studied him a long moment then bit her lip. “Aidan, I can give you something, but it will only last an hour or two, and once it wears off, you will drop like a stone.”

“If he be where I think, it willna take long. And if he isna there, then God protect him.”

“Can’t we send someone else? Robert perhaps?”

“I can get tae him faster and unnoticed.”

Lia looked to her husband for help.

“He’s right, lass,” Ronan said softly. “In this matter, there are few Connell will trust.”

“I will go with him,” Kenna volunteered.

Aidan looked at her in surprise then shook his head. “Sparrow—”

“I can move as quickly and as silently as ye. Connell trusts me, and if the medicant wears off, I can drag ye back by yer heels.”

Aidan’s lips twitched as he looked back to Lia. “Please, lassie, I vow if ye do this for me, afterward I will stay in bed for as long as ye see fit, and I willna vex ye again.”

“You?” Lia asked. “Not vex me? That will be a cold day in hell.” She looked again at Ronan, who nodded. “Very well,” she said after a moment. “Give me a few moments, but I vow, Aidan, if I have to stitch you back together again, I’ll use a tanner’s needle.”

Aidan’s smile faded. No doubt Lia would make good on her threat.

She hurried into the kitchens.

“Dinna do anything foolish, Aidan,” Ronan said. “Find him and return immediately.”

“I will. Ye just keep the Bruce’s men occupied until we return.”

Ronan nodded and strode away to speak with Gordy.

HHH

Aidan was glad the draught Lia gave him worked surprisingly quickly and well. He could walk upright without assistance, but he knew instinctively not to move too quickly. His only complaint was that the medicant made his ears buzz a little and he felt strange, as if his head would pop off and float among the clouds.

“Are ye all right?” Kenna asked, studying him intently. “Yer eyes are a bit glazed.”

“Aye,” he paused, trying to find the words. “It’s as if the pain still be there, I simply dinna care.”

She arched an eyebrow at him. “I just pray it doesna give ye a fool’s confidence.”

“Aye,” he agreed, keeping his hand on her shoulder as they entered the bailey. Aidan directed her to a dark corner where the tower and the curtain wall joined. It was still very dark, and Kenna carried a shuttered lantern at his request.

In the corner on the ground was a large, flat wooden frame with a heavy banded door and a huge lock, similar to the one in the dungeons. Aidan knew the moment Kenna spotted it, and she unshuttered the lantern slightly.

“Is this an access for workers tae repair the foundation of the curtain wall?”

Aidan chuckled and knelt before it, pulling a key from his belt. “After a fashion,” he said. But he paused and looked closely at the lock. “Pick marks,” he muttered. He put the key back and simply jerked on the lock. It opened. “I had a feeling Connell wouldn’t allow this tae stop him.” He noticed Kenna looking at him in confusion. “There are only three people in the keep with a key tae this door, my brother, myself, and Ian.”

“Who is Ian?”

“He’s the sapper who digs these tunnels.” He paused and grabbed the ring on the heavy door. “Help me with this, lassie, and ye will see.”

They opened the door and Kenna peered into the void, wide-eyed.

“Quickly, inside. My brother will keep the Bruce’s men under guard until the dawn, but I dinna wish tae invite trouble.”

Kenna descended the ladder, Aidan climbed down after her, and closed the door behind him. That effort made him wince and reminded him that he needed to hurry. He joined Kenna in the middle of the void, took the lantern from her, and unshuttered it completely.

Her jaw went slack as she stared at what the light revealed.

The void was massive, and Ian’s workers had widened it even more so they could more easily work and get supplies in. On Aidan’s left was the foundation of the curtain wall, a gray line in the dark earth. But below that was a different colored soil, a dark, reddish brick made by those who had come centuries before.

“When we were on the trail with Connell and Mairi, ye would tell us stories of yer brother and how he used the fear of the Demon Laird tae terrify the enemy. Are these the tunnels he used?”

“Aye,” he said as he held the lantern up in one hand and guided her forward with the other. “The tunnels began as a simple task tae allow my brother to move men behind the enemy, but Ian found himself bored, and he and his sappers continued tae work. He’s turned it into a veritable labyrinth down here. There is a tunnel that leads all the way tae the village.” He paused and grinned at her. “This is also what gave me the idea tae use the field with the gopher holes when Hurstal pursued us.”

Kenna continued to stare at the tunnels, awestruck, then she looked at Aidan and her eyes narrowed. “That medicant has made ye a bit barmy. Ye can get us through?”

“Of course, lass.”

“Good. I dinna relish the thought of getting lost down here.”

“Aye,” he said, continuing to lead her rapidly through the maze. “That’s why I was surprised that Connell used them. He’s been in them a few times but doesna ken them as I do. My brother and I ken every twist and turn that Ian and his crew built.”

“Do ye think he and Mairi are hiding down here?”

Aidan paused long enough to whistle his bird song and listen. But the only thing he heard was the occasional creak of the support timbers and the faint sound of dripping water. “My hope was a small one, but I ken odds are he simply used them tae get out of the castle. As I said, he doesna ken these tunnels as well as I, so he wouldna relish the thought of a fight in here, and he had tae ken the Bruce’s men, if they searched long enough, would find them and follow. There be one place I think he might be, but we must hurry.”

Aidan led Kenna through to the most recent construction. Finally, he reached the end of a tunnel and ascended the ladder. Ian had devised a strong locking mechanism for each of the trap doors leading out, but it was designed to keep outside forces from making their way in if they located one of the doors. Aidan studied this door and found fresh pick marks. He quickly opened it and guided Kenna through, closing it behind him.

The trap door opened next to the grain storage barn where Lia had led them when she determined the mysterious illness that had struck the villagers was caused by blighted grain. Aidan swallowed hard and looked to the eastern sky. Was it a bit brighter with the approaching dawn? He couldn’t be certain. All he knew was that he had to find Connell and bring him home. Fortunately, the building he headed for was only two doors away.

The small shop was dark, the boards over the openings shuttered and chained tightly. He peered at each one, but on these he didn’t see any fresh markings. Unlike the tunnels, Connell had the keys to these locks. But he saw no sign that they had been disturbed.

He led Kenna around back. Large, empty vats, stained with various colors of dyes from years of use, littered the area. He approached the back door that appeared to still be chained, but all the locks he had encountered this night had appeared to be closed.

“Is this a fuller’s shop?” Kenna whispered.

Aidan’s throat tightened and he nodded. But he said nothing as he stepped closer to the back door and listened intently.