Bedded by the Laird (Highland Warriors) by Kennedy Rachael

Author:Kennedy, Rachael [Kennedy, Rachael]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2012-12-05T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

The English knew full well that the Scots were outnumbered and were expecting a rabble they could quickly crush.

Instead there was order.

The rival clans were united - poised and waiting as the vanguard approached the bottleneck of the bridge. And they watched them thunder over.

Watched silent and smiling and not afraid to die, for the English would be beaten today.

Every Scot knew it.

‘If I don’t make it back.’ Alasdair turned to his brother. ‘Bridie’s not to marry Dougal.’

‘Aye.’ Angus said and did not ask for more details, for idle words were not said before you went into battle and he shook his brothers hand and gave him his word as the order went into attack and attack they did.

The spearsmen and archers went first, taking out what men they could and then they focussed on the bridge as the men charged ahead, first on horseback armed with spears and then they fought with dirks and swords.

It was not just his land Alasdair fought for, but to make it back for Bridie. Side by side with the Glenbarach’s and other clans they must block the advance of the English, would see them retreat. It was filthy and bloody and the waters ran red for a while, but this was war and he fought it, savage like never before. Every English man was the one who might take torches to his village, while Bridie and Gracie lay sleeping in their beds in Dougal’s home instead of safe at his castle. Alasdair blocked every sword with his shield, for without him or Angus to stop the marriage, Bridie would be in that brute’s bed and he would make it home for her.

He would, Alasdair realised, for there was a roar of elation as the English finally retreated, some choosing to take off their armour and swim from the Scots in fear.

The victory was a costly one though and the elation faded as Alasdair picked through the bodies on the battlefield and the riverside and claimed the McClelland dead and injured. Though weary they dug their fellow warriors’ graves and loaded the injured into the carriage, ready to head for home and then by the riverside Alasdair saw movement.

‘It’s a Glenbarach….’ Duncan growled, seeing the moss and brown plaid, but the Glenbarachs had already left.

‘He’s a Scot.’ Alasdair said. ‘And we need every last man, go and fetch him – he’ll travel with us.’

And so a Glenbarach was loaded on to the McClelland carriage as the victorious men began the long, tiring journey home, though it was not till a few nights later that Bridie was woken from her sleep.

‘The men are returning.’ Mrs Moffat said. ‘Go and prepare the laird’s room. Mary, go and prepare for Angus and then you’re to join me in the kitchen.’

The laird was coming home!

Bridie flew up the castle steps lit candles and lanterns and then she started on the fire, determined to have the place warm and ready. She put on water over the fire and

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