Highland Challenge (Highland Generations Book 1) by B.J. Scott

Author:B.J. Scott [Scott, B.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Duncurra LLC
Published: 2019-10-21T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

“Are you going to say anything to me, or do you just plan to wear a rut in the floor with your pacing?” Mareal asked Andrew, lifting the shroud of silence between them.

Andrew paused and returned Mareal’s somber gaze. “What do you want me to say? It has been at least three hours since James began the castle search. With the number of men helping him, how long can it take?” He was not deliberately ignoring her and spoke a little harsher than he intended. “Every minute is precious if we hope to find my cousin.”

Mareal left her perch on a stone ledge beside the window and placed her hand on his forearm. “I feel horrible about Elise’s disappearance and the men who were slain, but we mustna give up hope and continue to pray.”

“I have done naught but pray since this nightmare began.” Andrew tugged his arm free. “But clearly the Lord isna listening.”

“We have completed the search, m’lord.” James strode into the chamber.

“Any sign of Elise or Forbes?” Andrew hoped for the best, but feared the worst.

“Nay. We dinna find them, and no one we spoke with saw them leave the castle.” James lowered his gaze. “I wish I had better news.”

“As do I.” Although he hoped they would find Elise unharmed, Andrew also feared they might discover his cousin’s tortured body hidden in the bowels of the castle. “Are you certain the men looked everywhere?”

“Rest assured, every corner of the keep was inspected and na a stone was left unturned, but our search came up empty,” James said. “I have dispatched a garrison of men to search the crofts, the kirk, and the bailey grounds.”

“Good. Has Seamus returned yet?” While extending their exploration might prove more fruitful, Andrew had his doubts the outcome would be any different. Too much time had passed since Elise’s disappearance, and by now, she could be anywhere. If she was even alive.

“Aye. I just spoke to him a few minutes ago. After he delivered the bodies of the slain men to the kirk in preparation for burial, he came straight to the castle.”

“What of their families, have they been notified?” Andrew dreaded the thought of telling the wives and bairns the sad news. But as acting laird, the onus fell upon his shoulders. He was the one who dispatched the men and felt personally responsible for their demise.

“Aside from Owen, none of the others had wives or families, thank the Lord.” Before James could explain further, the door to Mareal’s chamber swung open, striking the wall with a thud.

“We are back Andrew, and James filled us in on what happened.” Seamus lumbered into the room, then glanced at Mareal. “Praise the Almighty that Lady Mareal is safe, but we must na waste time talking if we hope to save Lady Elise. What are your orders?”

Mareal rushed over to where the men stood. “I wish it were me that bastard took and na Elise.” She peered up at Andrew. “Seamus is right, we must na waste time standing around.

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