The Highlander's Keep by Bess McBride

Author:Bess McBride [McBride, Bess]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bess McBride
Published: 2017-11-14T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

The Macaulays rode their horses through a guarded stone archway and into a courtyard busy with activity. Men, women and children moved about as if the courtyard were some sort of town square, some selling produce, others tending to animals, yet others hanging about chatting. Many turned to watch as the raiding party entered.

I was the only hostage, and after a few cursory glances, interest in me turned to questions from the men—spoken in Gaelic.

I winced as Iskair slid off the horse and pulled me with him. He carried me across the courtyard and into an arched doorway leading to the highest tower in the castle. I noted that his men led all the horses, including Iskair’s, to a one-story building just inside the gate that probably housed the stables.

Iskair and I entered a large stone room that I assumed was the great hall. A large fireplace dominated one wall, and a massive oak table centered the room. Other smaller tables dotted the room, giving it a pub-like atmosphere, although an expensive one.

A ruddy-faced short, plump lady in a white cap, gray skirts and apron came rushing toward us. She spoke to Iskair rapidly in Gaelic, looking over her shoulder as if she didn’t want to be heard.

Iskair responded. I wished I understood the language.

“What are you saying, Iskair? Who is this?”

“Forgive me, Mistress Dunnon. This is Mrs. Mackay, housekeeper for the Macleod. She asks about the bairns, and I told her we could no reach them. She asks who ye are.”

“Set her down, Iskair!” she demanded in English. “Is she injured?”

“Aye, she had an injury before she was taken. I didna want the lads to take her, but I had already climbed down from the cliff when they took her. I couldna leave her on the beach to drown at high tide, and the lads were no disposed to leave her on the mainland. They kent Murdo and Angus would be pleased with their prize.”

Mrs. Mackay spoke to me.

“Can ye sit, lass? Where is your injury?”

“I hurt my back. Yes, I think I can sit in a chair now.”

Iskair set me down in a chair, and I gripped the arms, waiting for the spasms to pass.

“What are ye going to do, Iskair? Ye ken Angus! He is away with Murdo, but they return this evening. She is no safe around Angus.”

“I dinna ken, Mrs. Mackay. I have no place to hide her, and the men will speak out. Can ye find her a room until I talk to Murdo? She tells me she is an English viscount’s daughter and worth a goodly ransom. Murdo would be pleased to hear that.”

“Aye, so would Angus.”

“With my virtue intact!” I added.

Mrs. Mackay turned to look at me, gray brows lifting in surprise.

“She speaks! And that is no an English accent.”

“It is, actually. I’ve traveled abroad, sooo...”

“Aye, traveling, is it? Well then, English ye are. Are ye kin to the Morrisons?”

“No, I was just visiting.”

“Who were ye visiting?” Mrs. Mackay asked.

“Do you know them all?” I arched an eyebrow.

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