The Scotsman by Juliana Garnett

Author:Juliana Garnett [Garnett, Juliana]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance, cookie429
ISBN: 9780307570048
Publisher: Fanfare
Published: 1998-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

PART TWO

14

February 1314

Winter winds howled fiercely about the towers of Castle Rock, like the wail of a banshee. Alex stood on frozen mud in the bailey, smiling a little as James Douglas capered about, swinging his sword at imaginary enemies.

“Och, you should have been there, Alex Fraser. A fine fight it was, with the English fleeing like demons from hell were after them!”

“No doubt, ’tis what they thought when they saw your bonny face.”

Douglas grinned. Wind whipped at his hair with growing ferocity, and lifted the edge of his plaid to snap like a banner. “Do you join us? We leave at cock’s crow for Roxburgh, to relieve the English garrison of their duties.”

An answering grin spread over Alex’s face. “Yea, you know I do. It is time I did more than warm a bench in my hall of an eve.”

“And will your lady not protest if she learns you mean to go fight the English?”

“She is not my lady. Lady Catherine is my hostage.” Alex eyed Douglas narrowly. “But do not think that gives you leave to ply her with scented soap and dainty comfits, for my hospitality does not extend that far.”

Douglas laughed. “A man can only straddle a fence for so long, Alex. But do not glower at me with so black a face, for I only dally with the lady. She is lovely, and I fancy her smile, I admit, but I would not want you for an enemy. You are too fierce.”

Alex had to smile himself at that, for James Douglas had never been known to consider any opponent too fierce or too many; a failing or a strength, depending upon one’s point of view. He took chances, but he was a brilliant tactician and only took the most calculated risks.

“How many men do you think we will need to bring down Roxburgh?” he asked as they strode across the bailey toward the keep. “I will lend my forces, though I need to leave men enough here to protect Castle Rock.”

Douglas slanted him a sly smile. “I want only three score men.”

Incredulous, Alex stared at him. “Sixty men? To take an entire garrison?”

“Yea. It can be done. I have a plan. And I have decided upon the men I want to take with me. You are one.”

Alex thought about Catherine. He would have to leave her behind, but she would be well guarded by his men. Robbie was dependable and could be trusted to do what was necessary in case of attack. But Alex did not know what to expect, for there had been no word from Devlin or the earl since December 6, Saint Nicholas Eve. The celebration of Christmas had been bleak, save for another written message from Jamie and de Brus. At least they were still alive. Devlin had kept his word on that score.

It was doubtful Warfield knew of his daughters true situation, or he would have lodged a formal protest and launched an assault on Castle Rock by now. Obviously, Devlin was keeping his silence, but Alex did not think it was to avoid such a battle.

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