The Highlander’s English Woman by Ruth A. Casie

Author:Ruth A. Casie
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: 0
Published: 2016-12-19T18:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

“A re others in Parliament anticipating similar problems?” Jamie asked. He and Herbert walked through the remains of the burnt granary.

“Caerlaverock is not unique, but our troubles are greater. Our proximity to the border and the tension with the English King are all reasons why I built Caerlaverock into an impenetrable fortress. However, with the building’s defensive beauty, the castle has become a target. Whoever can take Caerlaverock will demoralize the Scots.”

Herbert inspected the damage to the granary’s interior and let out a heavy sigh. “We need a new roof and the platform is gone.” Herbert bent down and picked up a damaged sack, brunt grain lay beneath it. He threw the sack to the ground.

“I spoke to the villagers. With winter coming, they fear food will be scarce. I don’t blame them. I assured them there would be enough grain for everyone.”

Jamie grasped Holger’s brooch in his pocket. The tinker had been eager to retrieve it. Jamie needed to find out its significance. He hoped Herbert had the answer. He waited for the right time to ask the question.

“Where are you taking my grain?” a villager demanded. “Burning our food wasn’t good enough, now you’re going to take what little remains.” Men and women, who helped with the aftermath, stopped what they were doing.

Outside, villagers and soldiers took salvaged sacks and barrels of grain from the blacksmith’s barn and loaded them onto wagons.

Herbert looked out what was left of a window. “Who is the man making the accusations?”

Jamie released the pin. His questions would have to wait. He stared at the tall man, large arms and crumpled clothes, like any other highland farmer, yet something was familiar. He couldn’t place the man, but he’d remember.

“I say we take the grain back from these thieves,” the man continued. Villagers salvaging what they could inside the granary took note and came outside. The group grew larger, their grumbling louder.

Herbert leaned against the burnt window frame. Jamie pulled him back. All he needed was the instigator to have words with The Maxwell. “I’ve never seen that man before.”

A breeze barreled down between the buildings and ripped off the man’s hat.

“I have,” Jamie said. “In Cannobie.” Jamie scanned the crowd and located three other men who had been sitting behind him at the coach house.

The men were speaking to the villagers. It was an old tactic, encourage people to be discontent. He had to act with haste to smooth things over before they got out of hand.

“I’ll take care of this. Stay here.” Jamie didn’t give Herbert a chance to answer. He made his way to Oliver.

“Here let me give you a hand.” Jamie picked up a barrel, put it on his shoulder and placed it into the wagon. The rumbling hushed.

“Don’t let me stop you,” Jamie said to the troublemaker, then picked up another barrel. Soldiers followed his lead and continued to load the wagon.

“We will if we need to,” the agitator said. Jamie put a barrel into the wagon, then turned to the man.

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