The Scot's Legacy (Highland Hunters Book 8) by Keira Montclair

Author:Keira Montclair [Montclair, Keira]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Keira Montclair
Published: 2024-07-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Alaric cursed himself all the next day. He’d been rude to Eli, but he hadn’t been able to help it. All he’d seen when he’d lain down to sleep were different sets of eyes bouncing around—Els’s when he’d gotten angry and Alasdair’s when he’d knocked him on his arse. And he hated to admit it, but Alasdair’s eyes were exactly the same as Uncle Jake’s eyes.

He was cursed for sure, and no woman should be with him.

They reached the Borderlands in the middle of the following day. According to the crofters and others they spoke to, Sir James Douglas was not far from Ettrick Forest. They found him and his men about an hour later.

“Sir James,” Maitland said. “How can we help?”

Douglas, determination evident in his dark eyes, stood tall, his body slender but broad-shouldered. He glanced back over the open meadow at his men, probably two score at least, before he spoke, pushing strands of his dark hair back from his face. “The Scots blockade has been more than successful in keeping rations from Edwards troops at Berwick. I’ve been told they have killed their horses for meat just to stay alive. But that has had consequences for us, as well. We’re getting reports of raiding and looting from many different areas, but I can only send my men so many places. If ye would patrol along the River Teviot, it would be most helpful.”

“We’d be honored to assist. Any specifics as to where we should go along the river?” Dyna asked.

“If you go to Coldstream, Skaithmuir, and Quarrell, that would be a great help to us. I’ll remain in this general area, so if ye come across any English raiders and need assistance, call for me. I have thirty men close at hand. I will wait for yer return before we go too far.” Sir James clasped Maitland’s shoulder. “And we are more than grateful for your archers.”

Dyna led their group off to a clearing to make plans. “Alaric and Eli, Skaithmuir. Thea and Willum to Quarrel, Tevis and Wenna to Coldstream. Maitland and I will go between these three areas. If ye see any Gascon or English soldiers, dinnae engage with them. Get a count and advise us of what ye have seen. We will confer with Sir James before deciding how to attack.”

“Ye’ll have to point us in that direction, Maitland,” Alaric said. “I dinnae know where Skaithmuir is.” He wasn’t foolish enough to protect his pride just to get lost in the Borderlands surrounded by starving Englishmen. Even if they didn’t engage, he needed to be able to report back on what they found on their share of the patrol.

“We’ll head to the river and follow it. I know a good crossroads there where we can plan to meet. The river will lead us to the fertile farmlands, the most likely place to find the soldiers.”

They mounted up, and Maitland led the way. Alaric tried to identify landmarks as they rode.

He pulled his horse

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