To Marry a Highlander by Callie Hutton

Author:Callie Hutton
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Callie Hutton

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Despite the bitter cold of the February morn, the men were busy at the lists when Conall joined them. Most of the warriors had stripped down to just their trews, bare chested, even with the scant sun.

Haydon halted his training with one of the new lads and approached Conall. “It looks like the meeting of the clans will be next week instead of two weeks from now.” He placed his hand on his younger brother’s shoulder. “I ken ye will do me proud to take my place. I just doona feel good about leaving Ainslee right now.”

Conall nodded. “‘Tis no’ a problem, Laird. I will be honored to represent ye.”

Just as Haydon nodded to him, there was shouting and the sound of horses approaching the castle. Two guards up on the towers waved at Haydon. “Men approaching, Laird.”

“Aye.” Haydon and Conall both strode to the outer gatehouse, the door of which remained closed to the approaching group until they were identified. When they rode out of the woods surrounding the castle, Conall recognized the Johnstone flag.

It appeared Elsbeth had returned home.

Haydon ordered the portcullis opened as the horses galloped across the drawbridge. When they were a bit closer, Conall noticed several of the men were bleeding, and Elsbeth looked as though she’d seen death.

“Something’s wrong,” Haydon said as he moved forward.

“Aye,” Conall returned.

The inner gatehouse door was ordered opened, and the group continued on. Haydon and Conall ran into the inner courtyard. Not sure what had happened, as soon as the warriors and Elsbeth cleared the outer gatehouse, Haydon ordered it closed.

The party of half a dozen men climbed from their horses. Conall went directly to Elsbeth and helped her down. “What happened lass?”

“We were attacked. A couple of my men were killed.” After that short speech, the lass’s knees gave way, and she collapsed. Conall grabbed her, and scooping her up in his arms, he headed toward the keep. He turned to one of the warriors watching the display and shouted, “Get the healer. Now.”

The mon ran off, headed toward the small hut in the outer bailey where the clan’s healer, Dorathia Sutherland lived.

Conall entered the keep, keeping an unconscious Elsbeth close to his chest as he bounded up the stairs to the lass’s bedchamber.

“What happened?” Maura asked as he passed her.

“Elsbeth’s men were attacked on their way back here. Doona tell Ainslee just yet until we see what condition her sister is in.”

“Did ye send for the healer?”

“Aye. Ye might want to follow me to Elsbeth’s bedchamber so ye can undress the lass and get her into bed before Dorathia arrives.”

They entered the lass’s bedchamber, and Maura quickly pulled the bedcovers off before he laid Elsbeth down. She was still unconscious. “I canna tell if she’s been injured, but as soon as the healer arrives, help her as you can while I see to the men who were injured and try to get some information from them.”

Maura nodded, and Conall left the room.

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