Highland Barbarian Part 28

"That is an amazing feat even for a Highland warrior," one of the men said with a laugh.

"Aye." Brice's eyes narrowed as he added,

"And Gareth MacKenzie has put a price on my head. One hundred pounds sterling for any man who brings me to him. Alive or dead."

"MacKenzie," Angus spat.

"Come, Brice. Let us kill him now."

"Nay, friend." Brice turned his mount and motioned for the others to follow.

"Already he surrounds himself with too many men. Think of your women and children waiting for you in the Highlands. Within days there will be dozens of men riding through the forests hoping to cut down anything that moves."

"What will we do now?"

Brice slowed his horse until Angus caught up with him. As they rode side by side Brice murmured,

"We will do what our ancestors have done for centuries, old friend. We will take up arms and fight anyone foolish enough to dare to enter our Highland forests."

"And what of our families?"

"They remain at our sides," Brice said.

"We will bring them inside the protective walls of Kinloch House. And there they will stay until the siege is over."

"And the la.s.s, Meredith MacAlpin?"

A little muscle worked in the side of Brice's jaw as he urged his mount ahead. Aye, he thought. What to do about Meredith? If he were to return her to her people, she would prove the lie that Gareth MacKenzie had spread. That could, once and for all time, clear his good name.

But it would be impossible for him to remain with her forever.

And left at the mercy of Gareth MacKenzie she would soon be conveniently murdered, as the others had been.

But, Brice reasoned, if he kept her with him, she would be forced into a life of hards.h.i.+p and deprivation while the invaders were repulsed.

Yet for now, he could think of no other solution.

Over his shoulder he called,

"The woman stays with me at Kinloch House."

"Oh, my lady. This is far too grand for me to wear." Mistress Snow studied her reflection in the looking gla.s.s. "I look like the lady of the manor."

"And well you should." Meredith stood beside her, proud of her accomplishment.

It was Brenna, the sister who was younger by a year, who sewed the finest seams. And it had always been Brenna who could add a bit of ribbon or lace and make the plainest gown look splendid.

Meredith had taken great pains with this task. And it had served its purpose well. The long hours alone in Brice's chambers had pa.s.sed far easier than she had expected. And when she wasn't sewing she was visiting with the servants. She had learned the names of all of them, as well as their family histories.

Like a shadow, young Jamie had been constantly at her side, watching, listening. And though he felt strangely disloyal to his idol, Brice, he found himself becoming enchanted with the beautiful young woman who was being held prisoner in their home.

"I think," Mistress Snow said, interrupting Jamie's musings, "that I should take back the simple gown I loaned you, and give you this one."

"And I think," Meredith said with a smile, "that Angus Gordon will not be able to stay away from the scullery when he sees you in this."

"Oh, my lady." The young widow blushed furiously before burying her face in her hands.

Jamie stifled a giggle. He had repeated a litany of gossip during the days that he and Meredith had spent together. Apparently the lady had paid more attention than he'd thought.

They all looked up when they heard the clatter of horses' hooves entering the courtyard.

"The men have returned." Mistress Snow raced to the door, then seemed to remember her position. Holding the door for Meredith and Jamie, she followed them down the stairs.

Men and horses milled about in ma.s.s confusion. Many of the men stood in a circle, listening intently as Brice spoke in low tones. Others trudged to the storehouse and began carrying an a.s.sortment of supplies toward the main door of the castle. As Meredith watched, the circle of men broke up. Most of the men mounted and rode away, while others joined the group carrying supplies.

Brice spoke quietly to Angus and another man, then looked up to see Meredith standing in the doorway with her hand on Jamie's shoulder.

For long moments their gazes met and held.

It was strange to see this woman, his captive, standing protectively beside the boy he loved more than his own life. Strange and--pleasant.

Meredith felt the hypnotic pull of his gaze and couldn't stop the tremors that coursed along her spine. How odd that the man she wished to escape from was also the man who could cause such wild stirrings deep within her.

Brice said something more to Angus, then strode impatiently toward her.

She studied his grim features and waited for him to speak. Instead, he stopped before her without a word, then called out orders to the men in the courtyard.

It was vexing to be ignored in this fas.h.i.+on. In a snappish tone she asked,

"Have you extracted your revenge?"

He shook his head and turned to speak to one of his men.

"Then what news do you bring? Am I to be returned to my home?"

He turned toward her but kept his gaze on the procession of men and arms.

"Jamie," he said in a patient tone, "go and help the men carry supplies to the main house."

"Aye." Jamie gave Brice a long, questioning look before turning away.

"As for you, my lady," Brice said, still watching the progress of the men,

"I fear it will be a long time before you see home and family again."

Meredith swallowed down the knot of fear that leaped to her throat.

"What are you saying?"

"We will soon be under siege, my lady. These forests will be teeming with men bent upon my destruction."