Highlander Most Wanted Page 0,16
a concise manner and then go on our way, leaving a few men behind to claim the holding and care for the surviving clan members.”
“The thing I ask is for one of you to remain behind with Bowen while I travel back to our lands to consult with Graeme and apprise him of the situation,” Teague said.
“I’ll stay,” Brodie said. “I’ll keep a dozen of our men and send the rest back with Aiden. Combined with the Montgomery warriors who remain behind, ’tis more than enough of a fighting force to defend the keep.”
“You have my thanks,” Bowen said in a sincere voice.
Nay, it wasn’t necessary for one of the Armstrongs to remain behind, but Bowen appreciated that Brodie was willing to do so when their families had been at war for so many years.
“You have my thanks as well,” Teague said. “I do not like leaving my brother when I’m not certain of his protection.”
Brodie nodded. “You took very good care of my sister. You offered her protection and … acceptance. My family owes you a debt of gratitude for that. Many would have scorned her and forever labeled her the enemy’s daughter. ’Tis a small thing you ask, and I am glad to do it.”
Bowen offered his arm to Brodie and Aiden in turn, clasping hands in a warrior’s shake and show of respect. Then he nodded at Teague.
“Let us speak now to the McHugh people so they’ll know their fate.”
The four men turned to face the assembled clansmen, and Bowen took in the tense undercurrent that rippled through the air.
“Patrick McHugh now has a bounty on his head,” Bowen said loudly, inciting a cascade of shocked gasps and a torrent of whispers.
“Any who ride or ally with Patrick McHugh also have a bounty. He committed a great sin against the Montgomery and the Armstrong clans. He will not go unpunished.”
“What will happen to us, sir?” a young lad blurted from the crowd.
Bowen let out his breath in a long puff. “As of today, this keep and all that is contained within belongs to the Montgomery clan.”
There were murmurs, protests, angry outbursts, and, from some, amusement.
“There’s nothing to claim!” one of the men yelled out. “The laird took everything of value save a few head of sheep and the older workhorses that aren’t able to ride long distances.”
Bowen held up his hands. “Be silent until I am finished.”
The angry buzz quieted.
“Now, as I said, the keep, the lands, the sheep, and the workhorses … They all belong to Graeme Montgomery and I, as his brother, am his steward and will oversee the running of this keep until such time as he decides on the matter.”
He paused a moment and swept his gaze over the crowd.
“You can accept it or don’t accept it. ’Tis solely up to you. You can stay or not stay. ’Tis your decision. But know this. If you decide to stay, under no circumstances will rebellion or disrespect be tolerated. You’ll continue to work this keep and do your duties as before. My brother is journeying to Montgomery Keep for supplies and food so that we can adequately care for ourselves.”
There were instant murmurs of surprise and shock. Many shook their heads in bewildered disbelief. Had they expected to be turned away or slaughtered on the spot? Perhaps ’tis what would have happened if Ian or Patrick were in this situation. Perhaps it was what the McHugh people had come to expect from the men who led them.
“But who are we, sir?” a woman called out, her expression solemn.
Bowen frowned. “I do not understand your question, mistress.”
“We are McHughs, led by the McHugh laird. Whether it be a proud leadership or not is not what is in question. Regardless of the circumstances that led us to where we are this day, we’re all McHughs. Now we’re told that we belong to the Montgomery clan and that a Montgomery laird will assume leadership of us. What does that make us? Are we still McHughs, or are we forced to be Montgomerys?”
Several others joined in, taking up the question until a raucous furor swept through the courtyard. Again Bowen held up his hands, and this time Brodie stepped forward with a roar that silenced everyone on the spot.
“Thanks,” Bowen said dryly as the big man took a step back, a fierce, intimidating scowl on his face.
Having Brodie Armstrong here with him might not be a bad thing at all. The man could intimidate even the fiercest warrior