The Betrayal - By Ruth Langan Page 0,51
The wee son of Russell MacCallum was missing for a day and feared kidnapped. Again it was suggested that our people were lacking a strong laird, but before action could be taken on the matter, it was discovered that the wee lad had been saved from drowning by the quick thinking of John MacCallum, who took the lad to his own home and fed and warmed him before returning him to his grateful parents.”
Culver looked around, pleased at the smiles creasing the faces of his kinsmen. Satisfied with his report, Culver turned to Giles, who walked over to stand beside him.
In a loud, clear voice Giles announced, “Last evening we learned of the noble gesture by our laird that resulted in a pledge of loyalty from the leader of the clan Kerr. That only confirmed our faith in the man we chose to be laird. After a vote of all its members, this day the Council has once again affirmed its pledge of love and loyalty to our laird, Grant MacCallum.”
At that, Dougal removed his sword from his scabbard and presented it to his brother before kneeling at his feet to proclaim, “To you, my brother and laird, I pledge my heart and my sword.”
Grant looked both astonished and pleased before touching the sword to Dougal’s shoulder.
“Arise, my brother. Your devotion to me has touched me deeply.”
His words brought a mist of tears to Kylia’s eyes, for she knew that, throughout Culver’s long narrative, her worst fears had surfaced. How much greater it must have been for Grant.
Dougal was followed by Finlay, then by Giles, and finally by Culver, who knelt and swore their loyalty before being touched by their laird.
Afterward, every man in the room followed suit, walking to the laird’s table, kneeling and swearing an oath of loyalty before stepping aside, until Grant was completely surrounded by his loyal warriors.
Kylia stared into the eyes of each man, hoping to spot one among them who might prove to be lying. But when all had gathered around their laird, she was no closer to the truth than before. Not a single man revealed himself to be the traitor.
She glanced at Hazlet, who had been quiet throughout the meal. The older woman seemed distracted, as though completely disinterested in this display of loyalty to her nephew. When she became aware that Kylia was watching, her agitation grew and she pushed away from the table before slipping away.
Her departure left Kylia deeply troubled.
“You’re sure you saw no traitor among my men, my love?” Grant and Kylia lay in her pallet, watching as dark clouds scudded across the moon outside her balcony window.
“I searched their eyes. I saw nothing that spoke of betrayal.”
“Could they hide such a thing from you?”
Kylia smiled and touched a finger to his mouth. Such a warm, firm mouth. It brought her so much pleasure. “Were you able to hide your feelings of love from me, my lord?”
That had him chuckling. “And I foolishly believed my thoughts were secret.”
“So they are. Though you can’t hide them from me—” she laughed “—I share them with no one else.”
“Vixen.” He drew her close and kissed her.
She leaned up, her hand on his chest. “Your heart should feel much lighter now that your men have pledged their love and loyalty to you.”
“Aye.” He leaned back, loving the feel of her fingers moving over him. “But I can’t forget that someone close to me betrayed me before our last battle. I didn’t imagine that, Kylia.”
Her hand stilled, for the same thought haunted her. “I know.”
He spoke as though to himself. “The MacCallum land is vast. Our people are scattered over hills and valleys. Many of my most trusted warriors have already returned to their homes to see to their flocks and crops. If I must, I’ll have you accompany me as I visit every cottage and farm, until you’ve looked into the eyes of every last one.”
“If that is what you wish, my love.” Though in truth, she knew of one right here in the castle whose eyes she had never seen. She hated to harbor such doubts about the very woman Grant considered a mother. But Hazlet’s veil was the perfect foil for barring anyone seeing into her soul. Still Kylia was reluctant to make mention of her suspicions until she could confirm or deny them.
Grant nodded. “Let me think on it.” He drew her down. “But for now, let me love you, my lady.”
Her humorous words were muffled against his mouth.