Highlander Most Wanted Page 0,18
he analyzed their needs as well as what duties needed to be performed.
Not many women had left. A few had gone with their husbands and children, perhaps to seek refuge with kin in other clans. But most had remained, and there would be no issue of having adequate cleaning, clothes washing, and cooking for the clan.
There were also enough younger men who hadn’t yet achieved warrior status within the clan to do the hunting and tend to the remaining livestock. Horses would be needed, because there weren’t enough mounts for working or traveling.
“ ’Tis obvious you have vast knowledge of the workings of the keep,” Bowen said to the two older men.
Peter McHugh puffed out his chest, his pride stoked by the compliment. Hiram nodded. “Aye, we do, Laird.”
It still took Bowen aback to be addressed as Laird. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it, though if he were truthful, it gave him great satisfaction.
“I need good men who know the workings of the keep. I need men who will be loyal to me while working for the good of the clan.”
Peter nodded solemnly. “You’ll find no more loyal men. Our concern is for the clan, not one man. Patrick McHugh turned his back on the clan. For that, he does not deserve our loyalty or our regard.”
Bowen exchanged looks with Brodie, who nodded his agreement to Bowen’s suggestion.
“Then the two of you will be in charge of your clan and you’ll act as my go-between with your kin. ’Tis important that they have a face they are familiar with and that they trust. They’ll not accept or embrace me straightaway. You’ll take my orders to your clan and you’ll ensure that those orders are carried out, as well as bear any concerns or problems that arise directly to me.”
Both men nodded.
“It will be our honor and pleasure, Laird,” Hiram said gravely.
“Laird! Laird!”
Bowen and Brodie swiveled with a frown as the feminine cry of distress reached them.
Taliesan was doing her best to hurry toward them, but she was hampered by her lame leg and nearly stumbled.
Bowen and Brodie both rushed forward, not wanting her to injure herself. It was obvious that she was highly agitated.
Brodie caught her by the arm just in time to prevent her from sprawling forward.
“You need to have a care,” Brodie said, a frown darkening his features.
Ignoring Brodie’s reprimand, Taliesan turned her pleading stare on Bowen.
“You must stop her, Laird. Please, she’s distraught. She has nowhere to go. I dare not imagine what fate will befall her out on her own.”
She wrung her hands, tears clouding her blue eyes.
Bowen held up his hand to stifle the endless babble of words.
“What do you speak of, Taliesan?” he asked. “Who are you talking about, and what has happened?”
“Genevieve,” Taliesan burst out.
Bowen’s lips formed a tight line, and then he sighed. “What has she done?”
“She’s left the keep. On foot. She has nothing. Nowhere to go. No one to care for her.”
Bowen blew out his breath in irritation. “I have no time for feminine tricks and manipulation.”
Taliesan’s eyes burned with sudden anger. “Think you that she’s doing this for attention? To tug at your heartstrings or to gain a boon? Sir, you don’t know Genevieve. You can’t hope to know all that she has suffered. She told no one of her plan. But I saw her as she was departing. There was no life in her eyes. No hope. Nothing but death and despair, and ’tis a sight I hope never to see again. There is nothing for her here and she well knows it, yet there is nothing for her outside this keep, either.”
“I think ’tis time we spoke frankly,” Bowen said in a grim voice. “I would know all there is to know of Genevieve’s situation before I take the time away from my duties to chase after a woman fool enough to strike out on foot on her own.”
Taliesan sent Bowen and Brodie an unhappy look, indecision clearly reflected in her eyes.
“Come and sit before you fall,” Brodie said, gently leading her toward the benches outside the bathhouse.
Bowen waited patiently as Brodie seated Taliesan, and then he stood before the younger lass and fixed her with a determined stare.
“You do not betray Genevieve by telling me her situation. I can’t help her if I don’t know the whole of it. My conversation with her has not painted her in a positive light. I would know if I’ve formed the wrong impression of her.”
Anger tightened Taliesan’s