The Scot's Pursuit - Keira Montclair Page 0,20
like an angel.
His mother’s voice brought him back from his memories. Still, he had no idea why such a minor incident should have stayed with him, or why it had come back to haunt him again.
To him, she looked exactly the same now as she had that day on Ramsay land.
“What did you say, Mama?”
“Her mother. Do I know her?”
“Her uncle is the Earl of Thane…” Her gaze widened briefly, likely because the earl had not yet sided with King Robert. At least the man was a Scot. He decided to tell his mother the rest of what he knew about Branwen, then see what she had to say. “Her mother died two years ago, leaving Branwen with the two brothers. Roy is ten and Nab is five summers. She said her sire gives them the freedom to do as they wish, but she is restricted and has to watch over them often. I asked him if I could court Branwen and he refused me, stating she was betrothed. Branwen told me her betrothal was just announced and it is to Osbert Ware. Do you know him, Mama?”
His mother’s brow furrowed. “He has four daughters and a couple of sons, does he not? He’d be quite a bit older than Branwen.”
“Aye, ’tis the one. I found him trying to force a kiss on her in the garden. She said Osbert told her she had no choice since they were betrothed.”
His mother’s head shook so quickly in denial that he nearly jumped.
“Nay,” she said vehemently. “She has the right to refuse him, though I understand that Clan Grant believes differently than many others. But once they become husband and wife, he’ll do as he wishes.”
The door opened with a bang and they both started on the bed. It was his father, clearly with some important news or he wouldn’t be moving toward them with such haste.
“What news have you, Finlay? I can almost read it all over your face,” Mama said.
“All of the remaining visitors left just after dawn.” He caught Alick’s eye and grimaced. “Branwen did not look happy, but what was I to do? I could not force them to stay. A messenger arrived from MacLintock Castle just after they departed. Written by Alasdair and signed by your papa. It says they have received word that Edward has sent men to attack a few castles in the Lowlands. MacLintock is one of them. Alasdair wants two hundred warriors.”
“Again? Will Edward never stop harassing the Scots?” Mama asked.
Alick’s heart had stopped at both pieces of unwelcome news. “Branwen and Osbert are to be married in a fortnight. I don’t know if I can go to MacLintock Castle and return in so short a time.”
His father shot him a look. “Grandsire sent a separate missive for you. He also had one for Dyna.” He handed Alick a small piece of parchment, which he immediately opened, read, and then refolded.
“He wants Dyna and I both to come.”
“Why?” his father asked. “You may not be needed, and if you have your heart set on this lass, you should follow her.” The look that passed between his parents was one Alick had seen many times—his father was beseeching his mother to agree with him, but when it came to Grandsire, they didn’t always see eye to eye.
“I know why he and Dyna are wanted, and you should know also, Finlay,” Mama said, her lips pursed. “Think on it. Alasdair and Elshander are already there.”
Da groaned as if the answer to her question had just come to him. “The Highland Swords.”
Alick nodded his agreement. “I have to go or Grandpapa will be furious. He thinks our ability will make all the difference in the battle.”
“Go pack your things, Alick,” his mother said. “You must go to MacLintock Castle. You have a fortnight before you must worry about Branwen Denton.”
Alick stood so quickly, he nearly lost his balance.
The spectral swords were needed. He hoped Branwen would forgive him.
Chapter Seven
Branwen still reeled from the hasty exit she’d been forced to make from Grant Castle. A maid had come to rouse her, telling her that her sire had demanded she meet him at the stables in a quarter hour. Part of her had wished to rebel, to simply not go. But she knew how her father would retaliate if she tried it.
She’d looked for Alick, but there’d been no sign of him about the hall, in the courtyard, or in the stables. And so she’d made her way