The Scot's Pursuit - Keira Montclair Page 0,63
and the dungeon?”
“I’ll think on it. But you saw most of what you need to know. I only trust two people there fully. Jep, the stablemaster, and one housemaid, Fia.”
“Have faith. As soon as we get Kyla out, we can head back to MacLintock Castle. Grant land can wait. There are enough of us to arrange a small celebration for you.”
She couldn’t help but sigh. “’Struth is I’m happy just to be married to Alick. We don’t need a celebration. Time together is all we need, and I know ’twill come. I just hope we can get in and out safely.”
“You don’t have to go. I think I can find my way.”
“I know. But if anything happens, I’ll be able to find a different path more easily than you could. And Jep won’t follow you. If we wish for his assistance, you’ll have to take me.”
Dyna sat on a nearby log. “I hate waiting. I’m ready to leave now, but I know ’twill be easier to sneak in after dark. Tell me again about the back curtain wall, please?”
Branwen described it to the best of her ability, going over the doorways and what they’d have to be watchful of behind the keep. “The kitchens are often busy late at night. It depends on how late the guards are out. They’re in a separate building behind the keep.”
“I remember. ’Twas quiet when I found you. We’ll hope for the same.”
Alick made his way over and enveloped her in his arms, and she leaned against him, taking in his scent of horse and leather and Alick. Letting his warmth seep into her skin. “You and Dyna have a plan?”
Dyna nodded. “We’re fine.”
The look on his face was a testament to how badly he wanted to go with them, but he merely squeezed Branwen, offering his support.
An hour later, they made their way toward Thane Castle. They hadn’t traveled far when two riders caught them. It was Cailean and Sorcha, and they headed straight to Alex Grant.
Branwen whispered, “I thought they were going with your uncle.”
“They were, but perhaps they were sent as messengers. Let’s listen to see what they say.”
Cailean said to Alex, “Jamie sent us. He intercepted a messenger. They wish to make a trade.”
“Where?” Alex asked.
“Two hours from here near Lorn, first light on the morrow.” He gave Alex more specific instructions, but the great man held his hand up.
“If all goes well, we’ll have Kyla by then. Will you stay? We’re making our way to the castle. ’Tis nearly dark, and we could use another archer. And if she’s not there, we’ll need to follow you to that spot.”
Cailean nodded. “’Twould be my pleasure, Laird Grant.”
Alex gestured for the rest of the group gathered around. Alex said, “’Tis time for us to separate. Dyna and Branwen will meet with the stablemaster and sneak into the keep. Alick, Finlay, Cailean, and Sorcha, you are to bring two guards with you and travel with them to the outskirts of the castle. Your job is to await their return, help with Kyla, and observe everything that happens within the keep.”
Branwen squeezed Alick’s hand. “I’m glad you are coming part way,” she whispered.
Alex said, “Alick and Finlay, if they do not return within an hour, you are to let us know or send Cailean and Sorcha back to me. Els and Joya, I’ll ask you to wait with me. Everyone understand their job?”
All nodded to Alex, who said, “Go and Godspeed.”
They left, and as they got closer to the castle, Branwen felt her throat thicken. She wished to cry or run away. Anything but go back to her uncle’s castle. Although Alick had insisted it wasn’t possible, she still feared her sire would take her away from him. They rode in silence, seeing the castle torches in the distance within half the hour.
“Is this the main path?” Finlay asked Branwen.
“Nay, there’s another one much more traveled straight off the gates.” She pointed in the direction she meant. “Verra few go this way.”
Finlay pointed to a thick bunch of trees a ways from the path, a small clearing next to it. They rode over to it and dismounted, and Dyna said, “Leave the horses here.” She looped the reins of her horse over a branch.
They all followed suit, and Branwen turned to Alick, fighting tears. “I hope we return with your mama soon.”
Alick gave her a quick kiss, then turned to his sire. “I want to go with them.”
“Nay, as much as it pains