The Scot's Pursuit - Keira Montclair Page 0,80

shouted, “Tell me, Grandmama. You’re here. I can feel you. Where is my mother? Lead me to her.”

Fear gripped him for a moment—fear that he was wrong, that he should have stayed behind, that he was a mama’s lad like his cousins had always accused him of being. But then he felt something, a pull down a path he’d never traveled down before, and he followed it. For a time, he saw nothing, heard nothing, but just as he was beginning to doubt again, he heard a woman’s scream as he raced through an area of the forest not far from a ravine.

Could it be her?

He stopped his horse and headed in the direction of the voice, finally catching sight of a man. He’d dismounted and was headed toward a cliff.

“Stop where you are,” Alick shouted.

The man spun around, dragging the woman in front of him for protection.

“Mama?” he called out. Her deep blue eyes locked on his with a fury that told him to kill the bastard who held her. Her gown was rumpled, her hair messy, but she looked as strong as he’d ever seen her. “Do not worry. I’ll get you away from him.”

My thanks, Grandmama. He knew in his heart his grandmother had led him to her.

Arnald Denton smiled at him. “Nay, you’ll not. I will make my demands now.”

“Why are you here, Denton? She was to be in Lorn. Did Edward order you to move her away from the group?” Alick asked, surprised to see him acting alone.

“Nay, they don’t need her. I need her. You’ll do as I ask, or your mother dies.” He held a dagger to his mother’s throat.

A horse came up behind him, and he turned slightly to see Dyna. “I knew it.” He didn’t want his cousin to get hurt, but he could use her help. The man in front of him was daft, and he didn’t know how this would play out. Dyna stayed on her horse and readied her bow.

“Where’s my daughter?” Denton demanded, his gaze flicking to Dyna before dismissing her. “She’s the trade I want. My daughter and a big bag of coin.”

“You’ll never see her again.”

“I won’t do her any harm. Thane’s the one who did me wrong. He didn’t even want to kidnap your mother until he found out how much King Edward would pay for Alexander Grant’s head on a pike. Now, suddenly he’s changed his mind again. Says we’ll pay for taking her. He didn’t send as many men as he promised he would, and he’s threatening to throw me out. He cannot do that. He’ll see how powerful I am. But first I need my daughter. I want to make amends. Nothing more. The coin will allow me to bring her across the waters. A wealthy man wishes to marry her. One she’ll like.”

Alick said drily, “That won’t happen because you’re talking about my wife. She likes me just fine.”

“Nay, my daughter told me all about your ‘wedding.’ We both know it didn’t happen.”

Dyna snorted behind him. “Please. Allow me the pleasure, cousin.” She had her arrow aimed at the man’s groin.

“You’re wrong. I’m just trying to do what’s best for her. I’ll buy her whatever clothes she wishes to have. The man I’ve chosen this time is a fine man.”

“Don’t believe anything he says, Alick,” his mother said. “He’s a liar.”

Another voice rose up behind him.

“Aye, that he is.”

Alick whirled around, shocked to see his wife standing not far from him.

She stood off to the side in her tunic and leggings, her bow aimed and ready, looking gloriously beautiful.

And determined.

***

Branwen nocked her arrow in her bow, making sure her quiver was exactly where she wanted it in case she needed more.

The way Alick looked at her made her feel proud and strong and ready to fight, but he paled and said, “Stand down, Branwen. You don’t know what he’ll do.”

“Forgive me, Alick, but I must do what my conscience tells me to do.” She stepped one foot in front of the other, moving slowly toward her father. “Let her go, Denton.”

He laughed. “You think you have the courage to shoot me? You’re naught but a timid, frightened, fearful wee lassie. Keep walking toward me, and when you’re close enough, I’ll trade you for Kyla Grant. Once we leave here together, I’ll take you to your new husband. And it’s not Osbert Ware. There’s a man we’ll meet at the firth who promises to love you and take you far away…”

“Lies.