The Scot's Quest - Keira Montclair Page 0,64
them, and the sight brought tears to her eyes. She didn’t swipe her tears away this time, instead allowing them to roll freely down her cheeks. She smiled and said, “Derric, on the left is Kenzie, next to him is Gillie, then you’ll see Thorn and Nari, who helped my mother and father escape some cruel bastards. And he”—she pointed to one of the four—“is married to my aunt Elizabeth.”
“You’re going to attack soon?” Derric asked.
“Aye, we will. Dyna, why are you the only Grant here? I hardly think your grandsire would approve. He was expecting to see the rest of your group.”
“Alasdair and Emmalin, Els and Joya, and Alick and Branwen will be along soon. They’ve been trailing us down the mountain. They’ll help for certes.”
“Any archers besides you?”
“Aye, Branwen and Emmalin.” Emmalin had worked hard to build her skills, Dyna helping to train her whenever she visited MacLintock land. Joya was best at distraction.
Loki let out a low whistle. “Alex has told me about the spectral swords. I hope we get to witness you at full strength. But wee John and Ailith are safe?”
“Aye, they are on MacLintock land. Tell us what to do.”
Loki stepped out of the trees to glance down the path. “We’ll follow shortly, but you archers can go ahead if you can find your place quietly. We’ll take them out from behind so they’ll know not what hit them. Alex said he’ll make his way to the front so as not to be close to the fighting. He suspected he’d be bound at this point.”
“Loki, I’m so glad to see you. We’ll get him back for sure.”
“Aye, we will. We’ll start without your cousins and hope they join us.”
“How many in the garrison?” Derric asked.
Loki spit on the ground in front of him. “This is a small group. There are around four score surly Englishmen by my count to our five and forty, but we can take them. Especially if your cousins join us.”
“Lead on,” Dyna said, mounting her horse.
Her intuition had brought her straight to Loki. The situation was finally tilting in their favor.
***
The time was nigh. Alex tugged on his bindings, hoping he could free himself once Loki’s group attacked, but the ropes were stronger than he’d anticipated.
He’d given Loki instructions on where he should attack, if possible. Just as he’d thought, Busby had brought him to the group of English cavalry. The group numbered around eighty, but Loki had at least two score. Everyone knew one Highlander could take out two to three Englishmen, so the numbers were good. He had complete confidence in Loki’s warriors.
He also suspected his granddaughter would come along soon with the spectral swords. They’d assist as necessary. Once this was done, word of the defeat would pass through all the Highlands and Lowlands. Everyone would know a small group of Highlanders had crushed a much larger force of English.
He hoped it would be enough to keep Edward’s son away until next summer.
Once he was free, he’d have the task of convincing the lass that Derric was meant for her. That he belonged with the spectral swords and would also make a fine addition to Clan Grant. Of course, he’d have to ensure Corbett had completed his quest, but if he’d spent this much time with Dyna, he must have seen her soft heart.
Unfortunately, the lass could be a wee bit stubborn. Somehow, he’d have to convince her Derric was the one for her.
***
Derric couldn’t believe they were about to attack the English given they had only about half as many warriors. His gaze followed Dyna as she and two other archers took off to find good perches. Loki had told them where and when they would make their attack, and the archers were getting in place so they could do the most damage from the air, leaving their horses for Loki’s men to manage.
The English bastards clearly had no idea there was a force behind them. They seemed to be too wrapped up in themselves—and their perceived victory—to listen for marauders. Based on their gestures and their raucous laughter, Derric suspected they were also taunting Alexander Grant for having been caught, but they wouldn’t have the last laugh.
Once the archers were in position—Dyna gave a bird call—Loki led the charge with the Grant war whoop, attacking from behind and both sides. Derric rode with them, his horse as close to Dyna’s location as he could get it. Arrows sluiced over his head, catching the daft Englishmen