FORGING THE WAY
“It is good to see you.”
Broderick smiled wonderingly at his brother Duncan where they sat together in the turret room, afternoon-sunlight streaming in through the arch behind them.
“It is good to see you,” Duncan agreed. He ran a hand over his golden-brown hair. “I needed to bring the news.”
“Yes. You believe there's danger?”
Duncan blew out his cheeks in a sigh. “I can't truly say.”
“But the woodsmen saw something?”
Duncan sighed. “Yes. Just some scouts. Or who they thought were scouts. It might well have been a misunderstanding.”
Broderick leaned back against the wall, striving for calm. His brother had arrived that day, responding to the message Broderick had sent two days before. He had thought, then, that his future was clear-cut: a ride back home. A welcome feast. A simple life.
That was before these rumors of a vast army began. Duncan had accepted his invitation to Lochlann with the express purpose of discussing them. As yet, they had no proof of it – only the rumor of a few scouts having been seen in the woods. They had sent out scouts of their own, but so far two had returned. They said they saw traces of horsemen, but no major force. The other three, riding further afield, had not yet returned to the fortress. Duncan evidently believed his men that something was afoot, and Broderick was feeling convinced.
“And it's the MacAdams?” Broderick asked carefully.
Duncan sighed. He looked absolutely drained. “It makes sense.”
Broderick grunted assent. “I also think that.”
His brother turned to face him, a frown framing tawny eyes. “Is there another suspect?”
Broderick snorted. “I can't yet say.”
“Tell me.”
“My wife heard just recently that MacDowells were coming,” he ventured slowly.
“To our home?” Duncan's brow shot up. “But why? We're not enemies.”
“Exactly.” Broderick breathed out. “That's what I said.”
“There must be some mistake,” Duncan agreed. “I mean, I can see why Bradley called in aid. You made a right mess of them.”
Broderick snorted. “I suppose. And in so doing I unleashed this army.” He looked into his brother's eyes, his own troubled. “Not clever, eh?”
Duncan sighed. He squeezed his brother's arm gently. “It's not your fault.”
Broderick sighed. “Certainly, looks like it.”
“Only to you. The rest of us think it'd have happened anyway.”
Broderick closed his eyes. “I hope so, brother. For now, will you join me? This is what we must do...”
Broderick outlined his plan. It was a bold one, which involved assembling the Lochlann fyrd – the tenants and serfs owing fealty to the castle – and leading the whole force against the MacAdam stronghold. In the meanwhile, they would send a smaller force, under Blaine, around the back of the supposed approaching army. Duncan would lead an attach from Dunkeld itself. The idea was to surround the oncoming troops, cutting off their exits.
Duncan leaned back, fingers tapping his chin. “A fine plan, Broderick.”
Broderick felt himself grin. He looked awkwardly away, not wanting to show his brother how much that meant to him.
“Thanks.”
Duncan clasped his shoulder. “We should go down,” he observed slowly. “It's almost dinner time. And I would like to see your lovely wife, and her sister, too.”
Broderick looked at him, grinning. “Oh?”
Duncan blushed and shoved his brother playfully. “You know I'm interested.”
Broderick laughed. Together they stood. “Yes, I know them. And you're a fortunate man. The Lochlann sisters are exceptional.”
“They are,” Duncan agreed. “In beauty and in mind.”
Broderick nodded. “I've noticed.”
They both grinned.
“I wish you luck, little brother,” Broderick said, clapping his brother on the shoulder.
“So do I,” his brother agreed, then he sniffed. “But more than luck, I need a wash. I smell after the long ride.”
Broderick laughed, amused. “I didn't notice, brother.”
Duncan gave him a hooded smile. “That, brother, is because you're barbarous.”
Broderick roared. “So, I am barbarous. I cannot deny it.”
Duncan cuffed him on the shoulder. “The both of us.”
Broderick shoved him and together they stumbled down the stairs to the quarters set aside for visitors. When Duncan reached his room, they separated there – Duncan for a bath, Broderick to change his tunic.
“It's good to have Duncan here,” Broderick sighed. At least with his brother's presence at Lochlann, he would have a few days to plan the campaign, finalizing details, before his brother slipped back to the fortress to take action.
Broderick guessed they would be ready by the end of the week. Then they would march on their enemy and end matters.
As he headed up to his bedchamber, Broderick found himself hoping Amabel was in. He could not but recall that she would depart the castle the next day for her pilgrimage. At least, if they leave now, they will be back before I go on campaign.
The abbey she wished to visit was no more than a day's comfortable riding away, which meant they would be back in plenty of time for his departure.
And the sooner I leave, the sooner I return.
And the sooner he returned, then the sooner he and Amabel could start their life.
He shrugged off his tunic and changed it for a fresh one of unbleached wool, running a comb through his short, dark hair to settle it. He thought about Amabel at Dunkeld. There was so much to show her! They could ride in the woods, take meals in the solar, share his bed.
He sighed. Life was all set to be happy. All he needed to do was tie up the last loose ends.
Still smiling, he headed downstairs to dinner.
In the solar, the family gathered. Amabel was there, her cousin and their ward, Lord Brien and Lady Alina. Broderick took his place beside his wife, squeezing her hand.
“Where is Duncan?”
“Not here yet,” Amabel explained.
Broderick grinned, thinking his brother was taking an awfully long time to prepare.
He must really like Lady Alina.
Sure enough, he appeared a moment later, dressed in a tan-colored tunic and hose that suited him admirably, a long cloak falling from his wide shoulders. He bowed to lord Brien and took a place opposite Alina.
“I trust this place is empty?” His voice sounded tight.
“Yes,” she said, barely a whisper.
Amabel and Broderick grinned at each other.
As they watched their brother and sister conversing happily, they exchanged happy smiles.
I am glad that my brother has also found happiness.
He was so contented in his own life that he wished for everyone to find love.
Alina is a fine woman, he thought, watching her and noticing how the fire shimmered on her black locks. But I am so happy with my beloved. So very happy.
He leaned back, feeling deeply content as the conversation rose and fell around them, wishing with all his heart that he would never have to leave for this campaign.