Vida did awaken before dawn. Her ankle was not quite as tender as it had been the previous evening, but she took care to bind it firmly with strips of linen. Yesterday, Emma had found a walking stick in case she needed it in the night.

She slowly made her way down the stairs. When she entered the great hall, some servants were already moving about quietly, preparing for breakfast, while the men-at-arms, who normally bedded down in the hall, as well as most of their visitors, slept a bit longer. However, Sir Tomas was awake and standing near the hearth.

She walked toward him and he turned on hearing her approach.

Concern filled his eyes. “Lady Vida, ye must rest that ankle or risk injuring it further. My mother’s a healer. She’s always said tolerating a little inconvenience to allow a small injury to heal is far better than suffering the major inconvenience that results when ye don’t.”

“She’s probably right, but I couldn’t stay abed with visitors. Still, I can rest it sitting at the table. Will you join me?”

“Certainly, if it will get ye off yer feet.” He took her elbow, escorted her to the laird’s table, and helped her into a chair.

She asked, “Do you prefer wine or ale in the morning?”

“I don’t often have the luxury of wine and I prefer ale in the morning, but ye needn’t bother—”

“Don’t be silly. I’m having some myself.” She motioned to a serving girl. “Kenna, would ye bring us some ale and something with which to break our fast, please?”

“Aye, my lady.”

“Truly, it isn’t necessary,” said Sir Tomas.

“You won’t make me eat alone, will you?” Vida smiled at him.

“Nay, of course not.”

“Good, because I’m famished.”

Kenna returned quickly with two tankards of ale, bread, butter, cheese, ham, and small bowl of blackberry preserves.

“Help yourself, Sir Tomas.”

“After ye, my lady. I believe it was ye who said ye’re famished.”

She laughed. “That I did.” She buttered a slice of bread and, after laying a slice of ham on it, nibbled away.

He did likewise, but also cut a slice of cheese and ate.

“How long were ye at court, Sir Tomas?”

“Not long. Just a few days. We were delivering clan taxes to the crown.”

“Ah, that explains why there were so many of you.”

“Aye, it pays to take care when traveling with something of value.”

“Yes, I’m sure it does.” She remembered what he’d said to his horse about her being “precious cargo” and her cheeks warmed. “So, are you a Carr? I mean, were you raised in Clan Carr, or did you go there to train?”

“No, I trained elsewhere. With another Highland clan.”

“You are clearly very skilled.”

He frowned, looking a little uncomfortable. “I’m sorry ye had to witness that yesterday. He was kidnapping ye and I saw him strike ye as he pulled ye from the carriage.”

He reached out a hand and brushed her hair from her face before tipping her chin up and nudging it to one side. With a feather light touch, he caressed her cheek. Then, he pulled his hand away and clenched his teeth. His eyes burned with anger. “He hurt ye. Only a feckless coward strikes a woman. That can’t be allowed.” He dropped his hand to the table. “I did give him the chance to save himself and stand trial.”

She put a hand over his where it lay on the table. She had felt a connection to him when he touched her and she wasn’t ready for it to end. “I know you did. That was very noble of you. It was a bit of a shock to see a man die like that, but you’re right. I’m so very thankful you were there to save me.”

“Think nothing of it.”

“I can’t. The entire event has opened my eyes.”

“My lady, thieves abound. As long as ye’re well protected, you will be fine.”

“But that’s the point, isn’t it? We were not well protected. I thought we were, but my father’s men didn’t have the skills required. That worries me and not just for my own safety. Those men are among our best. Which means Cotharach, its village, and Clan Ruthven as a whole, are not well protected.” The weight of that statement hit her with force. “I’ve let them down. I’ve worked all of these years to see to the needs of my clan and yet, I ignored its protection.”

“All of these years? Ye’re but a lass. My sister is eighteen and you can be no older than she is. Besides, isn’t the management of the clan and ensuring the strength of its warriors yer father’s responsibility?”

She frowned. When had the clan became her full responsibility? She started helping with things as soon as she had any skills. Father James had already taught her to read before her mother died. The elderly priest died a few years later, but Father Michael took his place and continued with her lessons. As soon as she could do sums, Manus showed her how the accounts were kept. “My father runs a trade and shipping company. He was often away, taking care of that business. I learned to help out here. I guess the clan began turning to me for some things when I was twelve or so. Gradually, they have become my responsibility.”

“How could yer father put that on yer shoulders?”

“Oh, he didn’t ask me to. I just…well…after my mother died, I just grew into it. I love my people and seeing to the clan’s prosperity is an honor. But I realize I’ve failed them. And it’s not just because of yesterday. We’ve lost too much livestock in raids over the last year. Clearly, we’re perceived as weak, and I didn’t know that until yesterday. What’s more, I don’t know what to do. I’ve always left the training of the men to their leaders.”

~ * ~

Tomas could barely believe his ears. Ruthven wasn’t married when Katherine left with him as a child. If Ambrose had been married the next day, there could still be no more than a few months between Vida and Beitris. Not only did Vida seem to run the clan, she blamed herself for the poor skills of their warriors. She was so like his mother. Not in looks, although there was a family resemblance. Nay, she was like Katherine in the deep commitment she felt to her clan. The same clan Katherine had once loved, cared for, and considered her responsibility.

“Lass, the state of the clan’s garrison isn’t yer fault. The training of men is up to their leaders. But yer father is ultimately their leader.”

“Still…”

“Nay. Even if ye’re responsible for every other aspect of clan life, ye aren’t responsible for that. Yer unc…I mean yer da is the one to blame. If he wasn’t capable himself, he needed to ensure the clan had skilled men to instruct them. I’ve been trained by some of the best warriors in the Highlands.” He had nearly referred to Ambrose Ruthven as her uncle. It was hard to imagine that he fathered and raised the gentle, beautiful lass before him who felt such concern for her clan.

She smiled at him. “That’s obvious.”

Tomas glanced away, not wishing her to see how pleased he was by her compliment. It was only then that he noticed the other men were stirring. Vida must have noticed them too because she called for servants to set up trestle tables and bring food and ale.

He stood. “Pardon me, my lady, I’ve taken enough of yer time. I should gather my things. We’ll be leaving soon.”

“Of course, Sir Tomas, but ’tis I who must thank you for breaking your fast with me.”

Did he imagine the disappointment he saw in her eyes? He bowed. “Ye’re very welcome, my lady.”

As Tomas walked away, he didn’t know what to think. The Ambrose Ruthven who had entertained them last evening had been jovial and generous. Not remotely like the man Tomas remembered. Of course, Ambrose owed them a great deal. He saw more of the man he remembered in the discussion with Vida. Not the abusive tyrant, but the man who gave little thought to the clan and had left it in Katherine’s hands.

It angered Tomas to think Vida blamed herself for their unskilled men-at-arms. Ruthven had paid no more attention to his garrison nineteen years ago than he did now. This problem had been brewing since before she was born. Hell, it had probably been brewing since Katherine’s father died.

He knelt to roll up his blanket, then he attached the sword to his belt. Laird Carr had decided they would leave as soon as the sun was up. They’d make camp tonight. They should be able to reach Castle Carr easily the next day where they’d bid farewell to the Carrs. Brathanead, the MacLennan keep, was two days beyond that, and Duncurra wasn’t a full day’s ride from there. Under other circumstances, he might be tempted to stay a few days at Brathanead, but now he just wanted to go home and away from old unpleasant memories.

No sooner had the idea of putting bad memories behind him crossed his mind than his most unpleasant memory walked into the great hall.

“Good morning, Laird Carr. I trust you and your men slept well. Please join me at my table to break your fast.”

“Thank ye, Laird Ruthven. We won’t trouble ye much longer, though. We need to be on the road soon.”

“But you must eat first. Come, join me.” Ambrose walked toward the table, only just then noticing Vida. “Vida, my sweet, you shouldn’t be up. You need to rest your ankle.” He kissed her when he reached the table.

“I’m fine, Papa. It is wrapped snuggly and I used a walking stick. Which is exactly what I told Sir Tomas when he also chastised me. He was kind enough to help me to the table when I first came down. I won’t overdo today. I promise.”

Ambrose smiled broadly. “Sir Tomas helped you again. That’s quite a fine man you have there, Laird Carr. Quite a fine man indeed.”

Laird Carr gave a small nod. “As I said yesterday, I am glad we were able to be of some service.”

“Oh, you were, you were. In fact, I wanted to talk to you about that.”

“Certainly,” said Laird Carr as he joined Ruthven at the table.

“Yesterday’s events have forced me to face a rather unpleasant fact. The men in my garrison don’t have the skills they should. Not only was their ability to protect me and my daughter inadequate, I have been suffering more and more raids, which they are unable to stop.”

“I’m sorry for yer trouble, Laird Ruthven.”

“Thank you, Laird. But in realizing my failings, I must do something about it and I was hoping I could enlist your aid in that.”

Laird Carr’s brows drew together and he slowly shook his head. “I’m not certain I can be of much assistance. I must return to my clan.”

“I understand that, Laird, but I thought perhaps you could leave a few of your guardsmen here for a while—maybe six months? They could act as trainers and work with my men on improving their skills.”

Tomas could scarcely believe his ears. Ambrose Ruthven had nerve asking such a thing.

“I don’t know, Laird Ruthven. My men are needed at home.”

“But you have so many here with you. Surely, you could spare a few. Perhaps just three? I will make it worth your while—and theirs. I’ll pay you handsomely and enter into an alliance with you. I will never give you cause to regret improving the safety of my clan. I’ll never turn those skills against ye.”

Laird Carr’s frown deepened and he tapped his fingers on the table.

By all that was holy, he wasn’t considering this outrageous proposal.

Finally, Laird Carr said. “I’m sorry, Laird, I really don’t think we can do this.”

Vida had remained silent during this entire exchange, but at this, she made an appeal. “Please, Laird Carr, I know what we are asking is extraordinary. I know, too, we’ve brought this on ourselves by being less than diligent. But we don’t ask this for ourselves. Rather, it is on behalf of our people who are in danger and may perish without your assistance.”

Laird Carr sighed. “My lady, I appreciate yer candor and I do understand yer desire to protect yer people. Let me consider this for a bit and confer with my men, privately. They have families to consider as well.”

Ruthven nodded. “Of course, of course. I understand. Perhaps you’d like to use our chapel. You’ll have privacy there.”

“Thank ye, Laird. I’ll bring ye my final answer shortly.” He rose from the table. “Guardsmen, with me.” His son and Heck, the other of his guardsmen, rose and followed. Quinn, Kieran, Drew, Rowan, and Ethan went also. This was definitely a discussion Tomas didn’t want to have, but he too joined them.

Once they gained the privacy of the chapel, Laird Carr addressed them. “Men, I can honestly say I’ve never found myself in this kind of a predicament before. Ruthven has a history of being a cruel, self-absorbed tyrant. Lady Vida is absolutely correct. They brought this on themselves, or at least, her father did. He is, without a doubt, unfit to lead. But she’s also right in that it’s their people who will suffer most if the situation is not rectified. Sadly, although she didn’t say it, she may be most likely to bear the brunt of her father’s failure. A clan with an eye to expansion could easily lay siege and be victorious. In fact, it might be just such a clan who is perpetrating the raids—testing to see how far they can go before simply launching an all-out attack. It isn’t likely anyone will do such a thing coming into winter. They’ll let the clan suffer increasing small losses and then attack in the spring. When that happens, she will be at their mercy.”

He frowned and glanced away. Laird Carr had four daughters and numerous granddaughters. His concern for Lady Vida’s safety was evident. “So, we are faced with a painful choice. I obviously cannot stay. And we are expecting Edward’s betrothed and her family in November, so he cannot either. Rowan, Tomas, what do ye think Laird MacIan would wish to do?

Rowan shook his head. “I can’t say for sure. He has no love for Ambrose Ruthven, that’s a fact. But it’s not likely he’d be blind to Lady Vida’s plight. He might offer to take her to safety until Ruthven deals with this mess himself.”

Tomas agreed. “Aye, he’d be willing to do that. Lady Vida is my mother’s cousin.”

“For that matter, I could make the same offer,” said Laird Carr.

“But I think we all know,” said Quinn, “Ruthven’s problems will not be easily fixed even if he had the ability to do it himself—which he doesn’t. Besides, Lady Vida seems devoted to her clan. I doubt she’d willingly leave them as things are.”

“Aye, I can’t argue that either,” said Laird Carr. “That was a very impassioned statement she made, and frankly, the only reason I’m entertaining her father’s request.”

“For what it’s worth,” said Quinn, “Laird MacLennan wouldn’t require it, but if any of his men chose to remain for a short time, he’d allow it. Although, he wouldn’t want anyone staying alone. And as sympathetic as I am, I have a family who needs me and I cannot stay.”

Laird Carr nodded. “I agree, I’m unwilling to leave only a single warrior. If one of ye decide to remain here, I’d prefer at least three of ye do so. Heck’s wife is expecting in December, and Rowan has a family too. Both of them need to return to their homes.”

Quinn laughed. “Aye, that bold Fraser lass Rowan married would string him up by his cods if he doesn’t come walking through their door by the end of the week.”

Rowan grinned but didn’t disagree.

“That leaves the MacBains and Ethan. And, of course, ye, Tomas, but I certainly would understand it if ye didn’t wish to stay here.”

“I would be willing to. Lady Katherine would want it,” said Kieran, who had trained at Duncurra and knew her well. “My baby sister is to be married in November and I’d hate to miss that.”

“Ye’re right, about Lady Katherine. This was her clan,” said Ethan. “But ye shouldn’t miss yer sister’s wedding. I’ll stay if these other two can be talked into it.”

Drew nudged Tomas in the ribs. “What do ye say, Tomas? It’ll be fun. Like when we were in training, except we’ll be the ones in charge now.”

Tomas considered everything. As much as he wanted to turn his back and say no, what they’d said about his mother was absolutely true. She loved this clan every bit as much as she loved the MacIans. Hadn’t she shown her love for him, the very least of her clansmen, by wrapping her body around his and taking the lashes meant for him? What’s more, this was his clan too. The fact that Ambrose was at the head of it was no one’s fault but the late King David’s. Finally, Tomas said, “I’ll stay. But only for a short time. We’ll head for home when the weather breaks in February…if not sooner. By then, if the Ruthven men are not vastly improved, we’ll offer to escort Lady Vida to her cousin for her safety.”

Laird Carr nodded. “Agreed. And for what it’s worth, I know this decision was hard, but I think ye’ve made the right one.”

“I hope so, sir,” said Tomas.

“Just remember, the three of ye are here on yer own terms. If it simply isn’t working, if the men cannot be trained, or if the situation changes and siege is imminent, don’t remain a day longer. Ye don’t owe them anything, certainly not yer lives. Offer a safe home to Lady Vida and leave. If ye push, ye’re only a hard day’s ride from Castle Carr—a day and a half at the most.”

The three young men agreed.

“Also, whether ye tell Laird Ruthven who ye really are, is up to ye. I suspect it is better to remain silent, at least for the moment. I’ll see that yer lairds receive the gold he pays me for yer service. The agreement never to bear arms against my clan is probably only of real value to me, as my holding is nearest to Ruthven. He’s not likely to march into the Highlands after the MacIans or the MacLennans and he’d have to go through my territory to get there anyway.”

When they returned to the great hall, a hush fell.

Laird Carr addressed their host. “Laird Ruthven, after consulting with my guardsmen, I have decided to leave three men with ye: Ethan MacLeod, Drew MacBain, and Tomas MacHenry.

Had Tomas imagined Lady Vida’s small smile when Laird Carr said he’d be one of the men staying?