Alex Grant stood outside the Cameron stables, waiting for his horse to be readied for him. Loki and his men had joined them along the way, and Kenzie provided an entertaining distraction as he raced from place to place across the grass, using his slinger at this or that—all energy.
Logan Ramsay came flying across the moor, headed straight for him.
“What is it?” Alex’s stomach lurched, fearing he would hear bad news. He reached for his wife, tugging her close in case they found out the worst.
“Naught to worry yourself over. Thought I would lead you to the group gathering outside Menzie land, not far from Buchan.”
Quade limped over to them, coming to a stop behind Alex. “Did you find our lads, Logan?”
“Aye, they were with Micheil. Molly and Tormod came back from Edinburgh. The king is not in residence. Not feeling well is what they heard. Still in mourning is my guess. He’s not been the same since he lost his family.
“We carry on. We have a sound plan for the archers, and Gavin and Gregor were able to give us a good idea of the layout of the trees around Buchan castle. We will await your war whoop, Alex.”
“Our warriors?” Quade pressed.
“Will be there within the hour—Torrian and Kyle are both leading them. We’ll get the bastards.”
The stable lads brought out Quade’s horse, then Alex’s, the offspring of his dear Midnight. Maddie moved over to the tall stallion and offered him an apple. Alex couldn’t help but smile as he listened to his wee wife whisper soft words to Black Lightning, appropriately named by Kyla. Maddie had always promised his horse sweet treats upon his safe return. While others thought it foolish, Alex did not question her methods. Mayhap there was something to it.
“We’ll be ready, Alex.” Jennie gave him a long hug, and Brenna did the same before she helped Quade mount. His sisters would stay behind with his wife. “Just remember, Kyla’s as strong as her parents.”
Everyone moved away except for Maddie, who returned to his side and took his hand. “I have three requests, Alex.”
“Go ahead.” His thumb caressed her cheek, his way of telling her how beautiful she remained after all these years. “I’ll honor what I can.”
Her blue eyes stared into his and she whispered, “Bring our daughter back. Be careful.”
She stared at the ground. He knew it to be her way of controlling her tears. He lifted her chin with his finger, this woman whom he cherished beyond belief, who had given him five of the most beautiful children in the world. He would do whatever she asked. “And the third thing, wife?” He bent down and kissed her.
When he ended the kiss, her blue eyes blazed.
“Kill those bastards.”
***
Chaos erupted around the courtyard. “The Menzies and Drummonds are headed our way.”
Simon de La Porte strode over to Finlay, who’d been practicing his sword skills with the Buchan men. “I’ll take that sword. You’re to stay inside the great hall. If we want you, we’ll send someone for you. No weapons.”
Finlay nodded and then handed the hilt of the sword to one of the guards and headed toward the keep. He slowed his steps to listen for as long as he could.
Finally, someone said something useful. “Buchan, take your men and head out,” de La Porte shouted. “Find your location so you can attack the Grant the way we planned. I’ll take care of everything from here.”
Another guard rushed up to them. “Ramsays are on their way. Two hundred warriors, at least.”
Glenn raced to his horse, and Simon barked orders at his men, sending them in different directions. He arranged the archers where he wanted them along the front wall.
Having heard all he needed to, Finlay hurried into the keep. As soon as he stepped inside the door, he met Gillie. “Is everything set?”
“Aye. Behind the grove of ash trees.”
“I’ll get Kyla. Follow me when you can.”
“Aye, my lord.”
Taking two steps at a time, he raced up the stairs and down the passageway to Buchan’s chamber. He burst inside, found Kyla asleep on the bed, and scooped her up into his arms. She pushed against him until she realized who held her, then wrapped her arms tight around his neck. “Finlay, ‘tis you.”
Finlay covered her mouth with his hand and said, “Shush, I’m taking you away from here.”
The pain in her eyes nearly destroyed him. He vowed he’d fight anyone who dared to come near her again.
“Finlay, why did you say you would help them?”
“I had no choice, but know that I love you. I’m taking you away.” He kissed her lips, a soft kiss to tell her he meant every word. “Did you not feel me caress your wrist? Have you forgotten my words so quickly?” He rolled his eyes at her. “If so, I’ll hesitate to ever give you soft promises again.”
She giggled. “I did. Naught could mean more to me than your caresses. ‘Twas just that Davina heard you’d turned against my sire. I didn’t believe it, but I couldn’t rest until I heard the truth from you.”
“I would never forsake your sire. Forgive me, I’ll explain more later. We must go now. I vow I’ll not let you down again.”
He rushed back out the door, down to the end of the passageway, and then into Davina’s tower. “I’ll not leave you alone,” he said as he stumbled along. “I love you.” But his promise fell on sleeping ears. She’d lost consciousness. Soon, they were standing in front of the door they’d come through what felt like years ago.
“You can trust me, lass. Rest all you need.” He paused in front of the door, bending down to pick up a sword left there by Gillie and sheathed it.
He crept out the door. Just as he’d expected, there was no one behind the keep. He found a rope Gillie had left for him and lifted Kyla up over his shoulder so he could climb. Gillie met up with him and said, “Hurry, my lord.”
“Hold the rope still for me, Gillie.”
When he reached the top, he said, “Come along.” Gillie scrambled up the rope and jumped down the other side. Once at the bottom, he said, “I can catch her.”
“Nay, I’ve got her. Go fetch the horses.”
The lad took off and Finlay slid down the rope, his arm wrapped tightly around Kyla. “I know you cannot hear me, but I’m never letting you go again.”
Gillie arrived with the horses and they headed out, galloping as fast as the horses would carry them as soon as they emerged from the dense forest. Two hours later, Gillie led them off the path, pointing toward a burn. “This way, my lord.”
Gillie led him through the forest until they came upon a waterfall. Once they dismounted, Finlay sent him off again. “Please look for any warriors, then report back. According to the Buchan guards, the Ramsay and Grant warriors are close. The Menzies and Drummonds are also on their way, but likely further out. Red plaids, blue plaids, anything.”
“Will there be enough to overtake the Buchan, Finlay?”
“Aye, do not worry, lad. When you see the Grants and Ramsays fight, there’ll be no doubt in your mind.”
“Do they fight as good as you?”
He chuckled, “Some better. Now off with you.”
Gillie spurred his horse back in the direction they came.
Finlay glanced at Kyla, but she still hadn’t moved. He carried her behind the waterfall and found a boulder to settle on. He cradled her and let his tears fall. “Kyla, wake up.” His hand cupped her cheek. “Please, love. I’m so sorry I had to do what I did, but ‘twas my mother’s words. I knew it was the only way we could be free. I promise to find your sire. Wake up. For me, please?”
Her eyes fluttered opened, but then immediately closed again.
“That’s my love. Open your eyes for me. You’re so much stronger than they are. I’ll return you to your mama and papa, I promise.” He ran his finger down her jawline and across the lips he loved to taste.
“Finlay?” She grasped his arm. “Where are we?” Her gaze caught his. “Are those tears? What’s wrong?”
He buried his face in her hair. “I feared I lost you. Tell me you’ll fight. I love you, lass.” He did his best to smile for her, his hands cupping her face as much as her dared.
“I love you, Finlay.” Tears misted her eyes. “I thought we’d never be free. Are we far enough away?”
“Aye, do not worry. Gillie has gone off to fetch your sire or one of your uncles.”
“What happened at the castle? I know ‘twas a ruse, but why did you do it?”
“The only way,” he choked out again. “I knew not how else to get out of the cell they had locked me in. The healer…she’s a seer, too. She told me Mama was sending me a message to listen to my uncle’s plan. He suggested that if I went along with Buchan, they’d free me from my cell.”
“Oh, Finlay.” She kissed his tears away. “Your mama knew. I’ll heal. Do not worry.”
“I made them promise not to hurt you again,” he could feel the tears still burning his eyes, but forced them back. “But when de La Porte touched you, I lost all control. I want you to be mine forever.” He breathed in her scent, kissing her cheek, her neck, and her nose. He finally took her lips with his, being as gentle as he could. He pulled back. “Am I hurting you?”
She shook her head and tugged him back for another kiss. “Thank you for protecting me. ‘Twas horrid to be so close to him.”
“Shhh…He’ll not touch you ever again. He’ll pay. I promise.”
The sound of hoofbeats vibrated across the ground, slowing as they grew louder. He prayed it was Gillie or any Grant. “My lord, my lord,” Gillie cried out. “They’re here! I saw the line of warriors. ‘Tis more than I could ever count. The red, the blue. Plaids everywhere and horses riding and some men marching. I saw the Grant at the front with the banners.”
Finlay set his hand on the lad’s shoulder. “Slow down, lad. Here’s what I need you to do. You’re to go straight to Alexander Grant and tell him we’re here, and that Inga and Uncle Geordie helped me.”
Kyla reached inside her gown and pulled something out. “Give him this. He’ll know ‘tis mine.”
“Then what shall I do?” The lad stepped back and hopped from one foot to the other.
“Bring Alex Grant here.”
“Here?”
“Aye, Kyla is his daughter. He’ll want to see her, lad.”
Kyla’s eyes fluttered shut.
Gillie nodded and mounted his horse, but Finlay called him back. “If you locate her sire, tell him she’s…” He pointed to her bruises and cuts. “Not the same.”
Gillie nodded. “Understood.”
After Gillie departed, Kyla opened her eyes for a moment, then settled her head back against Finlay’s chest. “I don’t feel well. I must sleep now.”
She fell asleep a moment later, and her breathing slowed.
He prayed she only needed rest.
***
Alex Grant rode with a heavy heart. Not at his peak, he worried he’d fail his daughter and his wife, yet he pushed himself onward. His side ached after being on horseback for so long, but it was nothing he couldn’t handle. But how long could he swing his sword? He’d been practicing privately so as not to worry Maddie, but his strength had been slow to return. He was no longer the best swordsman in the Highlands, and mayhap that title would never be his again. Still, Alex had chosen his usual war garb, his leine and his red and black Grant plaid. While some warriors fought in muted plaids, he wished for his enemy to remember him well.
Despite his lingering ailments, he was confident in their plan. Logan had his archers all ready, and he knew his old friend would do his job well. Numbers were in their favor as well. Aedan had offered to send men with them, but Alex had advised him to keep all his warriors at home to protect Lochluin Abbey and his land. It comforted him to know that Maddie and his sisters were safe.
Then something miraculous happened. Alex led his warriors over the last hill on their way off Cameron land, only to see a sea of warriors waiting below him—there were blue Ramsay plaids, Menzie plaids, and he was quite sure he could see a slew of Drummond plaids, too. There were horses everywhere and banners waving in the wind. This stood for everything his clan had built over the years, all the friendships they had nurtured. He glanced at his brothers to his right, both clearly feeling the same pride that swelled in his chest.
Together, they would get Kyla back and end Clan Buchan’s reign of terror.
Once in the valley, he held his hand up to halt his guards behind him so he could move forward to speak with the group of leaders who awaited him—Torrian, whose sire had already joined his side; Micheil; and Drew Menzie. “Any news of Kyla or Finlay?”
Micheil shook his head. “We’ll get them back, Alex. ‘Tis time for us to put an end to this treachery.”
Alex was about to speak when a noise interrupted him. He turned his head to see two of his warriors, one of them Finlay’s brother, escorting a young lad he didn’t recognize toward him. Though he looked small on his horse, he held his head high.
Fergus held onto the reins of the lad’s horse. “My laird, our pardon, but the lad says he can take you to Kyla.”
“Fergus, ‘tis probably a trap,” Alex rumbled. “Let him go.” He’d had enough of Simon de La Porte’s games.
“Your pardon, my laird,” Fergus said. “I think you should hear what the lad has to say.”
Alex glanced to his brothers and his sons. He knew Fergus was upset about Finlay’s situation. Could he really be objective? Connor, Loki, and Brodie all nodded at him, so he decided to listen. Besides, there was something about the boy that called to him. “Speak up, lad. Your name first.”
“My name is Gillie, and Finlay sent me here because I was assigned as Kyla’s protector.”
His words came out in a rush so fast that Alex could hardly understand him.
“My real name is Gilleasp, but everyone calls me Gillie, Finlay promised me that if I helped him he would bring me to Grant land to live because I don’t want to live with the Buchan anymore but I helped Finlay with the horses and we got Kyla out and he has her behind the waterfall and I’m to bring you to them and then he offered to take me with him to Grant land.” He let his breath out and stared up at Alex. “Are you truly Alexander Grant, the one who fought at the Battle of Largs?”
“I am, lad. Now tell me why I should believe you. How do I know Buchan did not send you to lead me into a trap?”
Gillie whispered, “Och, I almost forgot. Finlay said to tell you Inga and Uncle Geordie both helped him,” the lad paused. “And he said to give you this. Kyla said you would know them.”
Fergus took something out of the lad’s hand and handed it over to him. Alex opened his palm and stared at the necklace of pearls, the same ones he’d placed around his wife’s neck before they married. Maddie had told him she had given them to Kyla.