Fraser 02 - Highland Quest (5 page)

Bryce took the piece and turned it over in his hand. The gems sparkled in the sunlight, reminding him of Fallon’s eyes.

Fallon. He cursed under his breath and tossed the comb onto the peddler’s cart. Why had she come into his life again? Now, of all times, when he needed to remain focused on the cause, needed his wits about him.

“I have no woman in my life.” Bryce tucked the wooden toy into his
sporran
, grasped the horse’s mane, and ascended into the saddle. “Where might I find The Skull and Bucket Inn?”

“The alehouse is a large stone building near the peer. You canna miss it.” The peddler pointed toward the waterfront then tipped his cap. “Good day, m’lord.”

“And to you, my good man.” Bryce pressed his heels into the horse’s flanks, urging him forward. As they rounded the corner, he spied the inn, just as the merchant described.

After entrusting his mount to an eager stable boy, and giving the lad a coin for feed and water, Bryce entered the establishment. He ducked his head before stepping through the low-hung doorframe, then narrowed his eyes in an attempt to acclimate to the dim light and haze of peat smoke. The stench of stale ale and roasting meat assaulted his nostrils as he scanned the premises, searching for his contact man.

In the corner by the rear exit sat a patron he recognized immediately. Bryce strode with purpose across the room, arriving at the table with his hand outstretched.

“Gordon, it’s good to see you.”

Gordon jumped to his feet and after they exchanged greetings, he ushered Bryce to the table. “What kept you? The missive that you would be joining the Bruce came well over a fortnight ago. When you dinna show up as planned, Alasdair feared the worst. He has accompanied me daily, but Robert had need of him today.”

“I had a run in with Dungal MacDougall at Loch Ryan.” Bryce pressed his hand to the wound on his chest. While on the mend, he still had not completely regained his strength.

“You were with Thomas and Alex when they landed? Where are they? Have they gone on to Carrick?” Gordon asked his questions in rapid succession then paused. “Are you ailing, man? You suddenly look pale.”

“I arrived too late and was unable to warn them of an ambush.” Bryce lowered his head and rubbed his forehead. The news of the massacre and execution of his brothers had obviously not yet reached Robert. “The MacDougalls were waiting for them when they arrived. They dinna stand a chance. Those that were not killed or left for dead were taken prisoner. Thomas and Alexander stood trial at Carlisle Castle and were hanged for treason.”

“How did you manage to escape in one piece?”

“Dungal thought me as good as dead or I’d not be here to bear witness. The last I heard, the MacDougalls were back in Scotland and plan to rejoin Aymer de Valance. I’d suggest we make haste and let Robert know. I’ve no doubt the spineless bastards are on their way as we speak.”

Gordon nodded and downed his ale in one gulp. He dragged his hand across his mouth and belched loudly. “Best we leave through the rear entrance.”

Chapter 5

“The Bruce has hidden his presence well. The entrance to his encampment is perilous at best.” Bryce shifted in the saddle and glanced around at steep rock cliffs, surrounded by dense forest and treacherous ravines.

“Aye. After the defeat at Methven and near annihilation of the Scottish army, the Bruce vowed he would never be caught off guard again. He abandoned many of the old ways of warfare in favor of the covert tactics used by William Wallace.” Gordon pointed to a path between two boulders. “From his vantage point, he can see the enemy coming from all directions.”

“It appears he has taken all the necessary precautions.” Bryce pressed his heels into the horse’s side.

“Halt!”

Both men reined in their horses and peered skyward when a deep voice echoed from a ledge above them.

“State your business or die where you are.”

“We’re here to see Robert the Bruce. He is expecting us,” Gordon shouted in response.

A tall warrior stepped out of the shadows. “Och, Gordon. I dinna recognize you, man. Go on ahead.”

Gordon nodded and nudged his mount forward. Bryce followed.

They traveled through a long, narrow passageway leading to a small clearing.

“Bryce! It’s high time you arrived.”

The familiar, deep rumble of Alasdair’s voice immediately caught Bryce’ attention. He dismounted, handed his horse over to a squire, then spun around to greet his eldest brother.

When together, they quarreled often, but as he lumbered toward him, Bryce realized just how much he’d missed their banter. But the sentiment changed when Alasdair entrapped him in his heavily muscled arms and hoisted him off the ground.

“Put me down. I canna breathe, you big ox.” Bryce gasped for air and stumbled when Alasdair released him, but quickly recovered his balance.

“I’m glad to see you, little brother.” Alasdair took a step back and frowned. “Mind, you do look thin and pale. What ails you?” His jovial tone shifted to one of concern.

“I’m fine. A wee bit tired from the journey is all.” Rather than explain about his encounter with the MacDougalls, Bryce decided to wait and do so when he met with Robert. The last thing he needed was his brother hovering over him like a mother hen.

“If what you claim is true, then tell me why you are so late in arriving. We were expecting you almost a fortnight ago. When you dinna arrive as planned, I was certain you met with foul play.”

“I’m sorry for any concern my delay has caused, but it could not be helped.

“Now there is a sight for sore eyes.”

Another familiar voice prompted Bryce to turn around. “Cameron! It is so good to see you.” He moved in the older man’s direction.

Cameron was Bryce’s cousin, Sir Simon Fraser’s, closest friend and the captain of the guard at Oliver Castle—the Fraser stronghold in the borderlands. He strode toward Bryce with his arm outstretched. “I’m relieved to see you, too. Alasdair has liked to have gone out of his mind with worry. I told him there was no reason to
fash
. You have always been a clever lad.” He thumped Bryce on the back and gave his forearm a shake.

Bryce returned the greeting. “How do you fare these days? I have not seen you since the English bastards executed Simon.” He lowered his head and crossed his chest.

“Aye. That was a dark day in Scottish history to be sure.” Cameron mimicked Bryce’s gesture of respect for his friend.

“I’m surprised to see you here. Where have you been keeping yourself?” Bryce asked.

“Once I heard you and your brothers made it safely back to Fraser Castle, I stayed on Oliver Castle with Simon’s wife and daughters. Mary returned from the priory to be with her mam. It has been bandied about the keep she is to marry soon. One of the suitors her father chose for the lass before his untimely death offered a fine price for her hand. From what I’m told, she is quite taken with him. Joan is expecting a wee one in the spring, but visits her mam when she can.”

The news that his cousin’s widow and daughters were safe and doing well came as a welcomed relief. He owed so much to Simon and his family’s welfare crossed his mind often. “What brings you here?” Bryce asked Cameron.

“When I heard the Bruce was returning to Scotland, I arranged to meet him at Turnberry.” He patted the sword at his side. “I may be getting a little long in the tooth, but can still outride and outfight a young pup like you.”

Bryce laughed. “I’m sure you can, my friend, and I dinna plan to challenge you and find out.”

“I was just asking Bryce what took him so long to arrive. As usual, he is giving me a runaround,” Alasdair interjected.

Cameron frowned. “Aye. I was wondering what kept you myself.”

Bryce shrugged. “Sometimes things arise you canna foresee. Do either of you know where I can find Robert? I need to speak to him.” Bryce preferred to change the subject.

“I’m here.” Robert the Bruce approached them with all the pride and authority befitting the King of Scotland. While he was leaner than Bryce remembered, he still presented a formidable image.

“Robert, it’s good to see you.” Bryce nodded out of respect then offered his hand.

“I’m glad you arrived unscathed. Come with me.” Robert motioned for Bryce and Alasdair to follow him. They entered a cave lit by tallow candles and the glow of a cook-fire set amidst a pile of stones. “What tidings do you bring?”

Bryce kicked at a rock and hesitated before answering. His gut twisted. He hated being the bearer of bad news, but Robert had a right to know the fate of his brothers.

“I wish I had better news to share.” Bryce cleared his throat and continued. “As you are aware, I was supposed to arrive in Turnberry a fortnight ago, but went to Loch Ryan instead.”

Robert’s posture stiffened. “Go on.”

“I had my suspicions that your brothers were in danger of an ambush, so went to warn them.” Bryce shifted his weight from one foot to the other as he searched for the right words. “I was too late.”

“My brothers?” Robert’s voice wavered.

“The MacDougalls lay in wait and showed no quarter. All were killed as they left the ship, except for your brothers. They were captured and taken to Carlisle Castle, tried, and executed for treason.” Bryce laid his hand on Robert’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “I’m sorry. They offered their lives so you could return to Scotland unimpeded, rebuild your forces, and drive de Valance out once and for all. Don’t let their sacrifice be in vain.”

Robert’s face blanched, but as if it were carved in stone, his expression never changed. “They knew the risk and died for something they believed in. How is it you escape unharmed?”

Bryce absently rubbed his injury before peeling off his tunic to reveal the blackened wound. “I didn’t. Everything was over by the time I arrived. But the blackguards had yet to leave. I confronted Dungal, but things dinna go as I intended. Instead of finding my revenge, I met with his sword instead.”

“And he let you live? That doesna sound like Dungal.”

“He made the mistake of leaving me for dead on the shore of the loch. I was certain he was right, but as luck would have it, several men from a nearby village came along and took me with them. The niece of one of these men is a healer. She sealed the wound with a hot blade and cared for me until I was strong enough to sit a horse.”

“You were fortunate.” Robert turned and began to warm his hand over the fire.

“You are a fool to endanger your life by coming here.” Alasdair grabbed Bryce by the upper arm and yanked him around to face him. “You should have sent word and returned to Fraser Castle.”

“I’m a grown man and dinna need to be coddled. Besides, I have more information to share with Robert, and am determined to do my part to see that MacDougall pays for his treacherous acts,” Bryce countered.

“There’s more?” Robert asked and raised a brow.

“Aye. I fear Aymer de Valance knows of your return and will try to stop you from reaching Carrick.”

Robert nodded. “He chased me halfway across Scotland after the battle of Methven, and even when I was on the Isle of Arran, but I managed to stay one step ahead of him. He has already challenged us once since our return to the mainland, but failed. I’m not surprised he has devised a plot to intervene.”

“Mayhap we should leave right away,” Alasdair suggested. “Get out of the area before de Valance arrives and put as much distance between us and the coast as possible. Once we are settled in Carrick, he’ll be hard-pressed to touch us.”

“We will leave in good time. I spent many months preparing my strategy and won’t let this turn of events sway my agenda.” Robert stroked his bearded chin and shook his head. “Nay, my brothers did not give their lives so I could turn tail and run. I am more determined now than ever to drive the English and their miscreants out of Scotland, but I still intend to stick to my original agenda. We leave two days hence. MacDougall will rue the day he chose to betray his countrymen.”

Robert stormed off, but before he exited the cave, he stopped, then glanced over his shoulder. “Rest, Bryce. Alasdair, have the cook fix him something to eat. He must be famished after his journey. We will talk again later.”

“Robert is right. You need to have something to eat and a good night’s sleep before you leave on the morrow.” Alasdair patted Bryce on the back before ushering him toward the entrance of the cave.

“Leave? What are you talking about? Robert said it would be a while before we move out.” Bryce refused to budge. He shook his head and raked his fingers through his hair. “I’m not going anywhere until Robert gives the word.”

“We will be moving deeper into Carrick in a few days, but you will be departing for Fraser Castle on the morrow. You’ve delivered your missives and need to go home to recuperate from your injury.”

“I have no intention of going anywhere,” Bryce replied adamantly. He knew this would happen when his brother found out he’d been injured. Ever since their father and oldest brother were killed, Alasdair had taken it upon himself to protect his remaining brothers. Sometimes he took that self-appointed responsibility to excess and this was obviously going to be one of those times.

Bryce squared his shoulders and met his brother’s stare. “I will accompany Robert and see justice served. You’ll not sway me on this.”

“I’ll not hear of it.” Alasdair slammed his balled fist against the stone wall of the cave, the blow causing his knuckles to crack and bleed.

“You’ll not tell me what to do,” Bryce countered. “I’m a grown man and dinna need my brother giving me orders. I’ve been through all of this with Connor and I—”

“Connor allowed you to come? What is wrong with the man? Is he daft?” Alasdair threw his hands into the air.

“Connor has no say in what I do, any more than you do. I am not going to discuss this any further. My wound is on the mend, and I plan to honor my oath to Robert.”

“Robert will understand,” Alasdair growled.

“He won’t have to since I’m not leaving. Besides which, if I was going to stay anywhere it would have been with . . .” He glanced away. He’d said too much.

“With who?” Alasdair’s eyebrows lifted and a slight smile curled his upper lip. “Nay . . . Wait, dinna tell me. You met a comely lass who caught your fancy and was willing to lift her skirt. I suppose you found it near to impossible to leave her bed. When will you learn women are nothing but trouble?”

“Fallon.”

“What’s that you say?” Alasdair asked.

“It was Fallon’s uncle who found me on the bank of the loch and she nursed me back to health.” Even he could hear the way his voice mellowed when he spoke her name.

“Bah! I dinna care who she was. I still say women are more problems than they’re worth. Look what happened to Connor. Once smitten, there was no turning back. I thought you had more sense. Mayhap I was wrong.”

“I am as dedicated to the cause as you, and I dinna have room for a woman in my life. Nothing happened between us. I left as soon as I was well enough to travel, but I am concerned about her safety and that of her uncle. Should the English discover she tended my wounds, it could put them in danger.”

“That may be, but you wouldn’t be the first man to have his head turned by a comely lass. Given your bonny face and carefree way with the lassies, I always thought you would be the first to fall in love or forced to take a wife, not Connor.” Alasdair patted his belly. “If you know what I mean?”

Anger churned in his gut as he tamped down the urge to strike out and silence his brother once and for all. He’d listened to quite enough. While Alasdair meant well, he had a tendency to interfere far too much in his private life.

“What does a buffoon like you know about love? Unless of course you are referring to your passion for a leg of mutton or a flagon of whiskey.”

“You seem to forget, I’ve seen you and Fallon together. I’ve also witnessed the way you look at her. It put me in mind of a lovesick hound. When we were at the Scott’s castle and again at Fraser Castle, you couldn’t keep your eyes off her. A man would have to be blind not to notice,” Alasdair countered.

Bryce shook his head and raised his hand in protest. “I refuse to continue this conversation. There is no telling how this confrontation with the English will unfold and I’ll not have Fallon pining for something that will never be. Once this is over, I intend to travel, and to make a name for myself. Mayhap I’ll journey to Europe and offer my sword for hire.”

“I’m glad to see that you’re thinking with your head and not your . . .” Alasdair glanced down at Bryce’s lap, laughed, then slapped him on the back. “Let’s go and see about some food. I’m starving.”

“When aren’t you hungry?” Bryce grumbled and shook his head. “From the time we were lads, I’ve never known you to miss a meal.”

“Once we’ve eaten, you can get some rest. It is a long journey to Fraser Castle.”

Bryce stared at Alasdair in disbelief. “You really dinna listen to what I said. After we eat, I’d like to meet with Robert again and discuss his plan of attack.”

Fallon leaned with her back pressed against the curtain wall, contemplating her next move. She’d spoken with Donald’s friends, but neither Angus nor Ian could offer a solution to the problem. Were they to stand up on Donald’s behalf, they’d implicate themselves and be arrested.