Highland Brawn (The Band of Cousins Book 8)

by Keira Montclair

  His sire said, “She means you’re stubborn, son.”

  Connor grinned. He always took it as a compliment when someone thought he was like his father.

  “What can we do to help?” his mother asked.

  “And what exactly is this woman to you?” his sire asked him again, expecting a different answer because they were alone. He knew the way his father’s mind worked.

  He could only be honest. “I’m not exactly sure. But I do need to tell you something more about her, something I didn’t know until she informed me a few moments ago. She has a daughter.”

  “Is she married?”

  “Nay, her mother and sire were killed, and the bastards who did it stole her away. Much like Braden’s wife, she was abused and found herself with child. Mama, we have to get her daughter away from them. The bastard who did this to her,” he motioned to Sela’s skin, “set the spiders on both her and her wee daughter.”

  His mother gasped, her mouth falling open in shock. “How old is the bairn?” His mother considered herself a protector of bairns, so he wasn’t surprised the news had upset her.

  Perhaps he shouldn’t have spoken so openly.

  “Her name is Claray, and she is three summers old. We have to get her away from them, and Sela will not rest until we do. In fact, she’s insisted on going back as soon as she can travel because she won’t risk losing her daughter. I don’t doubt she’ll do exactly that, but I can’t allow her to return. ’Tis too risky. Do you not agree, Papa?”

  His sire tipped his head. “Mayhap. But if she returns, she could spy for us.” He nodded his head toward her sleeping form. “You say she’s Norse?”

  “Her sire was Scottish, her mother Norse. She’s clearly not ready to return now, but she’s hardier than you might think. She could be up and ready to go in a matter of hours.”

  Alex Grant shook his head. “Nay, she’ll need days to recuperate from what she was subjected to, I’m certain. Does she know anything about the next shipment?”

  Connor replied, “There are three shipments arriving. The first in two days, the other two the day after. I think she’ll attempt to return before the first one arrives.”

  Connor’s mother, her face like stone, shook her head. “Nay. She’ll be after her bairn in less than a day. Husband, we must talk privately.”

  Connor’s gaze shifted between his parents. He was not quite certain he knew the meaning of his mother’s obstinate statement, but he finally gave in to his own need to heal.

  He fell asleep with Sela in his arms.

  Chapter Nine

  “Please, Alex,” Maddie said, quietly so as not to awaken their son. “This cannot wait.”

  Alex took her hand and led her out of the healing chamber. They passed through the great hall on their way back to the chamber they’d been using since their arrival. Logan tried to stop them, but Alex shook his head. “After I speak with my wife.”

  Logan nodded and stepped back, indicating his issue could indeed wait.

  Once they were inside their chamber, Alex turned on his heel to look at her.

  Maddie’s belly churned inside, so much that she was powerless to ignore it. Everything told her she needed to take action, so she would. “Alex, you must take me to Berwick and bring that bairn to me.”

  Alex just quirked his brow at her, considering what she’d said. She wasn’t sure how she would convince him, but she knew she must, because if he didn’t escort her back to steal that child away, she’d have to go on her own. Sela wasn’t well enough to make the journey, and Maddie wouldn’t be able to relax until she knew that bairn was out of the clutches of those awful men.

  She would get her way on this.

  Apparently, her face had moved a wee bit, betraying her thoughts.

  “Maddie, I know that look. You wish to save that child, and we will, but the lass is surrounded by over a hundred English warriors. We cannot just walk in and demand they turn her over to us.”

  “Alex, we must protect the children.”

  “I understand your noble cause, but there are larger forces at work.”

  “The bastards subjected a bairn of three summers to torture. Those are the kind of memories that will stay with a child for decades. And who’s caring for her while her mother is here healing? Is she being tortured even now?”

  “You’re not wrong, Maddie, but I must consider the operation as a whole. This is our chance to stop these men once and for all. We must do this for Scotland.”

  “I may operate on a much smaller scale than you,” she said, meeting his gaze, “but it does not make my endeavor less important.”

  “What is this endeavor?”

  “I must protect the bairns of our country. You consider everyone else, but I have purpose, too, and ’tis no less important.”

  “You would risk all to save this one child?”

  “Aye, I would. The others will not be there for two to three days. We can save this child before that.”

  He stared at her, then ran his finger down her jawline. “This is important to you?”

  “Every day she goes without safety and comfort is another day of torture for her. I cannot bear to think of her in such a situation. I was subjected to a similar situation, and I was much older. I cannot think how a lass of three summers would endure it.”

  He kissed her lips. She pressed herself closer to him but did not fall under his usual spell. This was too important to her. “Alex, I would prefer for you to help me, but if you cannot, I’ll find another way.”

  Still cupping her face, he said, “All of Scotland places demands on me, but you have asked so little of me over the years.”

  Her voice cracked when she said, “Because I trust you, Alex.”

  “Then trust me when I say I will save both Claray and Sela when we go to battle with the English.”

  Her voice came out in the barest of whispers. “Nay. Claray must be saved on the morrow. Your men will be here by then to assist you. Those bastards don’t need a wee bairn around to finish their deeds. Get her out. We’ll fight them later.”

  “If I take three hundred of the warriors I’ve readied for this mission, I’ll be telling the fools that we’ll be attacking with that many in the future. I don’t wish to reveal our strategy.”

  Maddie considered his point for a moment. Her husband was keen at coming up with the best tactics for battle, but she could not relent. “Perhaps you’ll not need three hundred. A smaller number could handle the task. I see no reason to take all your warriors.”

  He reached back and massaged her neck. “You hide why you want this, but I know. ’Tis because our youngest son is asking you. You sense it, too. There’s something between him and Sela. There is a possibility this wee bairn could become our granddaughter. Is that not part of your reasoning?”

  Her heart could take no more, and so she fell against him sobbing. “Alex, we must stop those evil men.”

  “For you, anything,” Alex said. He gave her a tender kiss, then mopped her tears away. “This might work. They’ll not want to risk fighting us just yet. They cannot afford to lose men. I’ll discuss the matter with Logan and our sons, but I think we can agree on a plan. If we decided to move forward, you will come with me on the morrow. Wee Claray will need more consoling than I can give.”

  She smiled at her dear husband, then leaned in for a kiss, though it was one of those times when he may not notice her. Sometimes her husband was so busy strategizing against a villain that he became engulfed in his own world.

  Her lips met his, and he kissed her briefly, as absentminded as she’d expected.

  This time, she’d allow it.

  ***

  The next time Sela awoke, she was alone in bed. Thoughts of Connor holding her while she fell asleep warmed her. She couldn’t remember when she’d last felt precious to someone besides Claray. Pushing herself up on her elbows, she groaned at the pain and the itching, but it had definitely improved.

  A sound told her that she was not al
one after all. Glancing up, she noticed the woman seated across from her. Though her hair was as light as Connor’s was dark, she could only be his mother. The striking beauty sat as though there were an arrow behind her straightening her back, and she wore a deep blue gown so striking that it appeared to have been designed just for her. Her blue eyes were filled with warmth and compassion. Of course they were. She was in awe of someone who would raise a son who was so fierce yet gentle.

  “Good morn to you, Sela. I am Connor’s mother. Once we finish our discussion, I’ll send a maid with food and she can also help you clean up. May I have a few moments of your time?”

  Sela didn’t know how to react. Was she about to be lectured? Told to stay far away from her son? Accused of being a whore since she was an unmarried mother?

  Out of respect for Connor, she nodded.

  “My name is Madeline, but please call me Maddie. Connor has informed his father and me of the torture you were subjected to, and for this, you have my utmost sympathy. We were also told that your daughter of three summers was subjected to the same horrid treatment. Is this true?”

  “Aye, my lady,” Sela said, her eyes downcast.

  “You need not refer to me as ‘my lady.’ I am no longer the mistress of the clan, but I do consider myself to be the mistress of the bairns. That your poor daughter was subjected to such treatment has upset me terribly. I have taken on the mission of retrieving her from the men who ran your life.”

  “But they’ll not listen to you. They’re cruel, evil monsters.”

  Raw fury filled Madeline Grant’s kind eyes. “I will get that child away from them. You can count on it. My husband has nearly a thousand warriors at his disposal, and we have five other allies who will give us at least a hundred each. I think we can handle whatever men your monsters have hired to fight for them. They will go to battle, and the Scots will triumph, but before that happens, I will get your daughter away. Do not doubt my word.”

  Connor’s mother spoke with such a passion that she could only admire her. She had no doubt that she meant what she said. Thinking about all the numbers she had offered, Sela became hopeful. Perhaps Connor and his family did have the might to crush out the Channel once and for all. If so, she could only help them.

  “Many thanks to you, mistress. I fear Claray may not leave with you, so it will be best if I go with you.”

  “You are welcome, but I will warn you of two things.”

  Sela had never seen such a powerful woman, yet one who no one would suspect of such strength. Awe encompassed her. How would this woman feel about her son holding or kissing Sela? She suspected she knew the answer to that question. She was an unmarried woman with a young daughter.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” Madeline said, her eyes warm again, “so allow me to tell you this before I give you my warnings. I judge people by what’s in their heart and not their circumstances. You were forced into your life of servitude, and I understand how such a thing can happen. If my son chooses you, I will support him. But this brings me back to my two warnings for you.”

  “And they are?” She swallowed, a gulp much larger than she’d intended, but she couldn’t help herself.

  “First of all, please don’t hurt my son. If he loves you, I hope you return his love, but if not, do not tease him with empty promises.”

  Sela nodded. “Agreed. I don’t know what will happen after all of this, but I respect your son.”

  Her heart was in turmoil, but Connor had awakened something inside her. She could not think past the task that lay before her, yet she knew she wished to know him better.

  “Second, I know you want to go to your daughter as soon as we get near Berwick Castle. You may feel driven to act without thinking, but I give you my word that I will do what is best for your daughter and I will see this done.”

  “That doesn’t feel like a warning.”

  “’Tis not a warning...but this is. When we are in the position to gain your daughter back, do not get in my way.”

  Sela didn’t say a word, her mouth agape and her eyes fixed on this wonderful, fearsome woman.

  Chapter Ten

  Connor glanced over the group that was forming outside the Ramsay stables. His cousins, Braden, Roddy, Gavin, and Gregor, stood not far away from him, close enough for him to hear their conversation. Gavin’s wife, Merewen, had wished to join them, but her sister, Linet, had convinced her to stay on Ramsay land. Both of them had been through enough of late.

  Thorn raced up to Connor and said, “Godspeed with you, my lord.” Then he leaned in close and whisper-shouted, “Kill those slimy bastards.” It had been decided that Thorn and Nari were to stay back until the second group moved, but only the promise of unending fruit tarts and special training with Torrian had convinced them.

  “And you are to make sure the women are protected, lad,” Connor said.

  “On my honor as a Highlander, my lord,” he said quite seriously before running back to the keep.

  Braden grinned after him, then turned to the others. “I still don’t understand why we’re not attacking right away. Kill the bastards now and we’ll save the lasses and lads when their boats arrive in Berwick.”

  “I agree with Uncle Logan,” Gregor said. “If we kill all involved, no one knows what will happen to those boats. The lasses and lads could be deserted, left somewhere to die.”

  “We could search for them,” Gavin said. “But we know not how they’re arriving—by boat, cart, or horseback? We’re lacking the basic information we need to be successful.”

  Roddy shook his head. “The risk is too great. “We cannot go all over Scotland searching for them.”

  Their cousins Daniel and David joined them. The Drummonds had arrived the previous eve to join the effort. “I overheard your conversation. ’Tis not just Scotland we would have to search, but all of England besides.”

  Connor joined the group. “You all have great ideas, but the reason we’re not attacking right away is quite simple.”

  “What?” David asked.

  “Because my mother insists that we go after Claray before the shipments arrive, and she thinks it would be safest to do so without a battle. Besides, we don’t yet know where the lads and lasses will be kept.”

  “And Sela? How does she feel about all of this?” Gregor asked.

  “She’s agreed. She’ll join my mother in case Claray refuses to go with her.”

  Daniel asked, “Why can’t Sela be the one to collect her daughter? One look at our warriors, and the bastards are sure to hand her over.”

  Connor cleared his throat, then said, “Because I don’t want her that close to those men. They left both of us to die, so they’ll not be expecting to see her. I fear that Hord will go after Sela. He has a sick obsession with her.”

  Connor had his back to the keep, but his cousins’ shocked expressions signaled he should turn around. He swiveled to face the keep and nearly fell on his face. His mother was walking toward them in leggings and a tunic, clothing usually worn by all the female archers in both clans.

  His mother strode down the hill toward the stables, almost all eyes on her. She’d never paid much attention to what others thought, and this was no different. Her purpose mattered more to her than aught else.

  Out of nowhere, Sela appeared at his side.

  “Where did you come from?” he asked, surprised she’d been able to sneak up on them.

  She smiled. “’Tis most easy to hide when your mother is commanding all the attention.”

  He grinned and said, “I like that.”

  “What? That your mother is coming?”

  “Nay, that you smiled, and it’s a real smile. I saw you smile in Inverness, but there was a tinge of nastiness behind it. I like this Sela better.”

  Some raw emotion glimmered in her eyes, but she averted her gaze.

  Roddy said, “Lass, you must be mighty strong. Given the way you looked when we found you, I didn’t think you would survive.”

  �
��I have someone who needs me,” she said simply.

  Daniel laughed. “Connor will be fine on his own after a bit.”

  Gavin snorted and said, “He’s not as needy as you think, Sela.”

  Connor said, “You all know she speaks of her daughter, and I’m sure that my mother will be carrying Claray back to you before you know it. Do not doubt that she will do as she promises. My father will make sure she gets her way, or he’ll take down half of England.”

  He saw the fleeting look of hope in Sela’s eyes. He held his hand out to her and she mounted the horse with his assistance. She’d yet to regain her full strength, so he was grateful she’d agreed to ride with him. And the thought of her leaning against him was much more pleasing than riding Midnight Moon alone.

  With the exception of Maggie and Will, all of the cousins were to be at the gates of Berwick Castle. The leaders of the Band of Cousins would meet them in Berwick after a quick stop in Edinburgh. They had a strong network of contacts there, and Maggie thought it might be worthwhile to glean what information they could before the final confrontation with the Channel men.

  Once they were among their enemies, Connor’s mother would be protected at all times, by a circle of people Alex trusted.

  Uncle Logan seemed to be enjoying himself quite a bit as he rode back and forth, giving instructions to the various groups, telling them which area of the fields they would occupy. He came over to the cousins at last, leading his horse between Connor and Gavin. “You will take the front, Connor? You and the Band? ’Tis truly your operation, not ours. We’re just here with the muscle.”

  “Aye, I’d be glad to be in front.”

  “And you’ll remember that our goal this day is not to fight, agreed?”

  Connor frowned. “I understand the focus of this mission. Why do you question me?”

  Uncle Logan snorted. “I’d think that would be obvious. Because you’re just like your sire, and you’re presently driven for vengeance for grievances against this lass and her daughter.” He nodded toward Sela. “I mean no offense, lass, but if he’s anything like his father, he’ll have them begging on their knees for doing you wrong.”