Claimed

by Tarah Scott

  Talbot brought his men to a halt.

  “Who goes there?” called a man.

  Talbot recognized the voice of the captain, Sir Ronald. “It is I, Sir Talbot.”

  Ronald urged his horse forward. He drew near and squinted at Talbot. “You did not leave through the front gate, St. Claire.” The man’s voice dripped with accusation. “Who are these men?”

  “My men,” Talbot replied. “Go back to England, Ronald. Tell Edward I know of his plot.”

  “Plot? What plot?”

  The man’s surprise sounded genuine. Talbot could easily believe Edward hadn’t chosen his captain as his assassin. If Talbot refused to return to England, Ronald would try to force him, while the assassin waited for an opportunity to kill him. That doubled Edward’s chances of making sure Talbot left Scotland.

  “Return to England,” Talbot said.

  “I cannot leave without you.”

  Talbot glanced at his warrior holding the torch and nodded. The man lifted the torch high above his head. Three companies of men emerged from the trees beyond the field, from the shadows beyond the camp. They seemed to bleed from the darkness.

  Shouts went up in the camp.

  “You had better stop them,” Talbot said. “You do not stand a chance against my army.”

  Sir Ronald stared at him for an instant, then called, “Evan, return to camp. No man is to draw a sword.”

  Evan turned his horse. The beast lunged forward, then broke into a gallop.

  “How many?” Ronald demanded.

  “Sixteen hundred,” Talbot replied.

  “You could be lying.”

  “I am not. When the sun rises you will see.”

  “Why not kill us?” Ronald asked.

  “If you do not leave at dawn, I will.”

  * * *

  “It had to have been St. Claire.” For the dozenth time, Rhoslyn stalked to the window in her solar, despite knowing she could see little of the men camped beyond the wall.

  After the two groups of riders met and talked, the English returned to their camp, and the riders followed, then camped beside them.

  “Why is he staying out there?” she said.

  “You did not think the English army would leave because he asked nicely?” Taresa said.

  Rhoslyn looked at her. “Ye think they mean to fight?”

  “No. I think they mean to wait until the light of day to be sure they are outnumbered. It will not be easy for them to tell King Edward they did not raise a single sword. They will have to be certain they are vastly outnumbered.”

  Rhoslyn glanced at the window. “But ye do think they will leave quietly?”

  “Everything is quiet, Rhoslyn. Have faith in Talbot. He does not want to fight his countrymen. He is giving them every opportunity to leave peaceably.”

  “That does no’ mean they will.”

  “Come, sit with me.” Taresa patted the bench beside her. “You do not want to overexcite yourself.”

  Truth be told, Rhoslyn was tired. But she couldn’t think of sleeping.

  “Come,” Lady Taresa urged. “Talbot will not be pleased if he returns to find you overwrought.”

  Rhoslyn did as she asked and sat beside her.

  “It is kind of you to come to me,” Rhoslyn said.

  “You are my family. I would not be anywhere else.” She smiled. “Family is what matters, yes?”

  “Aye,” Rhoslyn agreed. “There is nothing more important.”

  “Tell me,” Taresa said, “have you and Talbot decided upon a name for the baby?”

  Rhoslyn shook her head. “St. Claire has said nothing.”

  Taresa snorted. “Men. Never mind. Have you a name in mind?”

  “We could name him after his father.”

  “Talbot is a fine name,” Taresa agreed.

  “My grandfather’s name is Hugo. My father was named Henry.”

  Taresa’s brow rose. “You are certain it is a boy? What if you have a girl?”

  “I do no’ know. St. Claire seems to want a son.”

  “All men want sons. But they love daughters, as well. An older sister will keep her brother in line.”

  Rhoslyn laughed. “No’ if she is like me. I was always in trouble.”

  “Not you,” Taresa said in a teasing tone.

  “Aye.” She recounted the tale of how she had left Banmore Castle in search of her puppy. The animal had gone missing and Rhoslyn was sure he’d gotten lost outside the castle.

  The evening wore on, and Rhoslyn at last was forced to give into Lady Taresa’s insistence that she sleep. Her eyes grew heavy, and despite her best efforts to continue watch through the solar window, she knew it was best for the baby if she rested.

  “If ye hear anything, you will wake me?” Rhoslyn asked of Taresa, once she’d agreed to retire.

  “I promise,” the older woman said. “But let us hope it is Talbot who wakens you in the morning, and not me.”

  “Ye dinna’ have to go.” The words were out of her mouth before she could catch herself and she dropped her gaze.

  “This bed is certainly large enough for two,” Taresa said. “Would you mind very much if I stayed with you?”

  Rhoslyn lifted her eyes. “I would be very pleased for you to stay with me.”

  Taresa leaned close and said, “It will teach Talbot a lesson if he decides to visit you in the middle of the night. He will think twice about leaving you alone, yes?”

  Rhoslyn laughed and hugged the woman.

  * * *

  “You look as if you need sleep,” Talbot said to Seward.

  The old baron didn’t look up from campfire he stared at. “Ye worry about yourself, St. Claire. I am well enough.”

  Morning light nipped at the edges of the east horizon. None of them had slept. Some men lay sleeping, some talking in low tones, but Talbot listened to noises from the English camp. The sounds suggested men rousing and tending their horses. Unless Sir Ronald intended to attack, his men were preparing to leave. Talbot wasn’t a religious man—Rhoslyn was religious enough for the two of them—but if he thought praying would speed Edward’s army on their way, he would have passed the night on his knees.

  Talbot glanced at the castle. From here, he couldn’t see Rhoslyn’s room or the chapel. He hoped she’d had sense enough not to spend the night in the chapel. If Lady Taresa directed any of her determination upon Rhoslyn, she might, at some point, have gotten his wife to go to bed.

  “If they leave, it isna’ the end,” Seward said.

  “Nay,” Talbot agreed.

  “It seems ye have taken a stand against your king, after all,” Lochland said. He lay on the ground on the other side of the fire. “I wonder why.”

  That does not mean I betrayed him,” Talbot said.

  “Despite the fact he betrayed you?” Lochland said.

  Talbot looked sharply at him. It was an obvious guess, but caught him off guard nonetheless.

  “Do ye consider it a betrayal to protect yourself?” Lochland asked.

  “Nay,” he said, but the knowledge didn’t stop the sting.

  “Good.”

  Seward remained silent, but Talbot knew the man still seethed. Edward’s desire to grab power by forfeiting a loyal knight’s life confirmed his worst beliefs about the English king.

  “It has been a long night,” Lochland said.

  “You and your men are welcome in Castle Glenbarr once Sir Ronald and his men leave.”

  The earl grunted. “‘Tis the least ye can do.”

  They fell silent as the sun lifted slowly and dawn finally made an appearance.

  Lochland broke the silence. “We have company.” He stared at something beyond Talbot.

  Talbot twisted and looked over his shoulder to see Sir Ronald approaching with one of his men. Talbot rose and turned as they neared. Lochland and Seward stepped up alongside him.

  “We are preparing to leave,” Ronald said, when they reached Talbot. “You know what Edward will do when I return
without you.”

  “Would you prefer to fight now?” Talbot asked.

  “So you can slaughter my men?” he sneered. “Have you any message for Edward?”

  “As I told you last night, tell him I know of his plan.”

  Sir Ronald hesitated. “Think of what you do. This is treason.”

  “Is that what Edward told ye?” Seward interjected.

  “Quiet,” Talbot commanded.

  Ronald looked from the old man to Talbot. “I would speak with you alone.”

  “Ye can go to the devil,” Seward growled.

  “I must speak with you,” Ronald insisted of Talbot.

  “Dinna’ be a fool,” the baron said. “Ye know what a snake Edward is.”

  “Enough,” Talbot said. He nodded at Sir Ronald and started away from the two men.

  “Remember your duty to my granddaughter and great grandson,” Seward called after him.

  “Remember your vow to me,” Talbot replied. He hoped Seward kept his word and didn’t tell Lochland or anyone else about Edward’s plan to kill him.

  They walked until they left the larger clusters of men behind. Up ahead, Ronald’s army prepared to leave, though, to Talbot’s frustration, they seemed in no hurry. Some were saddled and mounted while others still saddled their horses. Others still sat in groups talking.

  “You are Sir Talbot St. Claire,” Ronald said. “You have been Edward’s favorite from the beginning. What have these Scots done to turn you against him?”

  “Return and deliver my message,” Talbot said.

  “Return with me, I beg you. Whatever has happened, Edward will forgive.”

  “Edward will forgive?” Talbot shot back. “You know nothing of what Edward has to forgive.”

  Ronald stepped closer. “He is our king Your king.”

  “Aye,” Talbot said. Just as Talbot was his knight. But that hadn’t stopped the pontiff from trying to kill him—all so he could seize Talbot’s newfound power. “Have your men ready to leave within the quarter hour.” Talbot started to turn, then stopped and added, “Tell Edward this. I will be sending him my brother’s head.”

  Shock shone on the knight’s face, then his gaze shifted past him. Talbot glanced over his shoulder. Seward and Lochland approached.

  “I beg you not to listen to them,” Sir Ronald said in a low voice. “They have poisoned you.”

  “It is not them who poisoned me,” Talbot said in a growl, “but the faithless king you say I serve.”

  “Faithless? You speak treason.”

  Seward and Lochland reached them.

  “Your wet nurses have come to lead you home,” Ronald said. “I suppose I should not be surprised that you are allowing me and my army to leave instead of fighting. You have turned craven, St. Claire.”

  “This one doesna’ know good fortune when it stares him in the face,” Lochland said. “If ye have an itch to fight, my men will oblige.”

  “While Sir Talbot stands aside and watches,” Ronald sneered. “You are not afraid we will attack when you return to Castle Glenbarr? I was certain you would ride with us clear to Edinburgh just to be sure we left. Or is there an army hidden somewhere along the way to ambush us? Or is it that the Scottish whore has bewitched you into betraying your king?”

  “Is this how English knights speak of a man’s wife?” Lochland demanded.

  “Nay,” Talbot said. Then he thought of Dayton.

  Dayton was a master strategist—a strategist who would have a secondary plan. When he saw the army Talbot was able to amass, he would realized that Talbot had no intention of leaving with Edward’s army. And he would have set into motion his secondary plan.

  Talbot took two steps and stopped inches from Ronald, “Tell me where my brother is and I will let you return to England unharmed.”

  Surprise flashed across the knight’s face.

  Seward swore. “By God, the whoreson has hatched a plot.”

  “Tell me now,” Talbot demanded. “What Dayton has planned is not in accordance with our law. He intends to kill me then take my wife and child.”

  “I obey my king, not you,” Ronald snapped.

  “Take him,” Talbot ordered Lochland. “Then surround his men. Kill any who lifts a sword.”

  Lochland stepped up to Sir Ronald. “Raise the alarm and I will slaughter every last man with you.”

  Talbot whirled and strode back toward his camp. Seward fell in alongside him. Neither man spoke, but Talbot knew the old man was thinking the same thing he was: Rhoslyn.

  She was safe within Castle Glenbarr. She had sworn she wouldn’t set foot outside the castle. His men wouldn’t allow her to leave. No one had entered since he left yesterday.

  Excerpt Lady Taresa through the secret passageway.

  His heart began to pound. If anything was wrong, Ross would have sent word immediately.

  They reached the horses and Talbot leapt into the saddle. He dug his heels into his horse’s ribs and shot forward before Seward could mount. Seward caught up with Talbot as he veered around a group of men and headed toward the east tower.

  “Where are ye going?” Seward shouted once they’d left the camp behind.

  “The east tower,” Talbot replied.

  Minutes later, they reached the heavy brush that hid the secret passageway two hundred feet beyond the rear of the castle. Talbot jumped from his horse with Seward close behind. A shout went up at the wall as he plunged into the thick foliage. No torch burned within the passageway, so they were forced to slow. Talbot felt his way along the damp stone walls. When a glimmer of light came into view up ahead his blood chilled.

  They reached the door to find it ajar. The guard he had left lay on the ground. Talbot dropped to one knee and surveyed the bloody gash in his forehead. He felt for a pulse and found a strong heartbeat. Talbot rose, hurried forward, and was met at the stairs by Ross and half a dozen men.

  “Where is Lady Rhoslyn?” Talbot demanded.

  “In her chambers,” Ross replied. His gaze fixed on the man lying on the floor. “What happened?”

  “My brother,” Talbot said. “Damn him. See to the man.”

  Ross ordered two of his men to bring the wounded warrior upstairs, then followed Talbot. They reached Rhoslyn’s room and found it empty. Talbot looked in the solar and his room, but she wasn’t in either place.

  “Where might she be?” he demanded.

  “In the kitchen?” Ross replied. “Your grandmother stayed with her last night. I havena’ seen either of them this morning.”

  Talbot cursed. He knew he should have been more forceful when Lady Taresa insisted on coming to Castle Glenbarr.

  They checked the kitchen, but they weren’t there and the women hadn’t seen them.

  “Get Cullen,” Talbot ordered Ross. “He can track for me. He and I will ride ahead. Seward, gather five hundred men and follow.”

  “Ross can gather my men. I am going with ye.”

  “I dinna’ understand,” Ross said. “If a stranger entered the castle and went to Lady Rhoslyn’s room, someone would have noticed. Your brother could no’ have gotten inside the castle undetected.”

  “Aye,” Talbot agreed, “but he could have found someone willing to bring Rhoslyn to him.” And when that traitor found the women together, he took the two of them instead of killing Lady Taresa. What were the chances Dayton would consider that a good idea? Her death furthered his interests. That gave Dayton control of the title once he married Rhoslyn.

  “They canna’ have gotten far,” Seward said. “Do ye think your brother would chance returning to Stonehaven? You have a mighty big price on his head there.”

  Talbot had a big price on his head in all of Scotland. Dayton couldn’t hope to outrun Talbot while burdened with Rhoslyn, who was heavy with child. He wanted the baby almost more than he wanted Rhoslyn. Where would he go? Then Talbot knew.

  “Seward, you remember John Comyn’s cousin, Davey?”

  “Aye,” he replied, then understanding dawned
on his face. “Your brother doesna’ plan to leave Scotland.”

  “Why leave when I will be dead any day?”

  Seward nodded. “Then he will emerge from whatever rock he has hidden under—married to Rhoslyn.”

  A man entered through the postern door. Sir Derek. He crossed to the staircase where they stood.

  “What has happened?” Derek demanded. “Ye have surrounded the English army.”

  There was no avoiding the truth. “Lady Rhoslyn and Lady Taresa are missing.”

  “Missing? How is that possible?”

  “My brother must have taken them.”

  Derek stepped toward Talbot. The three men with Talbot surged toward Derek.

  “Hold,” he commanded, and they stopped.

  “Why did the kidnapper take Lady Taresa?” Derek demanded.

  “Maybe he found them together and preferred that to killing her,” Talbot said. “I do not know.”

  “She was under your protection,” Derek snarled.

  “You can aid in finding her or stay,” Talbot said. “Either way, I am going.”

  Derek stared for a long moment, then gave a curt nod.

  Minutes later, Talbot stood with Cullen, Seward, and Derek beside the secret passageway’s door.

  Cullen inspected the floor. “Two men,” he said. “Though only one ascended the stairs.”

  They went outside. A warrior waited with horses for Cullen and Derek.

  Cullen took only a moment to study the tracks. “Four horses. They rode north.”

  “Is Davey’s home north?” Talbot asked.

  “Nay,” Seward said. “But what do ye wager the tracks turn east toward his home?”

  Two riders. His brother and the traitor who let him in. Guilt rolled over Talbot. He sat in the camp on the other side of the castle while someone entered and kidnapped Rhoslyn and Lady Taresa.

  “I should have blocked the passageway before I left,” he muttered.

  “Why did ye no’?” Seward demanded.

  Talbot vaulted into the saddle. “Because I am a fool.”

  * * *

  To their surprise, the tracks turned west. When they reached Colliston Gorge, Talbot realized why the riders had gone that way. The tracks were lost amongst the rocky terrain and even Cullen couldn’t be certain which way they’d gone.