by B. J. Scott
“Who?” Alasdair cut in before Jayden could finish.
“Callum. He was bent on revenge and determined tae kill her for giving him away. If you ask me, he waited until you were gone afore making his move,” Jayden concluded.
“Callum? I thought the bastard was dead,” Alasdair snapped.
“So did we. My father’s men swore he fell tae his death, but they were sorely mistaken.”
“Saint’s teeth, how did he get intae Edina’s chamber unnoticed? Where were the guards? Where was Duncan?” Anger knotted Alasdair’s belly. He cursed. He should never have left until he saw Callum’s body for himself, until he knew for certain Edina was safe. But then again, she was to marry Sutherland and her welfare wasn’t really any of his affairs.
“Duncan had seen her tae her chamber after the morning meal, but there was no reason tae suspect what happened after he left her tae rest,” Jayden replied. “Callum was waiting for her tae return. When she entered the room, he attacked her. He told her he planned tae bed her, then kill her.”
“How did she manage tae get away?” Connor asked.
“She fought him off the best she could, but a slender lass like Edina dinna have the strength tae wrestle a man of Callum’s size and weight.” Jayden shook his head. “He got the better of her and threw her on the pallet, prepared tae take her innocence.”
“Yet she somehow survived his assault,” Bryce cut in.
“My sister is as gifted with a sword, bow, and dirk as any warrior. My father insisted upon it. When he tried tae take intimate liberties, she killed the bugger with his own dagger.”
“Did he succeed in violating her? Was she injured in the scuffle?” Alasdair’s heart rate kicked up another notch as he waited for answers.
“Nay, she plunged the blade intae his chest afore he had a chance tae bed her. Thank the Almighty.” Jayden paused and crossed himself. “After she stabbed him, she tried to escape, but she tripped and fell, striking her head on the floor. She received a nasty bump, but the feisty lass stood and grabbed his sword, prepared tae finish him off when he made another attempt tae kill her. But the Lord saw tae that for her. Or mayhap I should say the devil, as I am sure he went straight tae hell,” he concluded and spat on the floor. “May he rot there for all eternity.”
Alasdair blew out the breath he’d been holding and his shoulders slumped as relief washed over him. “Aye, may he rot in Hell.”
“She is married then?” Bryce asked.
“Nay. My father and Duncan agreed tae postpone the nuptials until Edina got over her latest ordeal. After falling from the ship, nearly drowning, and now this, both agreed to give her a bit of time to recover. I left as soon as I knew she was well and the marriage was not about to happen.” Jayden raised a brow. “There is still time for you tae go back and ask for her hand.”
Connor approached his older brother and cupped his shoulder. “What do you plan tae do, Alasdair? Will you go tae her?”
“Nay,” Alasdair replied adamantly. “She is going to be fine and Sutherland will take care of her. I have no intention of returning tae Sinclair Castle and dinna want to discuss this any further. We have a battle tae plan. Does anyone know where I can find Robert?” He quickly changed the topic of conversation.
“The last I saw him, he was in the lists, watching the men train,” Bryce answered. “We were heading there when Jayden arrived.”
Alasdair nodded. “Then let us not keep Robert waiting. We have the English on the run and I am sure he is anxious to keep the momentum moving.”
“From what I’ve heard, he has made great headway, taking possession of most of northern Scotland in a relatively short time. I wish I could have been there,” Connor added.
“Aye. After his return tae the mainland and the victory at Loudon Hill, he began the trek north tae settle the Highlands. We sailed up Loch Linnhe with a fleet of galleys, prepared tae confront those who supported Balliol and kin tae Red Comyn. We captured the lands held by allies of the English. That included the lands held by John Comyn, the 3rd Earl of Buchan. Red Comyn’s cousin. The campaign lasted through the winter, the final battle in May at Inveurie. He is now prepared tae continue with unfinished business, drive the English out of Scotland, then take the Scottish throne where he belongs,” Alasdair said and slammed his balled fist against his open palm.
“Are you sure his only purpose is tae rid Scotland of the English, or could he be trying tae settle an auld score?” Jayden asked. “Edward II is not nearly as concerned with keeping his army in Scotland as his father was. Once Longshanks died, his son turned his attentions internally and spends his time concentrating on English affairs. In time he will forget all about his da’s obsession with ruling Scotland, and Robert will take the throne unchallenged.”
Bryce lunged forward, anger flashing in his eyes. “Are you saying we should forget about all that has happened, years of tyranny, hardship, cruelty, and murder? Edward’s attentions might be diverted for a time, but the English will return. They always do. Robert means tae leave a strong message so that doesna happen.”
“Many still think the Bruce’s motives are not as pure and selfless as he leads us tae believe. Especially those who supported Red Comyn’s bid for the crown and believe he was murdered by the Bruce. The unrest between the clans started long before the war with English. I am not sure that is about tae change. A country divided by political differences is tough tae govern and an easy target for those who wish tae take over,” Jayden said.
“If you dinna believe in the cause, in Robert’s right tae the crown, why are you here?” Alasdair clenched his fists and straightened his spine. “The MacDougalls swear fealty tae the English crown and still control most of Argyll. Robert intends tae see that all of Scotland belongs tae those are who not under Saxon influence.” He spat on the ground and stepped forward.
“Calm yourself. I am only making an observation.” Jayden held his hands out to the sides, palms facing skyward.
“You werena with us at Methven and Dalry, Jayden. You dinna witness the carnage when the English bastards attacked before dawn and killed men as they slept. Thousands perished and the MacDougalls lay in wait, ready tae attack the survivors as we retreated to the mountains tae regroup. You dinna live for almost a year as a fugitive, dwelling in caves like animals on the Aisle of Arran,” Alasdair replied.
“I am not questioning Robert’s right tae seek revenge for the years of injustice and despair brought upon us by Longshanks. True, I was not there, but I lost many kin tae the war, including my brothers. I am fully aware of the need tae rid Scottish soil of the English or wouldna be here offering my support. I just want tae be sure I fight for the right reasons.” Jayden stood toe-to-toe with Alasdair and looked him in the eye.
Connor stepped between the two men and placed is hand on Alasdair’s chest. “You and Jayden have been friends since you were lads. You need tae respect each other’s opinions and work together on this. Jayden has his points and so do you, Alasdair. What’s important is that he supports our bid against the MacDougalls and is prepared tae fight. If the clans dinna unite, this civil unrest will never be over.”
Alasdair raked his fingers through his hair and bobbed his head. “My brother is wiser than his years.” He held his arm out to Jayden, who accepted the gesture by clasping his wrist.
“I wouldna be here if I dinna wish tae fight for the cause,” Jayden said as he hauled Alasdair into an embrace. “You are like my brother and always have been. I will stand by you in battle, or anywhere else you choose tae go.”
Alasdair coughed to clear his throat and broke free of Jayden’s hug. “I am ready to fight the MacDougalls. Who’s with me?” He turned and stormed out of the hall. Jayden, Connor, and Bryce followed.
Aug 1308, near Loch Awe in Argyll.
“Will we be confronting Alexander MacDougall, head of the MacDougalls of Lorne, by laying siege tae Dunstaffnage Castle?” Bryce asked.
“Nay. Although that is what they’ll be expecting
us tae do. Rumor has it their leader, Laird MacDougall, is too ill tae fight, but has sent John Bacach in his stead. My informants tell me his men have taken a position in the Pass of Brander, at a place where the River Awe slices past the southern slope of Ben Cruachan. There they lay in wait, planning tae ambush us from behind if we attack the MacDougall stronghold. Another informant told me that Bacach is observing from a galley on Loch Awe.”
“So they intend tae attack from the rear, trapping us between the castle and Bacach, similar tae the way they did at Dalry?” Alasdair stroked his chin and smiled. “But we are wise tae their trickery and willna be easy prey this time.”
“If they expect a repeat of Dalry they are in for a grand surprise.” Robert grinned. “We have learned much since that fateful day and are about tae turn the tables. They may have fooled us once, but never again. I have already sent John Douglas and his Highlanders tae a spot on the slope, behind the MacDougalls. We will confront them from below, but as they retaliate, Black Douglas will catch them from behind. Once we have destroyed their army, we will go forth tae Dunstaffnage.”
“If anyone can offer support it is John Douglas. He proved a valuable ally at Loudon Hill and after,” Alasdair added.
“Rally the men and I will brief them on our plan. The hour of battle is at hand. I can taste the victory.” Robert raised his sword in the air. “May the Almighty bless us and guide our weapons.”
Alasdair nodded, then trotted off to gather the men.
After a brief benediction, Robert divided his army into several groups. “Alasdair, you will lead the men on heavy horse. Connor, take charge of the spearmen, and Bryce, the archers. I will lead the men fighting with sword and targe on foot.”
Alasdair mounted Odin and swung his sword above his head. “Aye, Bruce!” he shouted, and when the roar of his men died down, he turned to his brother and Jayden. “Watch your backs, lads, and keep your head on a swivel. I’ll see you when we converge on the castle. “All my trust in God.” He called out the Fraser war cry, then pressed his heels to the horse’s flanks.
Being careful to remain out of sight, Alasdair and his men watched with anticipation as a selected group of fully armed Scottish soldiers marched into the valley, in order to draw the attention of their enemy. As Robert predicted the MacDougalls fell for the trap, attacking from behind. But this time the Scots were ready for them.
While the men on foot confronted the MacDougall army, Douglas attacked from the rear, trapping the enemy in the middle. Connor led his band of spearman into the fray as Bryce’s archers released a volley of arrows. Robert’s scheme worked exactly as planned.
Obviously confused by the turn of events, the MacDougalls broke ranks after a brief offensive, and retreated across the river, heading for the castle with Robert’s army on their tail.
With his adrenalin pumping and the smell of victory at hand, Alasdair rallied the horsemen, dug his heels into Odin’s flanks, and gave chase. But by the time they caught up with their fleeing quarry, the battle was all but over.
Bodies of their fallen enemy lay strewn across the moor. As they approached the unmanned curtain wall, Alasdair brought his mount to a halt and summoned two of him men. “Brian, I want you and Keith to remain behind. Care for any of our lads you find wounded and bring them tae the castle.”
“What about the dead and the MacDougalls’ wounded?” Brian asked.
“We have our own tae worry about. They can see tae theirs and we will bury our dead once we have secured the castle.” Accompanied by the remainder of his men, Alasdair fisted the reins and urged his horse forward, racing to the keep with a vengeance.
Entering the bailey with little resistance, Alasdair dismounted and began searching for his brothers. While his horsemen suffered very few casualties, he was not certain how those on foot fared. Relief washed over him when he saw Bryce and Connor walking toward him.
Connor raised his sword in the air and waved. “Guid tae see you, brother,” he called out.
Alasdair narrowed his eyes and frowned when he noticed a blossoming blood stain on the sleeve of Bryce’s tunic. His youngest brother was on his feet, but was also cradling his right arm, an arrow protruding from his shoulder. He raced to his side. “The bastards got you?”
“Aye, but I’ll be as good as new once someone gets this damned shaft out of my arm,” Bryce grumbled and ground his teeth.
“You were supposed tae duck,” Alasdair said and scooped his brother into his arms when he wavered on his feet. He carried Bryce across the courtyard to a stone bench and set him down. “Rest here and I will fetch a healer.”
Bryce grabbed his brother’s wrists, preventing his departure. “Nay. It is a flesh wound. There are men worse off than me. Just snap the damned thing in half and push it on through.”
Alasdair nodded, broke off the feathered end of the arrow, then turned to Connor and Jayden. “Hold him down while I do this. He has no idea how much it will hurt.”
“I’m not a bairn and I know exactly what it feels like. This isna the first time I have been wounded and won’t likely be the last. Just do it, Alasdair, and stop wasting time. A man could bleed tae death while waiting for you tae help,” Bryce groaned.
Despite Bryce’s protest, Connor and Jayden took their positions, one on either side, and grabbed Bryce’s arms, holding him steady. “Ready when you are,” Connor said and closed his eyes.
Alasdair grabbed the arrow by the shaft. Ignoring his brother’s bucking, cursing, and shouts of pain, he shoved the shaft through in one swift move. “The tip missed the bone by the look of things, but the wound will need tae be cleaned and dressed.”
“Seal it and make haste,” Bryce growled. I dinna want it tae fester.”
“Are you certain?” Jayden asked and swallowed hard.
“Aye, it is the best way tae tend tae a wound like this. I would do it myself, but that might prove difficult,” Bryce replied.
Alasdair recalled the day Bryce arrived at the Bruce’s camp, following the ambush on Loch Ryan, like it was yesterday. When, in fact, over a year had passed. His youngest brother had been injured in a scuffle with the MacDougalls and left for dead. Had Fallon’s uncle not found him, he would not have survived. He remembered the black, puckered wound on Bryce’s chest. “He is right. To seal a wound with a hot blade is the best way.”
“I’ll do it,” Connor said as he slid a dirk from his boot and stuck it into the flames of a nearby cook fire. “You and Jayden will have tae hold him steady.”
Once Bryce’s injury had been tended, Alasdair released his brother and stood. “If you dinna need me, Connor, I must find Robert. He went in search of the MacDougall. My guess is he plans tae give him the chance tae surrender and swear his fealty. Will you stay with Bryce?”
“I’ve had enough torture for one day,” Bryce said through clenched teeth. “I wish tae rest a wee bit and if my brother would be kind enough tae locate some whisky, I would be eternally grateful.” He peered up at Connor and forced a smile.
“You see tae Robert, Alasdair, and I will ferret out the spirits. Jayden, will you stay with Bryce?” Connor rose, then brushed the dirt and leaves from his trews.
“I dinna need a nursemaid,” Bryce grumbled.
“You will do as you’re told. Fallon wouldna forgive me or Connor if we dinna take care of you. Now, be a good laddie and rest.” Alasdair laughed, ruffled his youngest brother’s hair like he would a bairn, then trotted off.
Chapter 24
“Can we talk to you?” Connor asked as he, Jayden, and Bryce approached.
“Aye, Connor, what is on your mind?” Alasdair replied, but instead of looking at his brothers, he continued to wipe the blood from his sword. “You should be resting, Bryce.”
“I’m fine. I’ve been injured far worse in the past,” Bryce replied curtly.
“The battle is over and the MacDougall’s are finished. We have the English on the run so it willna be long afore Scotland has seen the last of them. The warriors who s
o valiantly defend her soil will soon be able tae go home tae their families.
“Aye.” Alasdair glanced up at his brother. “And your point is?”
“I wondered what your plans are. Will you be returning with us tae Fraser Castle? And if so, are you home tae stay?” Connor shifted his weight from one foot to the other as he awaited his brother’s response.
“Saint’s teeth, Connor, just ask the man and be done with it,” Bryce blurted out. “Are you still pining over Jayden’s sister and do you plan to marry her? You must be anxious tae get her between the sheets.”
Alasdair’s blood began to simmer, but he did his best to remain calm. After the rigors of battle, men were often excitable for hours, some still looking for a fight. However, Bryce was walking a fine line and his patience grew thin.
“How many times must I have tae tell you there is naught between us and never will be? Edina is tae be married, and I havena decided where I will go from here,” Alasdair replied through clenched teeth.
“I still dinna believe you could spend more than a sennight together at her father’s hunt camp and remain celibate.” Bryce wiggled his brows in a suggestive manner. “No true-blooded Fraser man could be alone with a woman for that long and not act on the opportunity many times over. Unless he is a eunuch that is.”
Alasdair jumped to his feet, grabbed Bryce by the throat, and lifted him off the ground. “Hold your wheest! Not every man has rutting on his mind, all the time. Edina is by far the most respectable woman I have ever met. She is not only beautiful, but she is brave and smart.” He continued to squeeze his youngest brother’s neck until he was gasping for air and clawing at his hand.
Connor clutched Alasdair’s wrist. “He’s injured and a fool. Let him go afore you make Fallon a widow.”
Alasdair grunted and released his grip. “He’s lucky I dinna cut out his tongue.”