The Scot's Deception (Highland Swords Book 5)

by Keira Montclair

  Percy said, “You think this is just about a battle between kings, don’t you? How foolish the young are. King Edward is wealthy, and he plans to distribute his wealth to those he deems worthy. I’m not the only man who wants a piece of it. When and where are the Grants meeting the Ramsays?”

  “I have no idea.”

  Percy stormed over to Drostan and kicked him in the ribs. “I think you do. With or without your help, we will put an end to the alliance between the Ramsays and the Grants. If we eliminate those two groups from the fight, Robert’s numbers will drop by thousands.”

  “I surely don’t know how you think you’ll accomplish such an impossible task, but it does not matter. Whatever you try will not succeed. The chieftain of Clan Ramsay just left Grant land, and the two clans as close as ever.”

  He decided not to share the fact that he’d tried to punch said chief.

  “Where are they meeting?” Percy ground out, his jaw clenched tightly.

  “I don’t know.”

  Percy swung out to kick him again, but Drostan was faster. He caught the bastard’s leg with his bound hands and flipped him onto his back. He was about to pin him to the ground, but a dagger found its way to his throat so he stopped.

  “Get back,” DeFry said. “Back against the wall.”

  Drostan did as he was told. They still held Chrissa, so he needed to be patient and learn where exactly she was being held…and where the hell they’d been brought.

  Percy got back on his feet and brushed the dirt off his hands in an aggrieved manner. “You will help us. The two groups plan to meet before they travel to Stirling. We need the exact location. We have other things to attend to at present, but we’ll be back and we will have our answer from you.”

  “You can’t get information from someone who doesn’t know the answer.”

  “You have it. We’ll bring your sweet lass with us, and we’ll play with her—” Percy paused to smirk and lick his lips, “—until one of you tells us what we want to know.”

  “What the hell does that mean?” The thought of them hurting Chrissa or touching her inappropriately made him want to rage. To break the bonds on his hand and strangle both of them. Chrissa was hale. She was a fighter, but he didn’t like the thought of her sitting alone in a cell. Injured. “You didn’t hurt her, did you?”

  “Only a little bump on her head. It won’t bother her for long.”

  “Bastards beat up on lasses. Does it make you feel strong?”

  “Here’s what we’re going to do with you two,” De Fry said, ignoring him. He crossed his arms and leaned against the stone wall. “We’ll do as he says. Keep the two of you in a chamber, torture you alternately until one of you speaks. We need the location of the meeting point between the Grants and the Ramsays. Not sure where it is? Then you better think on it. We’ll be back.”

  Drostan had only one thought in his head.

  If they dared to hurt Chrissa, he’d kill them both.

  ***

  Alex watched as the group descended into chaos. Finlay had rushed to Kyla’s side and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, and she leaned into him, letting him support her weight.

  “Oh, my God, please save my daughter. And Drostan,” she said, her words barely audible. He could tell his daughter prayed over and over, her lips moving frantically as if the more prayers she said, the better her chance of seeing her daughter again.

  Once Kyla was steady on her feet, Finlay stepped away. “She’s as strong as you are,” he said. “She’ll be fine.”

  Kyla just sobbed as Finlay started pacing, his hands on his hips. Alex knew he was already thinking of the best way to patrol for Chrissa’s captors.

  Alex used his wooden stick to make his way over to the hearth, where he could sit in the large cushioned chair Gracie had made for him. “Tell us exactly how it happened, Corbett. Dyna, you will add your thoughts at the end.”

  Dyna crossed to her aunt, giving Kyla a big hug while she murmured something in her ear. Then she moved to her sire, hugging him with her head to his chest while Derric talked and paced.

  “We were hunting, in the area with several paths just past the caves an hour south of here. We were nearly on Grant land, for God’s sake.” He threw his hands up in the air for emphasis.

  “You mean the area where we’ve been ambushed many times before?” Jamie asked, lifting his brows.

  “Aye, but we sent our guards off with Chrissa and Drostan. We were only separated for less than five minutes. We heard a scream from Chrissa, but by the time we got to her location, she was on another horse. Both their horses were taken, the two guards were hurt and on the ground. We tried to follow, of course, but we quickly lost the trail.”

  Kyla said, “How could you leave them alone?”

  “We are not looking to place blame, daughter,” Alex said. “’Twill not help us find them. And the blame falls on their captors, not our clanmates.”

  “As you wish, Papa.” Her words were accommodating, but they were accompanied by a seething glare. Then she shifted her attention back to Derric and Dyna. “What direction did they go? Connor and Jamie, get four patrols ready to go while we wait for the ransom offer I think we’ll get soon.”

  “I doubt they’ll ask for ransom. ’Tis too close to Midsummer’s Day,” Alex said, steepling his fingers in front of him, his elbows on the arms of the chair. “’Tis less than a fortnight now.”

  “Then what, Papa? What could they possibly want? They’ve tried to make our warriors fight for England twice in the past. They tried to kill you before. Is that what they wish to do with Chrissa? Kill her? What the hell do they want?”

  “I think they’re hoping to convince us to stay home, or…”

  “Or what?” Kyla responded, her tone carrying plenty of heat.

  “Keep us busy elsewhere. If we have to send contingencies of warriors after Chrissa, then we cannot help King Robert, can we?”

  “Just tell me where you think she is, Papa. I’ll go get her myself.” Tears drenched her face. Kyla was a strong, powerful woman, but she’d never been afraid to show her emotion. It was one of the many things he appreciated about her.

  “We need you here, Kyla. In case she returns. Or in case they bring her here.”

  “We’ll find her, Mama,” Alick said, glancing around at his cousins. “If we go together, we can use the spectral swords. We’re all here now. Just give us an hour to plan. As Grandsire always says, ’tis much better to go in with a plan.”

  “We don’t have an hour. She’ll never survive being in a dungeon.”

  “Kyla.” Alex’s voice was so quiet everyone stopped to listen, which was exactly what he’d wanted. They would not win this if they made emotional decisions. “She’ll survive just fine. She’s her mother’s daughter. Or do you not recall your worst moment?”

  “I know I was held in a dungeon at Thane Castle, but I’m an adult. She’s too young.”

  “How old is Chrissa?” Alex prompted.

  “Nine and ten.” Kyla’s sobs had slowed, just as he’d hoped.

  “And how old were you when you were locked in a dungeon, lass?” Kyla would always be a wee lassie to him, his memory of her strapped to his chest as a babe still firm in his old mind. “How old were you when you left on your own to visit an enemy’s castle because you wished to save another lass?”

  Her breath hitched as she thought, her gaze now locked on his as if he’d stirred a memory she wished to forget.

  “Do you not recall being in a dungeon with Simon de La Porte?” he whispered, the hall silent as the forest before a hunter loosed the first arrow.

  “I was seven and ten.” She stared at the floor, but her countenance changed. “But I was…”

  “Daughter, could you fire a bow like Chrissa? Could you use a dagger as well as Dyna?”

  She shook her head, a small smile on her lips. “Thank you, Papa. You and Finlay are right. She’ll be just fine. But we still must hurry.”

  “’Struth is, she
’s probably been hoping something like this would happen. Was she not thrilled when those men held her at knifepoint so they could kidnap you? If I recall, she was quite proud of her involvement in that episode. And Drostan is with her. Just like you had Finlay with you.”

  Her scowl indicated she’d only then realized there might be something between Chrissa and Drostan. She hated it when someone picked up on something faster than she did.

  “Is it truly a surprise to you? I was fully aware of the attraction between you and Finlay,” Alex said, looking from Kyla to her husband.

  “Good for you, Papa, because I didn’t know of the attraction between us then.”

  Alex smirked, glad to see evidence of his daughter’s fire.

  “I think we’ve all seen something between Chrissa and Drostan, Kyla,” Connor said. “She is stronger than you think and she has a solid helper with her, someone she trusts. Let’s make our plan, using our minds instead of our emotions.”

  Kyla leaned over and kissed her father. “Thank you, Papa. I don’t know what I’d ever do without you.”

  Alex hated to tell her the truth. She’d have to learn how to do without him soon.

  He’d also have to thank Maddie for telling him he had to stay.

  He was still needed.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chrissa was about to lose control. She hadn’t seen or heard anything since she’d been locked inside her cell. She’d had no food, only water from a pitcher that was now nearly empty. She’d searched through her saddlebag for anything she could eat or use to help her escape, but her captors had already gone through it and removed her dagger.

  She was hungry, tired, and eager to go home. She’d slept on and off overnight, exhaustion taking over, but then fits of fear broke into her consciousness, forcing her awake. Visions of bad men, spiders, and odd creatures made their way through her head, probably from bad dreams.

  Her thoughts went to her cousin, Dyna. What would she do?

  About an hour after she awakened, she heard steps coming her way. She heard the lock turn over, and the two sheriffs from the other day stepped inside. Percy and DeFry.

  Surprised, she reacted the only way she could. “And here are the traitors. What do you want with me, and where is Drostan?”

  Percy said, “Your friend is far away. He’d never hear you, so don’t bother attempting to call out to him. You’ll fail.”

  DeFry stood in front of her, hands on his hips. “Your words do not hurt me. As for your friend, he did a fine job fooling all of you.”

  Chrissa had no idea what he was implying, but she remembered what her grandsire had always said about interrogations. They’ll try to get into your mind and play with you. To convince you of things you’d never believe on the outside. Don’t let them.

  “I don’t know what you’re referring to.”

  “Drostan has been working for us for a long time.”

  Rather than comment on his lie, she said, “Who are you? The English? Scots who turn on their own are the lowest of the low.”

  Percy came forward, too close. “Why, you wee bitch. How dare you speak to us as if we aren’t worthy to be near you. We control you. Can’t you see that? We could hand you over to our guards as a treat if we wished to do so. We could beat you until your own kin wouldn’t recognize you. You should be a bit more respectful.”

  She spat on his boots.

  Percy grabbed her plait and yanked her onto her feet. “You’ll pay for that.”

  “Leave her be,” DeFry said.

  He did as he was told, something that surprised Chrissa. She stepped back, hoping they would elaborate on what they’d said about Drostan. If nothing else, she wanted confirmation he was alive.

  DeFry leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms in front. “Drostan is a spy for the English. He’s been spying on Clan Grant for us for a long time.”

  “You are such a bad liar. Drostan loves Clan Grant and he’s extremely loyal to my uncles and my grandsire. He would never risk their fury. Never.” This she knew to be a lie. Completely, unfathomably a total fabrication.

  DeFry paced a wee bit, limited by the small space. “Did you not wonder how we managed to locate you in the middle of the Highlands?”

  “Nay, ’tis not the first time we’ve come upon marauders in the Highlands.” She crossed her arms, refusing to believe anything he said about Drostan.

  “He was given instructions to meet us there. And then we instructed him on where to lead you. We kidnapped the two of you easily, though ’twas just for show with Drostan.”

  She almost laughed. A good show, indeed. They’d knocked him out cold.

  “Lies. All lies. I don’t believe any of it.”

  “Mayhap you’ll believe this person.” DeFry moved over to the door and opened it, calling out to someone.

  “I won’t believe anyone,” she said hotly. He was a fool if he thought anything could convince her of his guilt.

  A beautiful woman with dark hair entered the cell. She stared down her nose at Chrissa and said the only thing anyone could have said to make her question everything she thought she knew.

  “I’m Drostan’s mother. And I’ve been spying for England for years now.”

  ***

  Astra ran outside, her hands over her ears, tears falling down her face. “Nay, nay, nay.”

  She didn’t go far before she nearly stepped on a wee gray pup. Stopping short, she bent over to pick up the small dog. “What are you doing here?”

  Someone shouted behind her, so she spun around, not surprised to see a lad racing toward her. Hendrie. She knew his name for the same reason she knew everything: because she listened. Other people didn’t pay attention to half of what was going on around them, but Astra took in everything. The lad ran as hard as he could, fear written across his face. “She’s mine. Please give her to me. She’s confused.”

  “Why is she confused?” she asked, handing the pup back. She was a cute pup, but her eyes were sad.

  “Because Drostan hasn’t returned.” Hendrie picked the pup up and petted her, cooing softly.

  “He won’t be returning anytime soon, so don’t get her hopes up.” Was she imagining it or did the pup widen its eyes at her statement?

  “What? Why? What are you talking about?” Hendrie stepped closer to her. This close, she was struck by the green of his eyes, like pines in winter. His long red hair was neatly tethered in back.

  “He’s been kidnapped by the English. He and Chrissa. Have you not heard?”

  “Nay. I’m not of noble blood, so I’m not included in those conversations. But I am his squire. I’m supposed to travel with him to the battle at Stirling Castle.”

  She cocked her head. “Why didn’t he take you with the four of them if you’re his squire?”

  “He’s not wearing any armor. They rode out from King Robert’s land to patrol and gather information.”

  “You mean they were sent to spy on the English.”

  Confronted with his innocent surprise, she felt a slight pulse of guilt. Maybe she shouldn’t have spoken so bluntly. She studied him, almost wishing her eyes were green instead of the blue of her family.

  “And your sister? Was she not with them?” Hendrie cuddled the pup up close to his face. Something told her he needed the comfort of the soft, sweet animal.

  “Dyna and Derric returned. Chrissa and Drostan were stolen away. They know not where they were taken.”

  “Will you help me?” Hendrie asked, his tone beseeching. “Find out where they were last seen, then come and tell me. I’ll wait right here for you.”

  “Not unless you tell me why you wish to know,” Astra said. It was her duty to know everything that happened on Grant land. “And how old are you?”

  “I’m one and ten. How old are you?”

  “Three and ten. You didn’t answer my question.” She waited, tapping her foot in the dirt.

  “You’re taller than I am,” he said.

  “I’m older and my pa
rents are both tall. Or haven’t you noticed? You still haven’t answered my question.”

  He sighed and leaned toward her. “Promise not to tell?”

  Astra nearly snorted. Everyone knew she told everything she could to anyone who would listen. “Of course.”

  “I’m going after him. I’ll not wait to be invited. I have no parents who care since they’re both dead. I live with my uncle, and he won’t even notice I’m gone since I sleep with the warriors most of the time. I just need a horse. Sky will sniff Drostan out. She’s a hound, as you know.”

  “I’ll help,” she said, deciding on the spot, “but I’m going with you.” She’d always admired Chrissa more than any other of her cousins. If she got really good at archery, mayhap someday she’d be allowed to travel with Chrissa. They wouldn’t need to take any lads along.

  Well, perhaps this one time she could use Hendrie’s help, but only because of the wolfhound. And Sky was a girl, so it would be two lasses to one lad. If she could convince him to let her come without tattling.

  “Like hell. I don’t need a lass slowing me down. I’ll be moving fast.”

  “Can you use a bow like I can? Or a dagger?” She placed her hands on her hips for emphasis. And because he was pishing her off. Mayhap she should impress him with her language. “Don’t pish me off.”

  “You have a foul mouth for a lass.” He paused, considering, then said, “If you find out where they were last seen, you can come. And steal us some cheese and dried meat. You have easier access than I do.”

  “I’ll do it,” she said, practically bouncing with excitement. When had anything like this happened? “Meet me outside the stables in two hours. We can leave right away.”

  “Agreed. And tell no one.” Hendrie nodded and took off toward the stables.

  “I promise.” Astra had to chuckle at that promise. For once, she was being honest.

  There was no way she’d tell anyone what she intended.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The latest patrol to go off in search of Chrissa and Drostan wasn’t due to meet for another hour, but someone started banging on the keep door, loud enough to wake half the castle. Alex was quite sure he already knew who’d made the racket. Turning as the door flew open, he said, “Ramsay, you’re an old man and losing your touch.”