Knight Protector (Knight Chronicles)

by Rue Allyn

  Raeb placed a hand on Colin’s shoulder but looked at Sorcha. “Then you and I have more than peace and friendship between us. We have love for my sister and her well-being as our first concern.”

  Love? What does Raeb see that I havena? Certes, Colin has said naught of love.

  Colin’s eyes shuttered. “I must keep Scotland safe, and canna think beyond that or I may fail.”

  Raeb’s gaze hardened. “Do you tell me you will nae wed Sorcha? You would dishonor her and Clan MacKai mere moments after Marr and MacKai have sworn peace?”

  Her brother’s voice rose in volume as he stood, and his hand went to the sword at his side.

  Colin leapt to his feet with hand on sword hilt. “I will always do what I believe best and right where Sorcha is concerned and would never cast shame upon her.”

  Sorcha, too, stood and stepped between the two men she loved most. Placing a palm on each chest, she pushed with all her might. “Sit! Down!”

  She’d taken them off guard, so her stratagem succeeded. They sat like lads scolded for misbehavior.

  “Sweet Mary, Queen of Heaven, how dare you both!” She imbued her voice with all the cold fury she felt. “I am nae a toy to be bickered over, especially when I am standing right here and can verra well speak for myself.”

  Two pairs of eyes stared at her with varying degrees of surprise, confusion, and shame. ʼTwas almost funny to see these two hulking men put in their place so quickly and nae know what to do about it.

  “I’m sorry, muirnean. Please forgive me.”

  Raeb’s brows twitched as he cast a glance at Colin then stilled when he returned his gaze to Sorcha.

  “Raeb?” She crossed her arms before her and tapped her foot impatiently.

  He rolled his eyes. “Verra well. I am sorry too. But you must see that marriage to Colin is the only way to keep your honor.”

  “I will retire to a nunnery before I enter another forced marriage.”

  Raeb’s expression turned pleading and truly sorrowful. “Sister, you know we canna afford the tithe required for you to live sequestered.”

  “Hmpf.” She tossed her head. “Strathnaver has enough, and ’tis the least he can do to show his gratitude.”

  “I suppose, if he is willing.” Raeb looked at Colin, who studied his fingernails with head bent.

  Sorcha sighed, and her shoulders slumped as she resumed her seat. “We can decide that later. Right now we must speak of the horses stolen from Clan MacKai.”

  Raeb’s ears perked up, and he looked again at Colin, who lifted his head. “Your letter said you would return them.”

  Steeling herself to the pain she must cause Raeb, Sorcha captured Colin’s gaze before he could speak and raised her palm to stop him. “I will tell him.”

  Colin nodded, no doubt relieved that he would nae have to be the bearer of bad news, though his expression revealed naught.

  “Tell me what?” Raeb’s brows met.

  “That Dungarob’s livelihood canna be returned.” She twisted the end of her braid.

  “Why?” Raeb fired the question at Colin.

  Sorcha touched her brother’s arm and brought his attention back to her. “Two days past, the herd was stolen from the valley where they winter. Colin and I were caught in a frenzy started by the thieves to kill us or at least harm us enough, most likely, to keep us from following.

  “Colin was shot and has just this day left his bed. I was unharmed but stayed to help Colin and so could nae follow the herd. By the time we returned and saw to Colin’s wounds, the thieves were long gone.”

  “We’ve had men searching every possible moment, but the trail is lost,” Colin added.

  “More than thirty horses and the men to guide them canna have vanished into thin air.”

  Colin shrugged. “If we could have found them, we would have.”

  Raeb’s jaw clenched. “Do you know who did this and why?”

  “We suspect Lady Agnes, the dowager countess, and her lover—a man known as Sir Broc MacAba—for they disappeared at the time of the theft along with some valuables from the stronghold.”

  “Lady Agnes may have learned of our plans to give the horses back to you,” Colin said. “Or she may believe we suspected her of being a spy for England and of trying to pass off a peasant’s bastard as the son of her union with my father. We have the boy’s confession, and he told us she found forged letters among her private papers incriminating her of treason against Scotland.”

  Sorcha leaned forward. “We have evidence that someone else wrote the letters that had been placed among Lady Agnes’s things. She may be a bitter, greedy, deceiving woman, but we doubt she spied for either England or Scotland.”

  Raeb ground his teeth. “If she’s greedy, she’ll wish to sell the horses quickly and for a high price. Only a few men in Scotland or England could purchase so many horses for even half their worth. If we canna follow the trail, I at least know where to look. The difficulty would be getting the horses back once they were found.”

  Colin straightened. “If you’ve a plan, I’d like to hear it and help. I’ve no doubt that the MacKai herd is destined to end up with Edward Plantagenet. We must prevent that at all costs. His coffers grow thin, and his nobles are impatient with his constant demands for money and arms. A gift of horses with the quality of the MacKai herd would be of more help to Edward than a hundred spies.”

  “’Tis pleased I’ll be if getting Dungarob’s wealth back benefits Scotland, but benefit or nae, I willna longer see my people in poverty. I will have the MacKai herd before the year is out.”

  One corner of Colin’s mouth kicked up. “’Tis a noble vow, but you must find them first. Would you be willing to take a gift from Strathnaver to see to your clan’s immediate needs?”

  Raeb considered a while. “I would be offended by the implication that I canna care for my clan, if it were nae true. And I might accept the offer, if ’twere a bride price for your marriage to my sister.” He cast a sidelong glance at Sorcha. “But she seems disinclined to marry, so I canna accept. Neither my clan’s pride nor mine will allow it.”

  “What of our sisters?” Sorcha protested.

  Raeb cocked his head. “What of them? They have clothing, shelter, and food enough to survive.”

  Her lips thinned. “They could have more.”

  Raeb locked his gaze with hers. “And they shall. You will no be forced to marry. I will no be forced to take charity from a man who owes me a debt greater than any alm could expunge.”

  They were at an impasse.

  Raeb turned to Colin. “As for the horses, I will get them back, and I will start with Lord Du Grace of BlancMer near Lancaster. He was once Edward I’s Master of Horse until they had a falling out. Du Grace is still the best breeder in England and has been trying to get his hands on MacKai stud for almost as long as I have been alive.”

  Sorcha sat upright. “You said Du Grace, right?”

  “Aye.” Raeb nodded.

  She turned to Colin. “Doesna Sir Robert know someone of that name?”

  Colin, smiling broadly, echoed Raeb’s nod. “Aye. We may be able to get Robert to strike the deal that will get the MacKai herd back to Dungarob.”

  “Think you so?” Raeb worried. “Lord Du Grace is a canny man for an Englishman and has no weaknesses to exploit that I know of.”

  “’Tis why we must speak with Robert, who is acquainted with the man and can help us design a strategy.”

  A knock sounded. Sorcha rose and went to the door.

  “The chamberlain tells me that Lords Coillteach and MacBirnum have sent word they will arrive by midday tomorrow.”

  Colin and her brother stood. “Raeb and I will speak with Robert.”

  Sorcha yawned. “I will seek my bed then. I must rise early to see to the last preparations for our guests and the celebration to follow the next day.”

  And what would that day bring? Discovery of the traitors, she prayed, and an end to the tensions of the past weeks. ʼTwould
also bring an end to her pretend marriage to Colin. He could at last reveal the truth to his clan and give Brice a proper burial. She would leave. Although most likely not to return to Dungarob. Raeb seemed determined on her marriage to Colin before he’d forgive her past defiance. She’d have nae part of that. One forced wedding in her life was one too many. Where she would go she wasna certain. She no longer felt compelled to live retired from the world. Strathnaver owed her. With that she could set up her own household, or hire out as housekeeper in some grand home, perhaps in Perth or Inverness. She could even ask escort of Earl Coillteach and be on her way all the sooner. Once settled she might marry some quiet prosperous merchant and even have the family she’d always dreamed of.

  ʼTwould nae be as exciting a life as she’d had these weeks with Colin, but she was done with that, and Colin Marr too. She would tell him her decision tomorrow after the celebration.

  • • •

  Shortly after the two guardians of Scotland arrived, Colin entered the room now occupied by the Earl of Coillteach, then closed the door. The distinguished older man sat beneath the only window, reading from a stack of loose pages in the light of the afternoon sun. Colin stood waiting until the earl was ready to speak with him.

  The man kept reading. Finally he set the vellum sheet on the table bearing the stack and gestured at the space beside him on the window bench. “Thank you for answering my summons so quickly, Strathnaver. You’ve housed MacBirnum in the tower room as we planned.”

  Colin sat, angling himself to see Coillteach. “Aye, the man will nae escape from there.”

  “Excellent. Now to your report.”

  “We’ve identified two possible traitors at the stronghold but have failed to find proof that either has betrayed Scotland.”

  Coillteach passed a hand over his thick, graying hair. “That is disappointing. I expected better after several weeks pretending to be your brother. His fellow traitors should have tried to contact him. Are you certain you made yourself available?”

  “I spent more than a week in his room and was often alone. Anyone could have sought me out.”

  “’Tis passing strange. And now you tell me he was murdered?”

  “Most likely from poison given him by my stepmother, who wished to inherit Strathnaver through a boy she claimed was her son by my father.” Colin related everything they knew for certain and all they suspected about Lady Agnes’s activities and departure.

  “I agree she could nae be a spy. Curse women and their greed. Brice’s death was inconvenient to say the least, for he could have revealed much, when captured.” Coillteach pounded a fist on the table, making the stacked pages jump and slide. He caught them before any could tumble away.

  Colin was nae certain any longer what he felt for his brother, but Coillteach’s anger over Brice’s death seemed more than a little insensitive. “Do you expect to arrest MacBirnum soon?”

  “I await but one final piece of proof, which should arrive tonight, mayhap as early as dusk.”

  “Once you have that, all is in place for Clan Marr to aid your men in making the arrest.”

  “Very good.” Coillteach nodded. “I think we should present our proof and make the arrest during your marriage celebration tomorrow. ʼTwill be so crowded, he can have no chance of escape. Also the crowd will serve as witnesses to the accusation, to MacBirnum’s shame, and to the swift vengeance visited on all of Scotland’s traitors.”

  “Any spies lingering at Strathnaver will see the wisdom of leaving once it is recognized that I aided you in exposing MacBirnum.”

  Coillteach issued a small smile, the only sign of satisfaction Colin had ever seen the man express.

  “I will give orders to my men as to where and how they must guard MacBirnum,” Colin continued. “Do you have any instructions you wish me to relay?”

  “Nothing other than to remind them to follow my orders as they would yours.”

  “I have trained them so and anticipate no difficulty there.”

  “Excellent. Scotland thanks you for your service and your sacrifice. I will see you at supper tonight.”

  Colin nodded, rose and left, heading for the building where his warriors were quartered. He was confident Coillteach would achieve all of his goals. The man had sufficient power and will to rule Scotland, but unlike MacBirnum, who tried to cover his homeliness and small stature with ostentation, Coillteach needed neither regal clothes nor crown to show his love for his country. Colin passed Ranulf on his way down the stairs to the main level.

  “Coillteach summoned you as well?” he asked the big man.

  Ranulf nodded. “I’ll tell you all about it later. For now I’ve nae time to gab.”

  “Nor I,” Colin confessed and hurried on his way. Did Coillteach also have doubts about Ranulf’s loyalty?

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  The following evening Sorcha entered the great hall wearing a samite robe of silver shot with royal blue and a sapphire and silver rope wound thrice about her neck. Colin had gifted her the garment and jewels, claiming she put both robe and stones to shame. She wore her braided hair coiled within a silver snood, and a belt of silver links rested on her hips.

  She’d spent the entire day seeing to last-minute arrangements, speaking with Father Andrew—who returned to the stronghold when Lady Agnes’s man, Cuthbert, left—about the blessing, with the cook about the kitchen maid who’d gone missing more than a day ago, with the chamberlain about the comfort of their guests, with the steward about hay and oats for all the extra horses brought by Coillteach, MacBirnum, and the MacKais, with the guisers who would act out a comedy for entertainment as the clans and guests ate, with the musicians who would play for the dancing after the meal, and finally with Raeb, who earned the sharp side of her tongue for insisting she either wed Colin or allow Clan MacKai to continue living in poverty. They also argued over whether or nae she should return to Dungarob. The idiot thought she wasna safe here, even after the peace made between MacKai and Marr, even with all the extra guards and warriors. She’d told him in nae uncertain terms that she would decide her own destiny, thank you very much though privately she was relieved that returning to Dungarob was now possible.

  Finally, she’d escaped to the earl’s chamber and indulged in a bath then dressed. As she left to descend to the great hall—where she was to meet Colin, who’d had his own mass of details to attend to—she noticed Ranulf entering Lord Coillteach’s room from the direction of the tower room stairs at the far end of the hall. She thought it odd and reminded herself to find a moment to tell Colin, who wanted the knight watched. Colin had confided that, if Ranulf was guilty, allowing the knight free rein of the stronghold might lead them to other traitors. If the big man was innocent, then no harm was done.

  Soon she stood tense with anticipation beside Colin, MacBirnum on her other side, Coillteach just beyond Colin with Raeb, and Robert flanking Ranulf farther down the table. Marr and MacKai men circled the hall at assigned posts; everyone else stood waiting next to the benches at the trestle tables. Colin signaled for all to sit and wine and ale to be passed. When all were served, he raised his cup. “To Scotland, to all who love her, and our good King John Balliol, may he reign long and in peace.”

  The toast was drunk. Then Lord Coillteach stood and called for the priest to bless the gathered host and begin the celebration. Laughter, japes, and wine flowed. Rich food was ladled generously onto trenchers that were filled and refilled until all hunger was satisfied. The guisers finished their play about the same time the platters were removed, and the diners complained of stuffed bellies.

  Ready to start the dancing, Sorcha stood and signaled to the musicians. But Lord Coillteach rose and called for silence. His lips quirked in a small smile toward her. “Forgive me, lady, a serious matter must be dealt with before any revels continue.”

  Would he accuse MacBirnum now? She looked to Colin, who stood, took her hand, rubbing his thumb across her knuckles, and drew her to his side. “I was nae completely
certain of Coillteach’s timing, but fear naught. All will go as planned and Scotland will be rid of a viperous traitor.”

  Wishing she could rest her head on his shoulder for reassurance, she slipped her hand from his. A servant approached.

  “Countess, you are needed in the kitchens,” he said.

  “Surely it can wait.”

  “Nae, my lady. I regret that the cook insists you are needed instantly.”

  “Very well. I’ll go as soon as I tell my husband.

  The servant stepped away while Sorcha whispered in Colin’s ear.

  “Dinna be too long, muirnean. I plan to dance the entire night with you.” The look in his eyes spoke of passions to come that he included as part of their dancing. ʼTwould be bittersweet, for she knew they were nae likely to do so again.

  She descended from the dais. As she walked, conversation died, and she heard Coillteach’s words clearly.

  “I have known and trusted Lords MacBirnum and Strathnaver for many years.”

  She lifted her head and paused at the edge of the room. Why had Coillteach paired Colin’s name with the traitor MacBirnum? ʼTwas an odd way to begin an accusation of treason.

  “Both have served Scotland well over the past ten years ... or so I thought.”

  Murmurs began to fill the hall.

  “I was dismayed and hurt to learn upon arriving here that the men I trusted, the men Scotland trusted, were the worst kind of traitors. The brave and valiant Sir Ranulf MacFearann presented me with the proof that Lord Brice Marr Earl of Strathnaver has been working with Lord MacBirnum to undermine Scotland’s safety and make easy Edward Plantagenet of England’s plans to conquer Scotland. With the aid of Strathnaver’s new wife, these traitors nearly succeeded.”

  The hall erupted with shouts, accusations, and counter accusations.

  “For shame.”

  “Coillteach lies.”

  “Kill the traitors.”

  “Save Marr.”

  “Aye, destroy the scum who brought this shame on us.”

  A knight wearing Coillteach’s colors leapt to the dais. With dagger in hand, he struck at MacBirnum, a hand’s span from where Sorcha had recently stood. Colin drew his sword and ran the knight through before a shocked MacBirnum could be hurt.