Chapter Six
Calum Robertson sat back in his chair and considered the information the Fraser had imparted to the council. It was a small group of only four men. In addition to Laird Fraser and Keithen, there was the laird’s brother and him, the village constable. The men mulled over the information Laird Fraser had imparted, each deep in thought.
“I do think an alliance with them is futile. They are too far away to be of any assistance if we come under attack. By the time a messenger is sent, and help arrives, it will prove too late,” Calum said.
Keithen, ever so aggravating, gave him a narrowed look. “The Mackenzie wishes to take us over, and if we do not comply soon, he will attack. Father and I believe he will turn his attention elsewhere rather than earn the ire of Clan Ross if he learns of an alliance.”
“Ross warriors are a ruthless bunch from what is said,” the laird’s brother interjected. “Malcolm Ross is said to have a heart of stone.”
If there was to be some sort of alliance, it would have a horrible effect on Calum. Already, he’d made headway with the Mackenzie and now it was all crumbling around him. “I suggest we send a party. I am more than happy to go and meet with Laird Mackenzie. Perhaps joining with him would prove well. I do believe he would leave our people be.”
“How is that?” Keithen snapped. “Care to elaborate? In the past, there has only been oppression in the small clans he’s absorbed.”
In truth, their small village had recently grown by several families displaced when Laird Mackenzie took their land for lack of tax payments. None of that mattered to Calum as he’d been promised a handsome amount; land and power if he brought the Fraser to his doorstep.
“What is wrong with negotiation? It is how things are accomplished,” Calum said, unable to keep the annoyance from his tone.
Laird Fraser studied him for a moment. “Perhaps ye are correct. I do plan to speak to the Mackenzie. However, without anything to offer in exchange for him standing down, I do not see how it will do much more than give us more time.”
Calum fought not to smile. “I will be honored to travel with ye.”
Just then, a guard entered. “Laird, ye wish to speak to Ruari Ross?”
“Show him in.”
“He is not one of us and should not be included,” Calum protested as the interloper entered.
The imbecile, Laird Fraser, shook his head. “On the contrary. I wish for him to tell ye personally what Laird Ross proposes.”
Ruari Ross was a formidable man. Young, handsome and muscular. From what he’d learned, the man trained horses admirably. Cousin to Laird Ross, no doubt he enjoyed many benefits from it. There was a menacing presence about him, probably a family trait.
When the hazel, flat gaze met his for a moment, Calum felt a trickle of apprehension. It was as if the man could see through his façade. That he was there to impede Clans Ross and Fraser from an alliance.
Although as village constable, he did have certain privileges in exchange for his duties, it was a pittance compared to what Calum felt he deserved.
He was afforded a large cottage, free grain from the mill and other conveniences and was exempt from paying taxes. On top of that, when collecting from the villagers, he kept a tidy sum for himself.
However, the Mackenzie’s offer was truly generous. A large home, a wife and a large sum that would ensure he lived comfortably for the rest of his life.
A wife added to the offer proved most enticing. His wife had died just the year before during childbirth. Now the bairn was being raised by a village woman, not that he ever saw it or wished to.
“My laird sends his regards,” Ruari started, bringing Calum out of his musings.
Everyone, including him, waited for what the man would say next.
“He has agreed to an alliance by marriage between our clans. I, myself, will be who will marry. However, he stipulates and wishes ye to understand that we will not go to battle against the Mackenzie but will send a large contingency as a show of force and alliance with yer clan.”
“What good is this joining of our clans then?” Calum spat. “Tis only ye taking the lass away that will happen.”
When his laird gave him a pointed look, Calum quieted. But he was satisfied to have planted the seed of doubt.
Ruari nodded. “He’s decreed that I, along with a small force of men, will come here to live.”
This was a development he was not prepared for. Calum looked to the other men who listened intently, waiting to see what else Ruari would say.
“Our clan will be asking for volunteers who wish to come here. We are hoping for a group of at least fifty.”
Calum waved his hand dismissively. “What good are fifty against five hundred?”
“True,” Ruari said. “As I said, we are not to go to battle, but to be here to help defend and to show a willingness to protect. The Mackenzie has no way of knowing what is said in this room, correct?”
Once again, the hazel gaze drilled his and Calum narrowed his gaze. “Of course not. It is only that our clan is entrusting a great deal to show and not action.”
“What do ye propose then, Calum?” Keithen asked with uplifted brows. “Other than going and speaking to the Mackenzie, which we plan to do, is there another alternative ye wish to enlighten us with?”
He got to his feet. “I am not the enemy here. I have lived here most of my life and worked tirelessly to ensure yer interests are protected. Tis only that I have seen what happens to small clans when they oppose the Mackenzie. Even now, there are several new families newly arrived in the village because their clan refused…”
“That is precisely why we are not bending,” Laird Fraser said. “I refuse to fall under a man I do not respect.” The laird looked to him for a moment. “Yer concerns are understandable, and I thank ye for feeling free with yer opinion. There is still much to consider. We must come to a decision as I cannot ask Ruari to remain here indefinitely if we decide against allying with Clan Ross.”
The entire structure of what he’d been building was crumbling under his feet. If only the damned lass had died.
As soon as the laird called their conversation over, he’d have to find a way to meet with the Mackenzie. The man had forbidden him from traveling there, but there were ways for Calum to get the laird’s ear.
He scanned the faces of those present as they discussed how to proceed. It seemed they were all in favor of the marriage. He was not family, not a Fraser, and therefore felt left out, especially when they sought Ruari’s opinion on several things.
What did the newcomer know about life there? He’d not been around through the years and stood alongside the clan’s people year after year.
Just because the interloper came from a larger, more powerful clan did not mean he had any wisdom to impart.
“Tell me,” Calum started, getting Ruari’s attention. “What exactly is it that ye do for yer laird?”
“I serve as the horse handler, stable master and…”
“So ye are not normally part of any negotiations, nor have ye done this before?”
Ruari Ross’ lips pressed together in obvious displeasure. Laird Fraser gave Calum a direct look, no doubt displeased at his lack of manners.
Calum attempted a nonchalant expression but was sure he failed. “I am curious as ye seem to expect him to have answers for things most horsemen would not have experience in.”
“I am included in every council meeting at Ross Keep,” Ruari began. “I am a warrior as well as care for the warhorses. I am practiced in healing, farming, sword fighting and have traveled to meet with lairds with my cousins and sat in negotiations. This is, by far, not the first time I have experienced something like this and not my first time dealing with either of the two Laird Mackenzies. I can say I know this Mackenzie well enough.”
A cold shiver of apprehension traveled down Calum’s spine. If anything, he’d just handed the Frasers a stronger reason to marry Esme with the man.
Clamping his
jaw tight, he gave the man a firm nod, hoping that it conveyed agreement. However, he could not bring himself to say anything in reply. Fury raced through him until an idea struck.
At one point, he was sure to have gained Esme’s admiration. What if he tried to seduce the lass?
“How does yer daughter fare, Laird?” Calum asked.
A concerned expression crossed over the laird’s features. “Esme will live. We have a remarkable healer. I can never repay him or ye,” he looked to Ruari, “for what ye’ve done for my precious daughter.”
“Will she recover soon then?” Calum inquired. “I certainly hope so.”
“The healer expects that she’ll be out of bed at least by week’s end. Perhaps, she’ll be able to walk unaided soon.”
By the time the sun fell, Calum had come up with a plan. It would take some work, but first he’d ensure to remain at the keep.
After last meal, he waited for Laird and Lady Fraser to be alone and walked up to the high board. “My laird, is it possible for me to remain here at the keep? I would like to be available to ye at short notice in case my presence is required.”
There was a short hesitation, perhaps not normally noticeable, but Calum was quite astute and noted it. “Aye, of course. I will order a room prepared.”
“I must travel to the village to retrieve clothing and see that things are taken care of, but I will return in the morning.” He bowed slightly, ensuring to meet Lady Fraser’s gaze. “I am glad to hear that Lady Esme will recover fully.”
Lady Fraser smiled. “Thank ye, Calum. Ye are kind.”
When he turned to walk away, he couldn’t help the curve to his lips. It would be easier to ensure the plan for Esme and Ruari not to marry by being inside the home.
Calum hurried outside to find his mount, only to stop at seeing Ruari Ross standing next to a huge, black horse. The man’s calm demeanor contradicted the beast’s. It pawed the ground and huffed with agitation. The entire time, Ruari ran a hand down the animal’s back and spoke to it softly.
“A beautiful beast ye have there. Seems a bit untamed,” Calum said, making sure to keep his distance.
Ruari slid him a look but, instantly, returned his attention to the horse. “He is not quite domesticated. Are ye leaving?” the man asked.
With a chuckle, Calum shook his head. “For tonight, yes. I will return early in the morning as Laird Fraser asked me to remain for a few days. Ye see, he has come to rely on my counsel for important matters.”
“And ye give it freely?”
Whatever the question meant, Calum had to take a deep breath to keep from telling the man it was none of his concern. How dare the imbecile ask such a question?
“Of course. I am but a humble servant.”
The large Scot looked directly at him then. “As town constable, do ye consider it the right kind of experience that ye should travel to see the Mackenzie?”
It was hard not to react. Instead, Calum smiled. “One would think not, however, after attending so many negotiations with my laird, I am as well versed as any nobleman. As ye observed, I am also a member of the council.”
Although he did not have to explain himself, he knew there was nothing the interloper could say once he was informed of his standing.
“We have a large council,” Ruari started. “They keep my cousin well informed and give good council. I’ve never heard one of them trying to convince us to allow being overtaken.”
At the comment, words left him. Calum looked to the horse, giving himself time to think. “Not every circumstance is as simple as it seems on the surface. Perhaps ye do not understand that, at times, many things are at play. We are a much smaller clan than yers.”
Once again, the hazel gaze seemed to pierce through his. “That is when things become dangerous.”
Calum could not stop the narrowing of his eyes. In that instant, he hated the man. “It can be. Especially for those who are not familiar with a particular situation.”
“Sometimes, seeing things as an outsider means my view is clearer.”
At the comment, Calum’s stomach clenched. He would have to proceed with caution. The man saw through him and that could prove deadly.
Thankfully, his horse was brought, and he turned away, purposefully dismissing the Ross idiot.
Chapter Seven
While the maid tossed the dirty water out of the window, Esme stood nude before the looking glass and studied her body. It felt refreshing for the cool air to fan across her moist skin. Although purple bruising and scratches were still bright, the swelling had receded. It was strange how small the wounds left from the arrows were in contrast to all the pain she still felt when moving.
“Yer mother said to wrap yer middle and stomach,” the maid said, nearing with a roll of cloths.
“That will be fine,” Esme replied, unsure what good it would do as they no longer bled. However, it was best to keep her mother happy as she’d finally spent the night in her own bed instead of a cot that had been moved into Esme’s bedchamber.
Although it was painful, Esme was determined to go out that day. She’d lost count of how many days had passed since returning home. Spending another stuck inside the four walls would surely drive her mad.
To keep her from lifting her arms, her ever creative mother had slit several of her chemises and gowns down the center and sewn in strips so that they could be tied down the front.
“I will wear the green dress,” she instructed, knowing the color was flattering. It was still a bit of struggle to get dressed. But it was no longer the agony it had been before.
Finally, after asking for a simple braid down her back, Esme accepted the maid’s assistance and carefully went down the stairs to the main floor of her home.
The only people about in the great room were two women, one was scrubbing the tabletops while the other swept up dirty rushes.
The one scrubbing the tables smiled at her. “Nice to see ye up, Lady Esme.”
“Thank ye.” She slowly made her way to the front doorway. “Is my father outside?”
“Aye. He is receiving the clanspeople in the courtyard as yer mother requested the great room be cleaned thoroughly.”
She wanted to ask about Ruari since she’d not seen him in two days. No one had informed her of what would happen as far as the wedding. Her mother had refused to speak on most things, saying once final decisions were made, they’d both be informed.
The sunny courtyard beckoned, and she turned to her maid. “Can ye ask one of the lads to send a message to Catriona? She has not come to visit me in days. Ask that she come. Send him in a wagon.”
More than ever, Esme needed a confidant. Her friend, a village woman named Catriona, and she often spent hours at each other’s homes sharing stories while sewing or completing other tasks. It struck her as strange that her friend had not come to see her. Surely, Catriona knew of what had happened to her.
Just then, her brother appeared. He seemed in a hurry as he headed toward the gates. But upon seeing her, he turned in her direction.
“Should ye be about unaided?” He took her elbow. “Where are ye going?”
“I wish to sit in the garden for a bit. I need fresh air and sunshine. My bedchamber is to be cleaned. Mother is ordering the entire house to be cleaned and pushing everyone outside.”
“Aye, I know.” Keithen looked toward the house as water was tossed from a second-story window. “It will be quite pleasant once we are allowed back inside.”
They walked to the garden, her brother forcing her to keep a slow pace.
“I sent for Catriona.” Esme said. “I am confused as to why she’d not been to visit me. Surely she is aware of my injury.”
Keithen scowled. “We’ve kept yer injuries a secret. Father did not wish for the clanspeople to become alarmed. Especially as we do not know who did it.”
“I am sorry that I do not remember. I have tried over and over to recall exactly what they looked like.”
A wagon with a la
d and a maid exited through the gates and headed toward the village. Esme followed their progress for a long moment. “It still does not explain why Catriona has been gone for so many days. Normally, we see each other frequently.” Esme narrowed her eyes at her brother. “Did ye do something to hurt her feelings?”
“I have not seen, nor spoken to the lass.”
Catriona had been in love with Keithen since she was very young. It was often the topic of discussions between Esme and her friend. Catriona’s feelings were unrequited as Keithen seemed to barely notice her beautiful friend.
Once, during a celebration when Catriona had been about ten and two, Keithen had danced with her and, after the dance, he’d kissed her on the lips. It had been a friendly sign of affection. But since then, Catriona had sworn to have fallen in love.
If Esme was to be honest, she would love for her brother to take more notice of Catriona. One day, Keithen would be laird and, in her opinion, Catriona would be a fine Lady of the Keep.
“There must be a reason for her not to have come.”
“I suppose ye will find out when they return with her.” Keithen waited until she sat down on a bench where she could see the courtyard and out toward the fields, past the gate. “If there is nothing else ye require, I will return and check on ye later.”
As he walked off, Esme pressed her lips together and scanned the courtyard. Her father stood behind a table that had been set up on the far side of the courtyard. Next to him sat a scribe with an open ledger and quill.
People milled about, waiting for their turn to speak to him. Most huddled in groups, watching those who approached or holding private conversations.
A couple was brought up to the front. The woman began talking loudly, gesturing with both arms, while the man looked up at the sky as if he were bored. Moments later, the man was taken to the center of the courtyard. He was bound to a pole by guardsmen. The woman walked up and kicked him in the lower leg.
“That is what ye get for beating me, ye brute.” She stormed off with a young child running after her.
A Flawed Scotsman Page 5