Bound to the Highlander(24)

An unexpected knock at the door made her jump. James’s deep timbre on the other side was unmistakable. When she opened the door she discovered he and Father Addison.

“My child, are you unwell?” Father Addison asked, his tone full of concern.

“We’re sorry to interrupt your respite my lady, however, we request your immediate presence in the solar to discuss an urgent message I just received,” James said, saving her the trouble of explaining her flushed skin. His gaze was intense. If she didn’t know better, she’d say he was well aware of the direction her thoughts had taken. He couldn’t though. This missive must be serious.

“I am well I assure you, thank you, Father. Please lead the way.”

After the older man moved ahead of them, James reached for Aileana’s elbow to guide her along. His expression turned hard as soon as his hand touched her arm. His jaw clenched and his lips formed a straight line. His fingers applied hard pressure on her arm. Something was terribly wrong, she could sense it in him.

Aileana followed the men into her uncle’s solar and James closed the door behind her. Before she could question, James motioned for her to sit down.

“My lord, if the news is so dire, I would prefer to stand. Please proceed.”

“Very well,” he said. “As I mentioned, I just received an urgent message. It was from my steward. He provided a report from the scouts I have positioned at strategic locations throughout this region for precautionary measures. I’ve had them there since the raid on the MacKenzie clan last year.”

She remembered it well, homes burned, women violated. It wasn’t just for looting purposes, these raiders were barbaric. She swallowed hard and bit the inside of her cheek as James continued.

“He said one of my scouts just returned to Moy Hall like the devil himself lay chase. He saw a raiding party about ten miles north of here. He couldn’t be sure of their destination and tracked back to alert us.” The news was not easy to digest. “I realize the impact of my next statement, but I feel it best if we cut the festivities short.”

She tried to make no outward appearance of the disarm tugging at her.

When she did not speak, James continued. “I see no harm in continuing with the events planned for the rest of the day, but I suggest on the morrow, this residence as well as my own and others in the area prepare for possible attack.”

Her guts lurched.

Aileana shook her head. “That cannot be. Surely this small pack of raiders is not bold enough to attack a property as large as yours or mine? I agree we should be cautious. We shall send reinforcements to any small residences in the area and provide shelter to any who would wish to have it. However, I’m sorry, but I cannot believe Chattan Castle would ever be attacked.”

James turned his attention to Father Addison as if he knew she wouldn’t agree.

“Father Addison, you visited the families who were attacked last year. What is your opinion of the level of brutality to which these men will descend?”

Father Addison was quite for several long moments. The concern in his eyes was almost convincing enough. “My child, I have known you all your life. You are an intelligent woman, capable of heading this entire clan with no help from anyone. On this topic, however, I must agree with his Lordship. I can only hope the brutality I witnessed last year will never reach you. Unfortunately, hope won’t keep them from arriving here with flaming arrows and an appetite for murder and mayhem that has been unmatched in my lifetime.”

“And one small raiding party has you both this concerned?” she asked.

She looked at each man in turn. Father Addison led her by the hand to the bench to sit next to him. He drew a deep breath and patted her palms.

“As I’m sure you’ve heard, the MacKay’s banner was found hanging in the village on the night of the attack. Their battle flag was unmistakable and there is no doubt these men are responsible for this horrific crime. Their disappearance has secured their guilt.”

James turned from them towards the window, his arms crossed. She wished he’d show her his face. As Father Addison spoke, James remained silent.

“They are a large, territorial clan with many fertile lands who’ve increased their claim well into Sutherland and boast ownership of a great deal of the north. Their systematic raiding of nearby farms and estates has been a source of much hatred stemming from the neighbouring Sinclair, Sutherland, and Mackenzie clans, but the MacKays do not care, their greed is immeasurable.”

She swallowed hard. This information was well known. “Father, I know who the MacKay are. Why are you giving me a history lesson?”