My Brave Highlander(108)

"He must have stones the size of cannonballs," Rebbie muttered.

"Which might get him killed." Bravery didn't equal intelligence. "How many horses are left?"

"A couple dozen," the groom said.

"That's enough." They'd find the horse thieves and murderers.

A skinny lad ran into the stables, breathing hard. "M'laird, I didn't go with them."

Holding the lantern aloft, Dirk saw 'twas Ross, the friend of Haldane's Dirk had threatened with expulsion from the clan. "They freed me from the dungeon but instead of riding away with them, I hid until they left."

"I'm proud of you, Ross," Dirk said, halfway trusting the lad, and halfway wondering if Haldane had left him here for some nefarious purpose. 'Haps as a spy. But he'd give him the benefit of the doubt. "I'm glad you've learned a lesson. Do you ken where they're headed?"

"Nay, they didn't say. But 'twas Haldane, Gil, and some of Lady MacKay's guards who released us."

Just as Dirk suspected. "Stay here and help the stable lads."

"Aye, m'laird." Ross immediately joined the others, asking what they needed help with.

"Watch him," Dirk whispered aside to Conall. "I don't trust him. He may be working for Haldane. Don't allow him near Isobel. Will you relay the message to her guards?"

Conall nodded. "Indeed. Have a care, lad."

Dirk mounted the unfamiliar horse, a renewed surge of fury at Haldane heating his veins. He'd get Tulloch back, even if he had to chase Haldane all the way to the Lowlands.

Moments later, Dirk, Rebbie, Keegan, Erskine, and almost a dozen of the strongest, best-trained clansmen rode through the gates, leaving several guards to man the gates in the event the outlaws circled back.

Using lanterns and torches, they followed the hoof prints in the few inches of snow that blanketed the frozen ground of the moor. The tracks led south. A sinking feeling settled into Dirk's gut. Could they be headed toward Munrick Castle and the MacLeods?

Damn Maighread. She'd sent Haldane to tell them of Isobel's whereabouts. That had to be it. She'd do anything to stop him, even betray her best friend's daughter. He should've expected nothing less from the hag.

A half hour later, meager dawn lightened the sky a wee bit. Dirk was startled to see a great black form moving across the moor in the snow, large hooves thumping against the ground as it grew closer.

"Tulloch?" Dirk drew up and motioned for everyone to stop. Aye, the warhorse trotted toward him.

"Well, I'll be damned," Rebbie said.

Dirk grinned and dismounted, thrilled to find Tulloch. The animal was more than a horse; he was a friend.

Skidding to a halt, but still unruly, Tulloch snorted and pawed the ground, as if mightily insulted that he could be stolen and ridden by a horse thief.

Dirk caught his reins. "There now, lad. Settle down." He allowed the horse to smell him and he calmed. "Aye, you did good. Did you toss the wee bastard in a loch? I hope so."

Dirk examined the horse for injuries, then checked the saddle and tack. All appeared well. He hoisted himself into the saddle. One of the men who'd been riding double, mounted the extra horse.

A couple of hours later, they reached Scourie and the trail of horse's hoof prints through the snow continued south, just as he'd expected.

Dirk paused and the other men followed suit. "They've gone to the MacLeods."

"Hell," Rebbie muttered.

"Why?" one of his clansmen asked. Of course, Rebbie, Keegan, Erskine and a couple others knew the reason, but not everyone in the MacKay clan did.

"My stepmother sent them. As you know, I rescued Lady Isobel MacKenzie in a snowstorm several days ago."

A few of the men nodded.

"What you may not know is that one of the MacLeods abused her and attempted to rape her. That's why she fled. And she's betrothed to their chief."

The men muttered curses and insults aimed at the MacLeods.

"Lady Isobel has been safe with us, but now, because of Haldane and the men with him, the MacLeods will know where she is. They'll come after her," Dirk said.

"Let them come! We'll skewer every last one of them!"

A shout went up. Clearly the men were pumped up on battle-lust and raring to go. The horses snorted and danced about amid the excitement.

"There's no need to ride further south," Dirk said once they'd settled down. "We know where they've gone. We'll return to Dunnakeil and prepare for battle."

"Aye!" several men shouted.

"After they ride all the way from Munrick, they'll be weary. We'll have the advantage."

"Aye, chief," several agreed.

Proud they supported him in his decisions, Dirk led the men home at a more sedate pace so as not to tax the horses. Once back at Dunnakeil, after they'd eaten midday meal, Dirk gave each of the men responsibilities to prepare for the arrival of the MacLeods. Some of the younger MacKay men had never seen battle because they'd had peace for several years, and the MacLeods had been allies. Dirk was near certain that alliance was now broken, since he'd rescued Isobel.