She grabbed the stone wall to steady herself as her worst fears were imagined. Had they found Niles and Kenneth? Were there injuries? Alex? Where was Alex? Her eyes searched, but they were still too far away. Blood pounded through her temples as she scanned the horizon.
“Someday I will ride as a guardsman for Laird Grant!” Tommy pulled on her hand to get her attention. “My da said I could if I work real hard, I will, won’t I?”
Maddie glanced at Tommy but couldn’t focus on his words. Her mind fogged with memories of Niles and that horrid night, of Kenneth and his wicked sneer. Her nose crinkled at the smell of burning flesh, horrible memories washing over her. Her hand went to her mouth as she searched the sea of highlanders for one man. As they drew closer, she was finally able to pick him out, riding in the front with a grim look on his face. Was that blood running down his arm? Was he seriously hurt? Maddie’s eyes blurred as she turned to make her way back down the stone steps.
She fought for control, tried to focus. No, she had to get away. She couldn’t deal with this. Kenneth and Niles together? What if Alex had found them both? Saints above, the possibility was more than she could bear. Rushing toward the steps of the keep, she caught her fall as she tripped over a stone in the courtyard. Jennie’s voice yelled to her, but she continued to the steps. She had to get inside before Alex could find her.
Please, Papa. Don’t make me have to face them again.
Her skirts crinkled in her hand, she charged forward blindly. The grate of the portcullis broke into her thoughts as she panicked.
Lord, please help me.
Total chaos erupted as everyone ran toward the gates. Mothers shoved their little ones into their cottages. The portcullis finally raised and the thundering of horses’ hooves came closer and closer. The air filled with clouds of dirt, angry shouts.
Maddie grabbed wee Jennie as she approached the steps, pulling her close. Jennie’s eyes were huge as she watched Alex lead the men inside the bailey.
“What is happening, Maddie?” she cried. “I don’t understand. My brother, something is wrong with him. He looks so mean and mad. What is it? Help him! Maddie, please, make this stop!”
Maddie held onto Jennie tight as Alex and his brothers approached. “I am not sure, Jennie,” she whispered. She wound her trembling arms around Jennie and buried her face in her hair.
Alex’s black destrier stopped in front of them, prancing with excitement. Madeline stared wide-eyed at Alex. His black eyes wrenched her gut. He sat tall, his sword at his waist, blood weaving a current down his left arm. His hard gaze connected with hers. She finally tore her eyes from Alex and searched behind him.
Two men were tied to their horses, both with gags in their mouths, thrashing to get free. Robbie punched one of the men in his belly as he yanked the man from the horse. Another guard walked to the other and tugged his hair, yelling in his face.
Niles and Kenneth!
Madeline’s vision blurred as she watched the men roughly toppled from their horses. She shrank back and closed her eyes from the disgusting sight in front of her. Fear coursed through her veins. She reminded herself they were both tied up and could not hurt her now. Alex would never allow it.
Madeline vaguely heard Alex shout to Jennie, “In the castle!” as he pointed to the door. Wee Jennie took off in a run toward the castle without question. Maddie turned around in confusion. She didn’t know what to do or where to go.
Alex dismounted, strode toward her and briefly bowed his head before returning to the center of the courtyard. He strode with conviction, his muscles bulging down his forearms, rippling in his legs. The other guards followed, stable boys rushing to remove the horses in the melee. Madeline stood to Alex’s right, slightly behind him. Niles and Kenneth stood in the midst of the soldiers, still bound and gagged, anger and indignation evident in their faces.
Alex’s people circled the guardsmen, in awe at the activities taking place in front of them. More and more streamed in through the gates, anxious to see the laird and his men. Once the horses were removed, dead silence hung in the air as everyone waited to hear what their laird had to say. What would Alex do next?
Madeline’s insides turned to water. Anger was written all over Alex’s face. She could almost feel the rage coursing through his body. His tenseness was clearly evident in every muscle. She glanced at Niles and Kenneth and hoped they had not noticed her yet. She quietly moved away from Alex toward the door hoping she could slip inside. She was not sure she could face Niles and Kenneth together.
The devil! Alex raged. She moves from me again! Even after last night when I held her until she had no tears left in her body! Does the lass not know she drives everything I do now?