Strictly Taboo(115)

“Like little bugs but getter larger by the second, I see a swarm of men advancing up the hill. Damn Angus, how did they know we were here and what the hell do they want?”

“Shit man. My name is Ewan.”

“Damn I forgot again.”

His name and what Mai believed to be true were the least of his worries at that point. He had not expected his father to send out a search team so soon. Mai stood up and threw her cloak on pulling her hood down tight.

“We have no time for explanations. It does not matter who you are, how many pieces of silver you have or what you intentions might be. The men are not looking for you but me and we have to get out of here. Climbing up this mountain might be treacherous for us but it’s all in a day’s work for them. The unstable path and the cutting winds do not slow their advance.” Mai peeked her head over the ledge to see for herself the advancing brigade. A look of concern came over her. “I know this terrain and a way to outwit Lord Harper’s men. There is a back route down the mountain into Newburgh. We will make it to my stone cottage where we will be safe while I contemplate my next move.”

Mai had a way of giving orders and taking control that rivaled clan leaders. Angus and Rufus fell in line without question.

“I wager to guess that you left your horses at the bottom of the mountain. Are they well hidden?”

“Yes. They are hitched to a tree behind an abandoned blind,” Rufus managed to get the words out as his trembles got worse. Angus realized he had to calm down his servant. He pulled him aside and whispered in his ear.

“You can’t fail me now Rufus. It’s times like this when you have to prove your worth. I reward those loyal to me and you don’t want to find out what I do to those who are not.” Angus had a grip on his arm so tight that it left an imprint of his hand. Hopefully, it would remain for days to remind him of his duties.

With satchels packed and slung over their back, the trio began their journey down the back of the rocky outcrop. Mai, Angus and Rufus got away before the first of Lord Harper’s men arrived. They left behind nothing that would have identified them. The men would believe they were wrong about Mai’s whereabouts.

“Mai,” Angus said as he followed her close behind. He had never relied on a woman before except his mother when he was a child.

“What is it Ewan or Angus?”

“Why is Lord Grey Harper searching for you? It must be important because he’s going to great lengths to get his hands on you.”

“You have that right he wants to get his pudgy hands all over my breasts. His bloodshot eyes have been there since I was 12 years old. Have you ever laid eyes on the man?”

“I have not and it sounds like I wouldn’t want to.”

Mai climbed over jagged rocks as if they were mere anthills. Angus and Rufus labored to keep pace. “No you would not want to be in the same room with Lord Harper. He once lost a young woman whom he loved and years later, he has chosen me as her replacement of sorts. He’s old as these rocks on which we climb. Lord Harper has cracked teeth and a bulbous red nose.” Mai shuddered. “Even speaking of him repulses me.”

“Are you promised to Lord Harper?”

“I am to be his wife. He has hobbled my father and me with taxes and he threatens to take our home away. If I marry him he will rescue us from poverty and vows to take care of my invalid Father.”

Loyalty, Angus added it to Mai’s amazing qualities. They reached the town of Newburgh safely and Rufus seemed to regain his composure. Angus’ harsh words had their intended effect. They still had to make it through town unnoticed. Angus knew that he and Rufus were fine. They were dirty and far enough away from the Blake Estate to not be tracked by his father’s men or noticed as anything other than commoners.

“I told you about my troubles. When we get to my house I will offer you something hot to eat and your friend too.” Mai gave Angus a look that made sure he knew she was serious. “Then you will tell me your tale. I hope you don’t think me daft; the two of you are not brothers. You bear no resemblance to each other.” Mai’s look softened and she smiled.





Chapter Four

The tiny stone cottage sat among similar structures in a windswept briar patch. It was lit by a lantern inside but what was most appealing was the chimney. It spewed smoke and smelled of peat. The prospect of being warmed by a fire made Angus’ mouth water. He continued to follow Mai whose pace had quickened with home in sight. She pushed open the front door.

“Father!” Mai threw her arms around a frail man sitting by the fire. “I told you I would be home and I brought along friends.” Mai glanced back at the motley duo. “I think they are friends. I do know they’re not enemies.”