“You’re a dreamer Angus. In that, Envelope is a farewell letter from the future Lady Harper. I have also included a lock of her precious hair that you warned me not to touch. I ran my fingers through it just today after she had it washed. Mai was scrubbed clean of any remnants of you Angus. She still has her raven locks because I could not bear her bald. If you give me any trouble you will receive a box holding the head of Cox MacKnabb.”
Angus’ jaw dropped as he and Rufus did as ordered and climbed into the wagon. The wagon traveled out of Newburgh past Lord Grey Harper’s castle. Angus did not speak a word. He wasn’t scared or confused. Angus was angry, in a manner he had never been before. He could feel his blood boil and he quietly vowed revenge. Lord Harper was interfering with his destiny and for that, he would pay. They left the horses at a spot near Clatchard Craig where Lord Harper dumped the men.
They were spit upon and a handful of dirt was thrown in their faces. Angus didn’t flinch as Lord Harper delivered a final warning.
“I am following Mai’s wishes in not harming you. If it were up to me, I’d have you drawn and quartered. You’d be scattered in bits and pieces all over town. Expect no further kindness from my men or me. If you come beyond this fortress in the future, you can expect to be killed on sight.”
When the men disappeared, Angus pulled his sword from his pant leg. He hadn’t bent his leg for hours and it felt good to move it around. Rufus was shocked.
“You’ve had that all along? Why didn’t you use it on those thugs?”
“Because I learned a long time ago that patience is a virtue. I had little chance of beating those men by brute force alone. If I use my cunning and plan my attack then they stand no chance. It’s time we retrieve our horses and return to the manor.” Angus was confident that he would be reunited with Mai. He whistled as he and Rufus made their way through the briar.
Chapter Six
Weary yet resolved, Angus and Rufus rode through the main gates of the sprawling manor. Angus realized that he would find his Father, Lord Donald peeved. Angus left without saying a word while the family was grieving the loss of Lady Blair. There was also a chance that he had been drinking during his entire absence and did not notice him missing. The first person Angus saw was welcoming. His sister Enya was playing the flute in the conservatory.
“Your music is a pleasant sound after listening to whipping winds for days.”
“Brother Angus, where have you been? Have you not bathed? You look like a commoner or some type of traveler.” Enya gave her brother a warm embrace and a peck on the cheek.
“Have I been missed?”
“Mostly by me and by cook who saw your tray uneaten every morning. Father has been in bad form. He thinks he hears Mum calling him from the fortress at Clatchard Craig. I half expected him to venture outside by himself to try and find her.”
“So he has not noticed me missing?” Angus asked.
“He is in horrible shape. He muttered your name on a few occasions and spoke about the need for an heir.”
Angus smiled.
“What is that look for Angus?”
“It is such a long story but I have news that will turn Father’s mood around. I have found a wife whom with I plan to produce an heir.”
“Fantastic news Angus and surprising. Where is she?”
“She’s preparing for her wedding to Lord Grey Harper. His men didn’t take kindly to seeing me in bed with Mai but Rufus and I managed to get away with our lives.”
“You sound as daft as Father, Did you lose your mind somewhere on the Craig?”
“It will all make sense when I bring my fair lass home to Fife. Go back to playing your music. I have to clean up before I approach father with my plan.
****
Angus sat looking out at the hills where he first met Mai. From the moment, he saw her he was stricken by her beauty, which was the least of her outstanding qualities. Mai was smart, confident and loyal. She was so much like his mother that he was sure his Mother’s spirit had something to do with their meeting. It was rumored that Clatchard Craig held special powers and numerous travelers avoided the area he had been drawn to. He noticed the green emerald, which he hadn’t gotten the chance to explain to Mai. He looked forward to the day when he could place it on Mai’s finger. Angus spent most of the day scrubbing clean and layering on clean warm clothes so he was presentable to his father. There was a knock at his door.
“Welcome back sir. Your father is awaiting your visit in the library. Rufus has the day off because the poor chap looked as if he needed it. It’s none of my business what you and he were up to but you certainly put Rufus to work.”