Strictly Taboo(119)

“Good observation Brian.” Angus smiled realizing that Rufus had more than proved his worth. “Tell my father I shall be down shortly. Can you tell me of his state Brian?”

Brian chuckled. “Lord Blake has dried out a bit in comparison to the past several days.”

“Thank you Brian. It’s as I will need him.” Angus felt the ring around his neck under his ruffled shirt, which was uncomfortable in comparison to the muslin tunic he wore for days.

The grand house was drafty and Angus couldn’t help but think of the feeling that he had at the MacKnabb’s cottage. The small space was warm and inviting, a feeling lost at home since the death of his mother. A guard stood before the magnificent library doors and announced his presence to Lord Donald Blake.

“Father.”

“Angus. You told my butler that you have news to share with me. It sounded urgent. Please share.” Lord Blake was washed and dressed all in black except for his vest which was purple and blue; the family plaid.

“Father, I know you were anxious for me to find a wife. A woman who is able to produce an heir to the throne beyond you and me.”

“It is every man’s wish to know that the future is taken care of. In my later years, it will provide me with solace. I want to enjoy going on hunts in the highland and fishing for salmon. This can hardly be done with my neighbors waiting for my death and yours eventually so they can encroach on our lands. That nefarious Lord Grey Harper to the south is waiting for the day that he and his men can make it over the fortress and make my home theirs.”

“You have a long history with Harper?” Angus was allowing his father to tell the story.

“Angus, you are a smart man so I know you have heard talk. We battled for the love of a woman years ago. That lass was your Mother, Lady Blair. I won, as you know and he has never gotten over it.”

Angus went on to tell his father how he coincidentally fell in love with Mai, Lord Harper’s current obsession. As he went on to tell of being beaten by his men and spit upon, his father’s rage grew. His feud with Lord Harper was rekindled in his own mind and he received a chance to beat him again.

“I am not proud of the way that I have acted as of late son. Losing your Mother was a fate worse than death and it did something to my mind. The excessive drink added to my troubles.” Lord Donald said apologetically. “What you have told me today is like a kick in the ass. I see your Mother’s spirit in you, as though she’s standing before me. I never thought to look in the eyes of my children to recover some of which I lost. We need a plan to free Maighreed and her Father.

Angus saw a sparkle in his Father’s eye that he had only seen in the presence of Lady Blair. Lord Donald Blake had not used his elite guard in a long time, as he had no reason. They had stayed sharp through drills and were anxious to put their skills to work.

“Are you sure about Maighreed?” His Father asked.

“I’ve never been more certain in my life. I was captivated the moment she looked at me with her violet eyes. Since that moment, I have continued to find more to love. It’s an indescribable feeling Father that I didn’t know existed.”

“I know of the feeling. Do you have Evangeline ready?”

“Yes.” Angus was surprised that his Father remembered the name of his sword. “I left it with Rufus who will make sure the edge is sharp.”

“The battle might come down to a fight with your sword. Are you ready?”

“Yes, sir. I’m willing to die for Mai.”

Lord Donald Blake looked approvingly at his son. “I believe you are ready son. I will see you at the gate at dawn.”

“We shouldn’t both be at risk. We will not leave an heir and that can’t be done.”

“I will not send you into battle alone son.”

Angus respected his father too much to argue. He went to his quarters but he didn’t sleep a wink. He looked at the moon and the stars comforted that beyond the fortress, Mai had the same view.





Chapter Seven

On horseback in full battle regalia Angus, Lord Donald Blake and their men stormed the fortress and charged through the town of Newburgh. With Lord Harper’s castle in sight, they advanced.

“You are aware son.” Lord Blake asked as they slowed their pace. “They likely know we’re coming.”

“I know that. If they didn’t know before, then word has gotten to them by now.”

The gates to Lord Harper’s castle collapsed with the use of a battering ram. The battle was fierce as blood was flying and horses falling. It provided a distraction, which allowed Angus and his father, make it into the castle. Rufus was little so he slipped past the guards unnoticed and found the locked room where Mai was being held. Angus made it to the locked door, behind which lie his destiny. He beat down the door with his father close behind him.