True to the Highlander(4)
She forced herself to relax into his hold. His grip eased. Reaching back, Alethia placed her hands on either side of his neck below his ears. Using the pads of her thumbs, she found his pulse points and applied pressure. Within seconds his body slackened. Shoving his arm from around her waist, she slid off the horse and hit the ground running. Her captor fell with a loud thump behind her.
Alethia snatched up her belongings and ran for the forest bordering the rutted dirt road they traveled. Thundering hooves ate up the ground behind her. She dashed into some brush and glanced over her shoulder. Damn. The dark one was after her, the one who saw her as game. Frantic, Alethia searched for a place to hide.
Malcolm awoke on the ground to find the eyes of his cousins staring down at him. “What the devil happened?”
“The lass, she…ah…,” Liam stammered.
Robley reached out his hand and grinned. “The wee sorceress put you to sleep. I’ve never seen the like.”
Malcolm took the proffered help and hoisted himself from the ground. “Where is Hugh?”
“He went after her,” Angus replied.
“God’s blood!” He glared at each of his men until they squirmed. “I dinna keep Hugh close because I desire his company. You know my thoughts, yet you let him go after the lass with no thought to her safety?” He leaped onto his gelding’s back. “Liam, you’re in charge. Ride ahead and make camp by the burn. I’m going after Hugh and the lass.”
The last thing he remembered, her soft hands had brushed his neck. The next thing he knew, he awoke flat on his back in the dirt. He gave sorcery no credence and knew her actions had been physical in nature. Still, what had she done to him, and how dare she?
Hugh had left an easy trail to follow, but there were no signs of the woman. Malcolm overtook him, bringing his mount around to cut him off. “Return to the men, Hugh,” Malcolm commanded. “They’ve ridden ahead to make camp.”
“She means naught to you. Leave her to me.”
“Nay. She will remain in my care until I can return her to the protection of her family.”
“Mayhap she’s a spy, left in our path for a purpose.”
“Mayhap you are as well.” Malcolm’s grip tightened on the reins, and his gelding danced with tension beneath him. “The MacKintosh have naught to hide. We are, and always have been, loyal to king and country.”
“To king and country?” Hugh smirked. “What of our regent, the duke of Albany?”
“What of him? What are you suggesting?” Malcolm suspected Hugh was a spy, but had no proof. Most likely he’d joined their garrison for the sole purpose of selling information to the treacherous Red Comyn, who had their regent’s ear. If it came to it, Malcolm would not regret running Hugh through with his claymore. A Fraser, Hugh had fostered with the MacKintosh. As a youth, he’d been sullen, cruel, and spiteful. As a man, he’d grown even more perverse.
Hugh had come to Moigh Hall a fortnight ago seeking a place in their garrison. If the decision had been his, Malcolm would have sent him on his way.
Drawing his sword, Malcolm edged closer. “Do you challenge my authority or my loyalties? If so, draw your weapon. Let us settle the matter forthwith.”
Hugh glared at him. “I’ll rejoin the rest of the men if that is your command.”
“It is.” Malcolm watched to ensure Hugh didn’t double back, and then he started his search for the woman. He returned to the point where the chase had begun, dismounted and examined the forest floor. A tree-covered hollow caught his eye. The earth and the brush around it had been disturbed. She’d hidden there until Hugh had passed. Canny lass.
He picked up her trail, and it wasn’t long before he caught sight of her, doubled over and gasping for breath. Her paltry bundles lay on the ground beside her. Malcolm secured his horse and stepped through the brush separating them. She whipped around, eyes darting, most likely searching for another escape route. He stood still before her, keeping both hands in plain sight. “I mean you no harm.”
She straightened and glared him down. Her bravado amused him, made him want to laugh, though he wouldn’t. To do so would be a grave insult to her bravery.
“You have no right to interfere with me, and you have no idea what I’ve been through today.” Letting out a shaky huff of air, she lifted her belongings from the ground, gave him her back and walked away.
Malcolm let her get as far as the end of her braid.
She made a growling noise and let her burdens slip from her hands. Grabbing his wrist with one hand, she turned and latched onto his little finger with the other. Bending it back with considerable might, she forced him down.