True to the Highlander(58)

He signaled for attention. “Keep your voices low.” He pointed to the gallery above their heads. “The women listen, and I’ll not have our plans known to them just yet.” They nodded their understanding and put their heads together to speak in quiet tones.

“The men who took Meikle Geddes are high in the Comyn command,” Liam began. “A score of warriors remain in the keep, Black Hugh among them.” He gave Malcolm a meaningful look. “Hugh had a hand in this, make no mistake. In exchange for a place in their garrison, he gave them information. The rest of their men have ridden on to Nairn, where they’ll remain. The laird resides at Rait, and did no’ ride with the party. Though he commanded the attack, his nephew led the raid and leads the party for Nairn.” He met the eyes of each man around the circle. “They believe themselves out of our reach there. To the Comyn laird’s credit, they’ve left Black Hugh behind to suffer our wrath.”

They argued long into the afternoon. Would they take Meikle Geddes first and then travel on to Nairn? Or travel first to Nairn, taking back Meikle Geddes on their return trip. Malcolm let the argument flow around him and counted down the hours before his reckoning with True.

Malcolm ended the discussion with a raised hand. He’d come to a decision and let his men know what their course would be. “We dine this eve in the great hall with our people. Our women will want reassurance, and our presence is required for such.” He gave them all a stern look. “Dinna speak of our plans to anyone—not to wives, nor to lovers, not to brothers, sisters or parents. Dinna even tell your horse.”

“Why such secrecy, Malcolm?” Angus frowned. “Ye’ve no’ required such in past.”

Robley grinned. “He’s no’ had a certain lady hell-bent to be his savior in past.”

“Och, I ken your concern, lad. ’Twill vex my wife. And ’tis certain this night will be…quite chilly, as no doubt I’ll be sleeping outside.” Angus grimaced and reached over to clasp Malcolm’s shoulder. “Not a word will I utter on the subject, upon my honor.”

All his men gave nods of agreement, their faces grim.




Sitting upon the dais next to True, Malcolm wanted nothing more than for the meal to end. The few times their gazes had met, the uncertainty and what-ifs swirling behind her anxious eyes tugged at his heart. He’d reached for her hand under the table, only to have her pull away.

“Walk with me this eve,” he whispered in her ear. “I understand you’re upset. ’Twas no’ my intent to leave you as I have for days without word.” He watched her swallow hard a few times as she stared at the trencher before her. She’d hardly touched her food. Malcolm reached for her hand again, this time keeping a firm grip until she nodded her assent. The sooner he had his arms around her the better.

When finally he led True through the doors of the keep, the sun had set and they walked in darkness lit only by the waning crescent moon. She held tight to her woolen wrap with both hands, walking stiff and silent beside him. With his own hands clasped behind his back, he steered them out of the inner bailey, toward the portcullis and onto the path toward the loch. “’Twill be Samhain soon,” he said to break the silence.

She made no response, and Malcolm knew a storm brewed beside him. He shored up his resolve and all the wiles he possessed to weather the squall.

Their path led them to the same spot where he’d held her against the sorrow of homesickness. This place was theirs, and each new memory they created together made it more so. He took a seat on the same boulder and waited patiently as True paced back and forth in front of him. Best to let her begin, so he kept quiet and let his mind drift to the day he’d found her. He smiled at the picture of defiance she’d presented and at the vision she’d made walking out of the forest with her glorious hair falling about her shoulders. He was a man besotted, and happily so.

True stopped in front of him with her hands folded in front of her, and her chin lifted. “There are a few things we need to discuss.”

“Aye?”

“Yes. What happened at the spring, for one thing.” Her voice faltered.

“What happened at the spring—”

“Cannot happen again,” she interrupted. “We were playing with fire, Malcolm. I’m not blaming you.” Her words came out in a rush. “I’m equally responsible. Surely you agree we can’t let things go so far again.”

“Nay, I dinna agree.” She was within reach. “’Tis certain to happen again.” Malcolm placed his hands around her tiny waist and brought her to sit next to him. “Often, if I have my way.”