Reid shook his head. “Nay, lads, it’s too dangerous.”
“No more dangerous than staying here. We swore our loyalty to ye and ye’ve been good to us. And I tell ye, there are plenty more here who feel the same way. Say the word and they’ll fight for ye.”
Reid hesitated. Clyde and Thomas could not be more than sixteen, the pair of them, but the expressions on their faces were earnest and sincere. Thomas, Clyde, Martin, Cook and Drummond had all risked their lives to get him and Abigail out of the keep from under Laird Campbell’s nose. Why would they do that?Because they are loyal to you,a voice said in his head. And he had a responsibility to them in return. He could not just leave them to the whims of Laird Campbell, he could not let him turn these men into heartless killers like Domnall Maguire.
He gripped both their shoulders. “All right, lads. This is what we’re going to do.”
***
“IS THERE ANYWHERE YOUcan think of that he might have gone?” Abi asked.
Cinead snorted. “Abigail, I think ye overestimate my knowledge on this matter. It has been many years since my brother confided in me. But rest assured, I will do everything in my power to find him.” There was an undercurrent of anger in Cinead’s voice that made Abi a little uneasy.
“And when you do find him?”
Cinead sighed. “I know that ye and him have become...close...but ye have to understand the history between us. The things Reid has done... that canna be easily forgiven.”
“He’s a good man.”
“A good man? Would a good man have betrayed his clan the way Reid betrayed his? Would a good man have taken up with a rogue like Campbell?”
“But he denounced Campbell in the end. He left his service. Doesn’t that count for anything?”
Cinead watched her steadily and she could see he was wavering. “I dinna know,” he said softly. “There is so much bad blood between us.”
“And it will stay that way until one of you makes the first move,” Abi said. “Dear God, you are both as stubborn as each other! Whatever’s happened in the past is just that: in the past. If you’d only talk to him you’d see he’s not like he used to be. He’s changed.”
Cinead looked at Layla helplessly. Layla smiled. “I told you she’s determined, didn’t I? And I believe what she says, husband. Abi is the best judge of character I know. If she says he’s changed, then he’s changed. At the very least, don’t you think it’s worth finding out?”
Cinead Muir turned and paced to the window where he stood staring out, just as Abi had seen his brother do countless times. The study was in one of the towers and gave a terrific view of the Highlands spreading out below like and undulating green, purple, and brown carpet. Reid was out there somewhere.
Finally, Cinead turned. “All right,” he breathed. “All right. If my men find him I’ll make sure—”
He trailed off as footsteps suddenly pounded on the stairs outside and the door burst open, revealing a Muir warrior panting from exertion.
“Cinead!” the man gasped. “The Campbell! He’s coming!”
“What are ye talking about, Rob?” Cinead replied. “The Campbell is miles away to the east.”
“No, he isnae,” the youth panted. “Scouts have just come in. He’s coming from the north—his whole damned army! They’ll be here within the hour!”
Cinead’s jaw tightened. “Call the banners,” he ordered. “Tell Edgar, Hector and Andrew to meet me in the yard and send out runners to the villages lying in the army’s path with the order to evacuate.”
The lad nodded and hurried out.
“Oh, heck,” Layla said, standing. “It’s finally here. It’s finally happening.”
“It would seem so,” Cinead agreed with a grim nod. “I must go. The two of ye stay here.”
Abi caught his arm. “I’m coming with you.”
Layla nodded. “Me too.”
He shook his head. “It’s too dangerous. Stay here with Maisie.”
“Emma and Alric can take care of Maisie. Don’t worry, I don’t intend to do any fighting but those are our people out there in harm’s way. I’ll go help with the evacuation of the villagers.”
Cinead looked between Layla and Abi and reluctantly nodded. They hurried down the tower steps, through the halls of Dun Calas, and out into the courtyard. It was already full of men and horses. Edgar, the captain of the guard, strode over. Abi recognized him as the man who Reid had fought with when they had first left Kalmack Castle.
