Thirty-Nine
Laurel and Brodie left the stables after their morning ride. Just as Laurel requested, he forewent training for two days after he sustained his wound. She could only shake her head the morning he returned to training. He’d bounded out of the keep like a young lad. But he’d delayed his entry the past four morning since Monty and Donnan departed. She’d stood beside Brodie as she waved to her brother and his lover until they faded from sight. Brodie understood Laurel was lonely, so he tried to start her days with a smile. They reached the steps to the keep when the cry went out that a rider approached. The man who entered the bailey wore King Robert’s livery.
Laurel and Brodie sighed in unison. Their summons had arrived. Precisely a sennight after the battle. Brodie hadn’t exaggerated. Whether it was the Lamonts or MacDougalls who raced to inform the king, the Bruce hadn’t dallied before sending a messenger. Brodie accepted the missive before he and Laurel went to their solar. Brodie knew it was less likely someone would interrupt them there than in his own solar. They shared the window seat, their favorite place in the chamber. Brodie opened the parchment, and they read the missive together.
“You predicted it, Laurie. The king understands, but the court is rallying for my head on a pike. Everyone is calling it a massacre.”
“We knew it would happen. What do you expect the king will do once we’re there?”
“Levy a fine against me for fighting an unsanctioned war with four other clans. He’ll likely demand I pay restitution to them. We’ll ride with four times the guards because I will not only have you to protect but several chests of coin.”
“You’re going to pay?” Laurel was aghast.
“Aye. I have little choice. But no amount of coin is going to give any of those clans their men back. None of them will harry us again for years. Not if they wish to survive. The money will feed and clothe the innocent, so I feel no resentment making restitution. But neither do I feel guilty for decimating their armies. They knew what they faced when they took on the Campbells. They met the fate they created.”
Laurel sat back, nodding her head. She understood Brodie’s logic, and she admitted she hadn’t really considered those who’d been left behind. She’d worried about the widows among her clan, but she hadn’t thought about the widows in the other clans. They were not in positions to dictate whether their men went to battle. She slipped his hand into Brodie’s.
“I admire you, husband. Most lairds would refuse to pay those who attacked them. They wouldn’t care what happened to those left behind. You are gracious in your victory.”
“Thank you, thistle. It feels good to hear you say that. Are you ready to leave in the morn?”
“I am, but do you feel comfortable leaving Dominic behind? We still don’t know if Colina’s done aught else.”
“She needs Dominic if she’s to become Lady Campbell, so I believe he’s safe. Neither of us thinks he’s colluding with her. I trust him, and I ken he’s a good tánaiste. Our people are safe with him in charge. If we’re away, who is there to harm? She only wants us dead.” Brodie said with a shrug.
“But she wouldn’t have been able to taint only our wine. She was willing to kill members of your senior guard.”
“Aye, but they’ll be with us.”
Laurel drew her lips in and frowned. She wasn’t so readily convinced. It didn’t sit well with her to leave while matters were unresolved. But she knew they couldn’t ignore the Bruce’s demand that they attend court. They had found no evidence to connect Colina with Gara’s death, so they’d named it an accident. Her parents were dead, so there was no one to insist upon seeing the body. They arranged her funeral for the next day and tried to minimize the gossip. Laurel had found no more contaminated wine. It made her wonder when Colina intended to strike. Laurel figured Colina hadn’t discovered her weapon of choice wasn’t in the buttery anymore. She and Brodie discussed the situation daily, but they didn’t know how to learn more.
“Brodie, what if I remain here?”
“Absolutely not. No, Laurel.” Brodie’s voice was unwavering.
“You trust Dominic, but he doesn’t ken what his wife is up to. We can’t be sure she won’t try to harm people.”
“She hasn’t done aught when I’ve been away in the past.”
“That you ken. If you hadn’t overheard us talking, would you have imagined Colina capable of aught nefarious?”
“No. But I’m still not relenting. You are not remaining here without me. I will not accept that risk. You nearly died the last time I left the walls without you. And I was less than a bluidy mile away!” Brodie rose and paced.
Laurel watched Brodie’s face grow red as his frustration rose. She’d never seen him react this way. Even when he’d been angry in the time she’d known him, he’d never gone red in the face. As the flush deepened, she grew alarmed.
“Brodie, sit down.” Laurel tugged at his hand, but he didn’t budge. “You’re scaring me.”
Brodie immediately looked contrite. “I’m not upset with you, Laurie.”
“I ken that. It’s your face. You’re so red I fear you’ll keel over.” She retrieved her embroidery and used the scroll frame that held the fabric in place as a fan. “Do you feel well?”
“Nay.” Brodie shook his head. He felt overheated and lightheaded. “I’ve never felt this way just from being angry.”
“Who filled your waterskin this morn?” Laurel’s chest tightened. They’d broken their fast together, sharing a trencher. They’d had watered ale in the same chalice. The only difference was Brodie drank from a waterskin while they were on their ride, and Laurel hadn’t.
“Graham. Why?”
“Does your tongue tingle?”
