“Are you planning to murder me in my bed?”
At this Callan made a noise in the back of his throat. “Nay, if I did I would come blade in hand so ye would see who plunged a dagger into your heart.”
He held a hand out to William. “In truth, I have not known ye long, but you are the only family I have, and I would stand before any who would harm ye or yours.”
William took his hand. “If you do not care for Blackford, and wish to go back to Scotland, I will send you with a horse and gold so you may make a life.”
“I thank ye.” His brother blinked a few times, then nodded, and seeing the emotion in his eyes, William left him with the horses.
In the morning, William dispatched Thomas with two of the men to ride ahead of them back to Blackford Castle with a warning of Lady Agnes’ treachery and to watch over the children.
“Do you think I did the right thing, bringing him back with us?” William looked to his wife, who was trying and failing not to grin.
“What? You bothersome woman.”
She gestured to Callan. “You have the same color eyes. You’re both standing the same way with the same scowl, and you both like to bellow and stomp about to get your way.”
Hrumph. William did not bellow. He simply spoke loudly.
Then he bellowed to the men, “Let us ride for home.”
CHAPTER 20
William guidedhis horse along the narrow forest path, keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding woods. Though they’d had no trouble over the past two days, he remained wary. Callan rode behind him, lost in thought.
He glanced back at his half-brother, his hair loose around his shoulders, showing off a harsh face, the dirty plaid worn proudly, even though William had offered him a tunic and hose.
A highlander for a brother? A snort escaped as his horse snorted in agreement.
Those damnable Thornton cousins in the north would have much to say on the subject.
No matter how he told himself the man’s tale was untrue, all he had to do was look at Callan, and, as Lucy pointed out, the family resemblance was unmistakable, though William did not scowl as much.
The towers of Blackford Castle rose up before them, imposing and enduring, having withstood the ravages of timeand war for well over a century. A profound sense of relief swept through him at the sight of the familiar walls. After worrying he had truly lost Lucy, they were together again, and almost home.
He heard a sharp intake of breath as Blackford Castle came into view.
“Formidable, isn’t it?”
“Aye, ’tis a splendid stronghold with the sea at its back and views from all sides to see your enemies approach.” Callan sniffed. “The smell of the sea keeps the odors away.” Then he cast a cutting glance at William. “Though does not smell as pleasing as my highlands.”
A small smile lifted the corner of William’s mouth at the insult.
“Your wife said you won Blackford?”
“’Twas given to me by Edward I for my service.” He told Callan about Blackford, the lands, and how Callan should take care, as there were many passages running through the castle and down to the cove. In the summer, when repairing the chapel, they had discovered yet another passage that led from the chapel to an underground storage room. The lads were disappointed that this one did not contain Roman coins or Viking plunder.
Thomas and the rest of the guard would have searched the castle and grounds by now. William thought mayhap the mercenaries had given up and gone to find easier prey. Whilst Lucy was still worried, saying Agnes was out of her head and would find a way to breach the gates.
If he would have known Georgina had a daughter, William would have accepted her into his household. When he’d asked Lucy why Agnes waited so long to come forward, Lucy said her cousin made her wait until he thought the time was right tostrike. He had poisoned her thoughts for so many years, the girl would never hear reason.
As they rode through the portcullis, through the long tunnel, with its thick stone walls, William glanced over at Callan, who nodded back at him. ’Twas a strong and beautiful home. He was most proud of it.
Word of their arrival had proceeded them, for everyone was waiting to welcome them home.
Before the horses fully halted, a lanky boy came barreling out of the stables. Catching himself, Albin skidded to a stop and bowed, though his eyes were bright and his cheeks pink.
William looked on with an amused twitch of his lips. “Rise, lad. All is well now.”
