The air in her lungs grew heavier, and Nairna pressed her hand against the wooden enclosure, trying to shut off the vision.
Bram had said he would return with Callum in a little over a sennight. She wanted to believe that he would return safely with his brother, but her greater fear was that once again, she’d lose him.
She pushed back the fear gathering inside. Right now, she had to be strong, to wait for his return. But once he did come back, what then?
Would she finally become his wife in body, rekindling what was lost between them? Would her womb finally bear a child of their union? Or would she become bitter and angry at herself, their marriage weakening as Laren’s had?
Her gaze moved across the inner bailey, taking note of every man and adolescent who remained. There were about twenty younger men and ten elder. Though the men worked in their daily tasks, the air of neglect hung heavily.
As stubborn as their chief was, she doubted if Alex would go after the women, despite what his men needed.
But perhaps there was something she could do.
At dawn, Nairna cut Dougal free. The boy’s eyes were bloodshot, as though he hadn’t slept at all. She’d given him food and drink at several intervals, as well as a blanket last night, but hatred darkened Dougal’s face. As he passed by her, he deliberately walked into her shoulder, knocking her aside. Nairna was so startled by his aggressive behaviour that she had no time to respond until he was already past her.
She rubbed her shoulder and one of the other adoles- cent boys came forward. “He didna hurt you, did he?”
Nairna shook her head. “I suppose he blames me for following Bram’s orders.”
“He doesn’t like anyone. No one likes him, either.” The young man shrugged. “He’ll get himself killed in a fight one day.”
Nairna blinked at the nonchalant assessment. “I hope not.” Never had she seen anyone with that much fury locked inside. It was unsettling and she wondered if anyone had ever attempted to talk with Dougal.
“Don’t let it bother you.” The young man, whose name she learned was Monroe, started to walk away.
But Nairna caught up to him, wanting more answers. “Was he always this way?”
“He got worse after the women left,” Monroe admit- ted.
“They need to return. The clan is lost without them.” It occurred to her that she was in a better position than the men to ask them to come back. She could find out the true reasons why they’d left and do what she could to bring them home.
“I’m going to go after them,” she said suddenly. “And bring them back.”
“They might not come,” Monroe said. “Lady Grizel, Alex’s mother, won’t set foot upon Glen Arrin again. She said so. And if she doesna come, the others won’t either.”
“It can’t hurt to ask.”
Monroe sent her look of disbelief. “You don’t know Lady Grizel well, do you?” He didn’t bother to hide his shudder.
Nairna ignored his cynicism. “I’ll need escorts and supplies. Can you gather some men together for me and we’ll leave on the morrow?”
“I can ask, but it’s safer if the women and bairns stay with Lord Locharr,” Monroe argued. “His castle is stron- ger than Glen Arrin will ever be.”
“Don’t you think Alex is trying to change that?” The chief of the MacKinlochs struck her as an ambitious man. “Glen Arrin can be more than it is.”
“It’ll ne’er happen,” Monroe said. “The clan’s too divided. Bram was meant to be chief, but he doesna want it anymore. He’s too weak, anyhow.”
“He is not too weak,” Nairna shot back. “In a few weeks, he’ll be as strong as any of them.”
“If he comes back.” With that, Monroe nodded his head in farewell and walked away.
Nairna’s skin turned cold. He’ll come back, she reassured herself.
He had to.
Chapter Ten
Bram remained in the shadows, watching the English soldiers who patrolled the garrison. He knew their faces, especially the men who had guarded the prisoners. Some had been impassive, merely obeying orders. Others had enjoyed tormenting those in chains.
