Nairna nodded, waiting for the woman to continue. “Go on.”
“They chained Callum in the center of the fortress for all to see. Lord Cairnross planned to make an example of him.” Marguerite shuddered at the memory. “They whipped him until his blood ran into the stones. Then they left him there, as night was falling.
“I waited until nearly everyone was gone, and I tried to help stop the bleeding. I gave him water and stayed with him for a while. I suppose Lord Cairnross learned of it, for the next morn, Callum was gone. He was sent to another fortress, to the south.”
Marguerite raised her eyes to Nairna’s. “It was probably my fault that they moved him. I shouldn’t have interfered, I suppose. But I couldn’t stand back and watch him suffer.”
Nairna took a breath, sickened by the thought of Bram’s younger brother tormented in that way. “I would have done the same,” she admitted.
“I pray that they didn’t kill him.” Marguerite finished her meal and looked around. “Thank heaven, your husband and the chief freed the other prisoners. And me.”
“Will your betrothed husband come after you?” Nairna asked. She was certain Lord Cairnross wouldn’t allow his bride to be abducted without seeking retribution.
Marguerite shrugged. “Even if he does, I won’t wed him.” A ruthless expression swept over her face, transforming her regal demeanour into that of a warrior. “I wish he’d been killed in the fight. He deserved it, for what he did to those men.”
Changing the subject, Marguerite continued, “The chief has sent word to my father, to bring me home again.”
“Where is your father now?”
“In Edinburgh.” Marguerite’s expression dimmed. “I fear it will take some time before he can be here. But I know he’ll come for me.”
In the meantime, Nairna fully expected Lord Cairnross to attack Glen Arrin. By freeing the prisoners and seizing his bride, Bram and Alex had struck a blow against the man’s pride. Nerves twisted within her stomach, and she wondered whether Bram and the others would be ready for the fight.
Marguerite rose and offered, “I fear I’m not good with household matters, but I will do what I can to help you until my father arrives.” The woman’s furtive glance around showed her dismay at the broken-down keep.
Nairna no longer worried about all the work to be done. With the women returning from Locharr, they could accomplish a great deal. She looked around for Alex’s wife Laren, but saw no sign of her.
Before she could ask Marguerite anything, her attention was drawn to three riders approaching on horseback. Nairna shielded her eyes against the sun, and a fierce joy broke over her when she saw her maid Jenny arriving with two of her father’s men.
She ran to the older woman, embracing her after one of the escorts helped Jenny down from her mount. “I’m so glad to see you,” Nairna wept.
She felt like a foolish little girl, but seeing her maid again was something she hadn’t expected. Aye, Bram had told her he would send for Jenny, but a part of her hadn’t really believed it. He’d kept his word and this was a gift that meant everything to her.
The older woman patted Nairna’s shoulders, “Now, now. No tears, Nairna.”
When she drew back, Jenny’s wrinkled face pulled back in a smile. “These old bones need a bit of rest after such a journey.”
“Come inside.” Nairna supported the woman as she walked within the keep.
Jenny’s eyes narrowed at the sight of the unkempt Hall. “I see we’ve work ahead of us, haven’t we?”
“Not for you,” Nairna corrected. “Rest yourself and have something to eat and drink.” She nodded at Lady Marguerite to follow her. “Before we do anything else, we’re going to find Alex’s wife, Lady Laren. Do you know where she is?”
“Oui,“ Marguerite confirmed. “She went with her daughters to the loch, early this morn.”
Nairna wasn’t surprised to hear it. But Laren had been avoiding Glen Arrin long enough.
Today, she intended to find out exactly what secrets the chief’s wife was hiding.
Chapter Fourteen
The heavy weight of the axe was welcome, as Bram swung to cut down a fir tree. The physical labor demanded more energy than he had, but he ignored the pain and toiled through it. He wanted to finish the house for Nairna and live beneath their own roof, as soon as possible.
Seven other clansmen worked alongside him, and there was a noticeable difference in their demeanor, now that some of the women and children had returned. They seemed preoccupied, their glances slipping toward the keep in the valley.
“So Vanora returned, did she?” Alex said to Ross. The two men worked to build a frame around the house and Ross gave a shrug.
“She did. Though I’m not certain why. It might’ve been better had she stayed.”
