He had to give Logan credit, despite the position he was in, Logan showed no fear. Instead a sadness seemed to eminate from his eyes as he gazed directly into Dougall’s. Dougall removed his hand, but didn’t move away.
“Ye ken yer Da. He would have killed me for disobeying his orders.”
Logan’s words sat between them for a moment before Dougall could respond. “I ken it. I should have known. When in the entirety of me life has he ever needed me for anything other than to serve his interests?”
“I’m sorry, Dougall. Ye ken I only did what I was forced to do. I hope ye can forgive me.” Logan held his ground, waiting for a response.
“We’ll camp here tonight.” Dougall dismounted and leading his horse walked away.
Logan relaxedas he watched Dougall’s back receding in the distance. He knew what he’d done was wrong, but there had been naught he could do about it. He was too young to die, but seeing the anger and disappointment on his friend’s face had him thinking that perhaps death would have been preferable in this case. He’d saved himself at the expense of Dougall and Helene’s happiness. He didn’t know how, but he vowed in that very moment to make it up to them somehow.
Logan was one of Paddraig MacRae’s most trusted captains, but it was a position he dreaded. He’d been happy at Breaghacraig, but upon returning home to be with his family he was forced into service for the laird. At first he was merely a member of his teulu, but as captain after captain was stripped of their position, some imprisoned and others killed, Logan had prayed that he never be put in a position where he could disappoint his laird. Disobeying orders was considered a treasonous act with severe consequences. He’d have to be careful, but he was now more determined than ever to do the right thing.
Logan approached Dougall, who was busy unsaddling his horse, his deception weighed heavy on his shoulders. “Dougall, I must speak with ye.”
Dougall turned to face him, and Logan was relieved to see that the anger was gone from his face, replaced with an apparent resignation to his circumstance.
“And I would speak with ye, Logan. ‘Tis nae the time fer it. Get the men settled and then set up the watch for the night. Mayhap we’ll speak later.”
“Aye, sir.” Gaining Dougall’s trust once again wasnae to be an easy task, but he’d continue trying. They’d known each other a long, long time and that had to count for something. He set about following the orders he was given, knowing that he’d have his chance to make things right again.
Dougall and Logansat quietly alone by the crackling fire. The men were either sleeping or taking their turn at keeping watch. It was quite late, but Dougall couldn’t imagine he’d be able to fall asleep without speaking with Logan about what had happened between them.
“Ye said ye wished to speak with me. Now’s yer chance,” Dougall kept his voice impassive, controlling the anger he still felt.
“Aye. Dougall, I wish to apologize to ye once again. I ken ye may nae be ready to accept me apology… now or ever, but I truly am sorry to have caused ye so much pain.”
“’Tis nae meself I’m concerned about. ‘Tis Helene. She is the sweetest most gentle person I’ve ever known. I’m afraid of what will happen to her if me Da gets his hands on her.”
“He’d nae harm her, Dougall. He’s as mean as a nest full of wasps, but I’ve nae seen him harm a woman in all the years I’ve lived at Castle Treun.”
“Just because ye’ve nae seen it, doesnae mean it hasn’t occurred.” Dougall picked up a stick and began drawing lines in the dirt at his feet. “If he believes she’s a threat to his plans, who kens what he may decide to do.”
“Aye. I see yer point.” Logan leaned forward, elbows on knees. “What will ye do?”
“I cannae do a thing from here, but me sister, Brenna has vowed to keep watch over Helene.” Dougall was sure she would. Even though she’d gone along with the deception, he knew her well enough to know she would never allow any harm to come to Helene, at least not if she were present to witness it.
“Ye can trust her. She’s a good lass and yer Da loves her dearly. He’d do anything fer her.”
Dougall threw his stick into the fire and stood. “We will speak again in the morn. I’m so verra tired both inside and out, but I’m nae so sure sleep will find me. Ye should sleep. Tomorrow will be another long day.”
Amist hungover the hills and clung to the trees, making everything appear dreamlike and soft. Dougall led his men away from their camp and onward in this nonsensical task his father had assigned him. Logan again rode at his side and Dougall felt that some of the heaviness that hung between them had passed. Perhaps today would be the day he could forgive his friend.
Dougall stretched in his saddle and rubbed his horse’s neck, speaking softly so only he could hear.
“Did ye say something?” Logan asked.
“Nae, not to ye.” Dougall answered.
“Are ye speaking with yer horse then?” Logan teased.
“Aye. There’s nae a thing wrong with it either.” Dougall eyed Logan, feeling some of the camaraderie that had been missing between them since their arrival at Castle Treun. Logan’s timing might be off, but perhaps it was time to lay his anger at his friend to rest. “Do ye nae believe this is the most useless waste of time?”
“Yer Da has an ulterior motive I’m sure,” Logan answered.
“And do ye ken what it might be?” Dougall felt the anger rising again. Was Logan keeping something else from him?
“Nae. I dinnae.” Logan shifted uneasily in his saddle. “Yer brother Fingall is to marry as well, ye ken.”
