“She will share Lady Alienor’s fate and for the same reason,” Talbot said grimly. “What will you do?”
“We cannot lay siege to Dunhaven alone,” Otto said. “You must be practical in this!”
“Which is why you must ride for Kinfairlie to gather aid,” Ramsay said, glad to have the option. “Her family gathers there to journey to the planned nuptials at Dunhaven.”
“Another week,” Talbot protested. “Will she survive so long as that?”
Ramsay could not bear to imagine otherwise. “I think he will wait until after the nuptials. I think he will ensure his possession of her dowry and secure whatever alliances were made by the match.”
“He waits for you to step into his trap,” Talbot said softly. “The better to dispose of two threats at once.”
Ramsay shrugged though he was inclined to agree. “And yet, I cannot do otherwise. I can ride for Dunhaven on the morrow, if you will take the message to Kinfairlie.”
Talbot tightened his lips and looked away, his dissatisfaction clear.
Otto meanwhile shook his head. “’Twas one matter to escort the lady to her family and save her from a violent match. But your family and hers are sworn enemies by your telling. Why should they listen to any tale we bring from you?”
“Aye, but her father has triumphed. I am the last MacLaren.”
“They might wish to ensure there are none,” Otto noted.
“We might never leave that abode alive, Ramsay, just for acknowledging our friendship with you,” Talbot warned.
“Which is why one of you will enter alone save for the maid Anna and the black destrier.” Ramsay drank of his ale. “And unarmed. You must appear as a messenger and no threat to their welfare, which means you should undertake the task, Talbot.”
“Me?”
“Would you believe Otto if he came to your portal?” Ramsay strove to make a jest for they were so earnest—and the risk was not small.
“I take offense at that!” the older man complained, but they all had a chuckle before sobering anew.
“There is a danger,” Otto said solemnly.
“And a greater one to the lady,” Ramsay said.
Talbot grimaced. “But I have no desire to see the inside of Kinfairlie’s dungeon.”
“They might not know of Ramsay MacLaren,” Otto said and Talbot brightened at that prospect. “Consider the distance between Inverfyre and Kinfairlie. The subject may never have arisen between cousins.”
Ramsay shook his head. “They will know of me,” he said with surety. “Did you not hear the lady say that Ahearn O’Donnell, the Captain of the Guard from Inverfyre, rode to Kinfairlie from Dunhaven? He was the one who escorted my lady to her nuptials.”
Talbot winced. “The dark-haired warrior leading her party?” Ramsay nodded. “The one who endured our attack upon their party? I doubt he will view you kindly.”
“As do I,” Ramsay admitted. “He was the one who cast me into Inverfyre’s dungeon five years ago.” He watched his companion and mentor exchange a glance.
“The man cannot fail to recognize your name!” Otto said.
“We cannot abandon her,” Ramsay said. “Theymustcome to her aid.”
“They may come to her aid but not yours,” Otto noted.
“That will suffice.”
Talbot rolled his eyes. “And you in possession of a destrier stolen from them.”
“The horse will give credence to the tale, proving that I have been with my lady. Take him with you and ride him through Kinfairlie’s gates. That beast will gain you admission.”
“It will prove that you were the brigand who robbed their party,” Talbot clarified.
