Otto sighed and winced, shaking his head as he looked across the tavern. “What if Rufus has spread the word of your killing two of his men?” he asked. “There are some who might not believe you defended yourself and the lady.”
“Particularly those already inclined to believe the worst of you,” Talbot added, then raised his hands. “Let us return to Normandy with all haste and abandon this quest, while you still can do as much.”
“I will only leave once my lady’s safety is assured,” Ramsay insisted. “You are welcome to depart now, if that is your inclination. I ride to Dunhaven alone on the morrow. I would appreciate if you might muster some aid from her kin.”
There was a long moment of silence, and Ramsay was aware that Anna was listening avidly, her eyes wide. He smiled at her. “All will be well, Anna, or I shall be lost in the attempt.”
“That is my fear, sir.”
Talbot sighed. “I will undertake this task,” he said heavily. “I will escort Anna and that creature to Kinfairlie, but if he bites me, I may well leave him behind.”
“You cannot expect me to linger here, two day’s ride away,” Otto said with a shake of his head. “I will ride with you to the gates.”
“Nay,” Ramsay said. “Do not risk the both of you.”
“I thank you for your concern,” Talbot said in an undertone.
Ramsay ignored him, knowing his friend’s valor and trustworthiness was as great as his own. “There is a forest, so says the keeper, where you might await him.”
“Thus we are brigands lurking in the woods again,” Talbot complained, but Ramsay was glad he did not protest the rest of the scheme.
“You can be an impetuous fool, boy,” Otto growled.
“Then leave me, and return south to safety,” Ramsay suggested, knowing from the older man’s tone that he would not do as much.
“And abandon you with no one to vouch for your character if matters go awry?” Talbot shook his head with welcome resolve. “Nay, we have come this far with you on this quest of yours and we will see it to its end.” He wagged a finger at Ramsay. “You cannot blame me, though for hoping it will not be as ill-fated as I fear.”
“I thank you both!” Ramsay said with relief.
“All this for a woman,” Talbot complained. “Whythisone, Ramsay?”
“My lady is a pearl to be prized,” Anna interjected.
“She is indeed,” Ramsay agreed.
Talbot shook his head. “I come to believe you chose her solely for the challenge she presents. I do not wish to hear a month from now that you find her lacking in charm because you face no adversity in your courtship any longer.”
Ramsay managed a smile. “I will not complain thus. I vow it to you.” But in his heart, he hoped that both he and Evangeline would still draw breath in a month’s time.
For Rufus Percival’s thirst for vengeance would not be easily evaded, a detail that Ramsay had learned all too well.
* * *
The rider arrivedat Kinfairlie’s gates on Saturday eve as the sun was sinking.
Alexander, Laird of Kinfairlie, heard the news as he descended to the board for the evening meal, for the tale reached the hall on fleet feet. The keep was full of guests and the meal promised to be a merry one. Vivienne and Erik had arrived from Blackleith on this day, with all five of their children, and Malcolm and Catriona had ridden from Ravensmuir with their family to partake of the reunion.
Much of the family gathered for Evangeline’s nuptials at Dunhaven: Isabella and Murdoch would arrive with the Hawk and Aileen soon, while Madeline and Rhys would make their way directly to Dunhaven with their children. Alexander’s wife, Eleanor, had all the arrangements in hand, with the aid of Catriona, Malcolm’s wife, at nearby Ravensmuir.
Some were unable to attend. Alexander’s sister, Annelise, and her husband Garrett would not be attending, for the Hawk’s daughter Mhairi was with child and had been ill. Her husband, Quentin, was Captain of the Guard at Garrett’s holding, and the four, Alexander knew, were close. The Hawk’s eldest son, Nigel, would remain at Inverfyre to ensure its security in his father’s absence, one younger son remaining with him and the other travelling south with his parents. There was much to be managed with so many guests, but truly, Alexander wished they had not been destined for Dunhaven.
He wished Evangeline might have been wed here, and all could have lingered at Kinfairlie. He had made the invitation, but it had been declined by Lawrence Percival, and so a large entourage would head south early in the week.
And now, a messenger at the gates, unexpectedly.
Details were fulsome from Alexander’s seneschal. That man met him at the foot of the stairs, and matched his pace as he crossed the hall.
The arrival rode a black destrier, a horse undoubtedly of the stock of Ravensmuir’s stables, but offered no explanation of his possession of the steed at the gates, save that he would speak to the laird. A maiden on a palfrey rode with him, and he declared himself to be unarmed.
