“That is what makes them so dangerous,” Alex agreed. “And ‘tis all the more reason for us tae act quickly, before he has a chance tae do it again. If only we could end this peacefully somehow.”
“We still have not told Laird Angus that Romilly is in our dungeons. Perhaps if we do, he’ll be willing tae negotiate for her release? Perhaps he’ll forswear any violence?”
“Even if he did, we could nae trust him. He is not a man known for his honor, and he would nae hesitate tae offer his word with every intention of breaking it later. Meanwhile, we’ll have given up our only bargaining token.”
“We must take some action, that much is obvious. What shall we do? Kidnap theotherdaughter?” he asked jokingly.
Alex raised an eyebrow.
Bryan laughed incredulously. “That is yer plan?”
“Why not?” Alex replied. “It seems ye were right all along in saying that we must be willing tae do something drastic to stop a war before it starts. Angus used one of his children tae strike at us, and he might just as easily use the other as well. We can eliminate that possibility if she is in our custody. Then Angus shall have no remaining legacy tae call his own, and he willhavetae agree tae our terms. Aye, and stick tae them too, for now he’ll know that his daughters are nay safe from us.”
“Dinnae mistake me, Laird Alex, for I am always happy tae hear ye agree that I was right about things,” Bryan quipped. “However, it seems tae me that the plan might be easier said than done. How can we be sure that such a mission can be carried off with no danger tae the younger daughter’s life? That would be a tricky bit of business, it seems tae me.”
“It is,” Alex agreed, “which is why I intend tae send the only man who could be trusted with such a delicate mission.”
It took a moment for Bryan to understand what Alex meant. When he did, his eyes widened.
“I would not risk asking it of anyone else. I understand how important it is for nothing tae go wrong. And there are no other soldiers or guardsmen who have shown yer talent for stealth. Which is how this must be accomplished, else we ensure open war after all.”
“Let me be certain I understand ye,” Bryan said slowly, still stunned by the strangeness of the request. “Ye are ordering metae ride into enemy lands, sneak into the McGregor Stronghold, into the bedchamber of one of the laird’s daughters, and steal her off into the night? Ye expect me tae achieve all that, and without anything going wrong?”
“Almost.” There was a twinkle in Alex’s eye. “Ye shall ride into their lands, that part is true enough; I have no doubt at all that ye can do so while escaping detection. I have seen how ye can make yerself nearly invisible to enemies when that is what ye wish tae do. However, ye shall not need tae infiltrate the McGregor Stronghold, for Lady Katherine will not be within it when ye spirit her away.”
“How on earth can ye know such a thing?” Bryan demanded with a laugh. “Do ye have the birds and squirrels of the McGregor Clan working as yer eyes and ears?”
“Angus is nay the only one who can use spies tae suit his purposes. I have learned from certain less-than-loyal members of the McGregor Clan that on certain days, Lady Katherine rides out tae the villages and farms tae instruct the young women in sewing and other such skills. She remains there until just before the sun sets, more often than not, and then rides back tae the stronghold. ye shall catch her in transit, where the path is distant enough from people tae ensure ye are not caught at it.”
“Are we tae believe she would travel unguarded on these excursions?” Bryan challenged doubtfully. “That she would make herself vulnerable tae such an attack?”
“That is what I have heard, aye.”
“And if ye’ve been lied to? What if there’s a struggle, and she’s injured or worse in the attempt?”
“If ye find the task impossible, ye may simply return and say so,” Alex told him evenly. “I trust ye tae make yer best effort short of that, as ye always have.”
There was nothing else for Bryan to say; it was clear that Alex had made up his mind, and he would do all he could to see itthrough, such was his absolute loyalty to his laird. Even if the details of the plan sounded like madness to him.
“Very well,” Bryan sighed. “I shall set off tomorrow at first light.”
“Excellent.” Alex nodded, clapped the Captain of the Guard on the shoulder, and walked off.
Bryan contemplated the task at hand for the remainder of the evening, still doubtful that he would succeed. What sort of laird would allow his youngest daughter to ride about without guardsmen, knowing that his older daughter was likely being held captive by a bitter rival?
If Angus cared so little for Lady Katherine’s safety, then how likely was it that he would involve her in any schemes against the Oliphants? Would that not make his errand folly?
That was not the only disquieting notion in his mind, though.
This was a lass who was open-hearted enough to spend time with the lowborn of her clan, assisting them. Could that be the same lass who would engage in villainy at her father’s behest?
Had he counseled decisive action before? Yes, certainly. In his mind, that had taken the form of riding toward the McGregor Stronghold in force, and negotiating peace at the point of a sword if need be. He had believed that sheer numbers and intimidation might have done the trick, and he’d prepared himself for that.
But this? A man alone, risking his neck to grab a woman during daylight?
No, he did not like this mission one bit.
The sun roseupon the next day, and when it reached its zenith, Lady Katherine made her customary journey to the same townsshe always visited. The people who gathered were even happier to see her than usual, for they had greatly missed her company during the previous month when she’d been imprisoned in her own room. She was glad of that; it made her feel as though she had done the right thing after all, sticking to her principles instead of giving in to her father.
