“Ye cannae be certain that by going there ye can stop any of that,” Lucais said.
“Nay, but I will be able to look my bairn in the eye and say I did all I could to stop it. I can tell him that I went and laid claim to my words, that I didnae allow them to be used against his father.”
“But if ye lay claim to them too, weel, ye could join him on the gallows.”
“That is a risk I must take.”
“A risk ye would expose the child to as weel.”
That was one of her greatest fears, but she refused to give in to it. “I will plead for the child. I cannae believe the king would slay an innocent for the faults of his parents. If the king wished all who claimed kinship with Hacon to pay, then it wouldnae have been only Hacon who was taken away. The Bruce’s men didnae raise a sword against us, didnae even hit anyone. Nay, my child will be safe. If all else fails, I can always pledge him to the Church.”
“There is naught we can say to change your mind, is there?”
“Nay, this is something I must do. I think ye ken it too.”
“Aye, mayhaps I do, but there is one difficulty. ’Tis a three-day ride to Dunfermline, two days or less if one moves swiftly. The few horses and ponies left to us by the Bruce’s men were taken by Dugald. We have no way to get ye to Dunfermline.”
“’Tis a difficulty on which I have given some thought. At least at first, I must walk.”
“This plan grows madder by the moment!” Serilda cried. “Ye cannae walk all the way to Dunfermline in your condition.”
“I suspect I could, but I really dinnae think I will have to. ’Tis now June and summer draws nigh. Many will be on the road. I will ask for a ride. Papa and I were often forced to travel that way.”
Ranald finally joined the discussion. “If enough coin can be found, a pony or horse, mayhaps even a cart, could be bought once she is beyond Dubheilrig’s lands. It doesnae need to be the best stock. ’Tisnae needed for a battle or a race.”
Lucais nodded, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his chin with one hand. “True, and I think we can find some coin. The Bruce’s men didnae get everything of value. They but grabbed what they could see.”
Serilda hit the table with her fist. “Lucais, ye cannae mean to allow this wild scheme!”
He patted her clenched fists. “I think whether I allow it or not, ’tis out of my hands.” He looked at Jennet. “Ye mean to go no matter what I say, dinnae ye?”
“Aye. I am sorry to cause you any grief or concern,” she added to Serilda.
“Hacon will be furious,” Serilda muttered, but she reached out to clasp Jennet’s hand.
“So, since there is no stopping you,” said Lucais, meeting Jennet’s look of determination, “then ’tis my duty to do all in my meager powers to help you. Ranald and that mon Robert will travel with you.”
“Nay,” Katherine protested, clutching Ranald’s arm. “My son willnae take any part in this madness.”
Ranald yanked free of her grip. “Aye, he will.”
“Katherine!” Lucais spoke sharply to his daughter when she started to protest again. “’Tis Ranald’s duty. He is a Gillard by blood. If Hacon falls, he takes the name with him. ’Twill be blackened for many years. Aye, this scheme may be madness, but it must be done.” He sighed and shook his head when his daughter ran weeping from the room.
Feeling guilty to have brought about such a breach, Jennet said, “Ye need not send Ranald. I—”
“I will go,” interrupted Ranald, slapping his hand on the table. “I will be eighteen soon. She must cease to treat me as a child. In truth, it grows painfully embarrassing.”
“I will speak to her while ye are gone,” Lucais promised. “I wish I could go as weel, but that would mean Ranald must stay behind and he can better aid you. In truth, with this leg, I believe I would move more slowly than you, Jennet. This work is something that must be done by the younger and the stronger. Now, let us make what few plans we can.”
Jennet breathed a sigh of relief. Her plan, mad as it seemed, had been accepted. Now, she thought, I have to make it work.
After kissing and hugging Murdoc farewell, Jennet and Ranald stepped outside of the manse into the damp early morning of the following day. Jennet’s eyes widened with surprise when, instead of finding just Robert waiting for them, there stood Elizabeth as well. It was clear from the bundle she carried that she was not simply there to bid farewell to her husband.
“Ye are coming too?” Jennet finally asked her friend as she pulled up the hood of her cloak.
“Aye. Lady Serilda asked me, but I was set on it myself anyway when Robert told me what you were planning. I said you would be needing a woman along. Truth to tell,” Elizabeth added as she linked her arm with Jennet’s and they started on their way, “Robert was pleased of it, for as he said, he and young Ranald have no knowledge about a woman in your condition.”
“Truth to tell”—Jennet exchanged a brief grin with Elizabeth—“ ’tis a comfort to have a woman along. I cannae foresee any great trouble, for I dinnae intend to risk my health, but . . .” She shrugged.
