“Attack?”Aileana choked. “You’re planning to attack Eilean Donan?”
“Aye, of course.” Gavin got up and began to pace. “But not until Robert decides our method. He and the men will be leaving the castle shortly, and we’ll discuss options in the glen after I’ve figured how to get you down the wall with me.” He stopped pacing, glancing at her with concern. “What is it, lass? You look a little green. Do you need some water?”
Shaking her head, Aileana pulled him to sit beside her again. “Nay—just tell me what foolishness you’re planning.”
Gavin frowned. “We won’t be attacking in the usual sense, if that’s what worries you. Robert didn’t want to risk harm to you, and there aren’t enough MacDonell men that’s fit to do it right now.” Gavin tapped his finger to his temple and winked. “But leave it to your brothers, lass. We’ve a few ideas yet. If he was going to be living long enough, the MacRae would curse the day he brought shame on you.”
Aileana felt as if she’d been kicked in the stomach. “Dragon’s breath, Gavin MacDonell, just what is it you’re planning to do?”
“Why, we’re going to kill the MacRae, lass,” he said slowly, as if she lacked the wit to follow what he’d said. “Honor demands it. From the moment he took you, Duncan MacRae was a marked man.”
She shook her head, too horror-stricken to utter a sound.
“What? Why are you looking like that?” Gavin tipped her chin to look at him. “The bastard ruined you, little sister, and I mean to make him pay for his crime.”
“But you cannot kill him. I—I won’t allow it.”
“Ach, feel no tenderness for the scoundrel! He’s not worth—” He stopped suddenly, and shook his head in denial. “Don’t tell me the bastard’s got his child growing in you, already?”
A strange pang shot through her. “Nay, I don’t carry Duncan’s babe.”
“Then why are you so hell bent on saving him?”
She looked away. “It is just…it’s just that I don’t think this plot against him is honorable. I made my bargain with him in good faith. I gave him my word.”
“A bargain in good faith! He made you hisleman, lass. There’s nothing good nor faithful about that.”
She flushed and looked away. “Not in truth, he didn’t,” she murmured. “He only wants everyone to think it so.”
Gavin looked as though he’d swallowed a school of loch fish. “What exactly are you telling me?”
“Just what it sounds like,” she muttered. “In the time that I’ve been here, Duncan MacRae hasn’t touched me even once in that way. I’m as pure as the day I left Dulhmeny, so you cannot kill him for dishonoring me.”
Gavin remained quiet, his expression doubting.
Exasperated, Aileana said, “If an oath is necessary, then I swear it on our mother’s grave.”
Gavin’s eyes widened. His gaze traveled over her, and he shook his head. “By the Saints, Aileana…sure and that I’m thankful, but—” He looked askance at her. “Doesn’t the man have eyes? He cannot have looked upon you lately, or else I’d have to be saying he’s gone daft as well as murderous.”
“He’s nothing of the sort, I assure you.” Aileana flushed again. “And he was honest enough not to kill you. Many a man in his place might have sought vengeance, even after taking me at my bargain. At least he’s living up to his side of the agreement.” Then she added more quietly, “Or at least he was until an hour ago.”
“Why? What the devil did he do now?”
Aileana felt ashamed she hadn’t told him sooner. “You must forget about everything else we’ve discussed and go home quickly, Gavin. Gather as many men as you can.” She squeezed her hands tight in her lap. “Less than an hour ago Duncan told me that he’s going to lead a raid on Dulhmeny by week’s end if I don’t give him theEalach.”
“The bastard! I knew he couldn’t be trusted,” Gavin growled and sprang to his feet, his hands clenched to fists. “It’s all the more reason to let me kill him. If he’s dead, he cannot lead an attack against us.” He nodded to Aileana. “You’re coming with me. I want to get you out of harm’s way before the deed is done, so that none of his clan tries to retaliate against you when they find their chieftain dead.”
“Nay!” Aileana tried to control the fear that consumed her every time she considered the possibility of Duncan dying. She didn’t know why the thought of it wounded her so, especially considering how he’d behaved toward her these last days, but understandable or not, her feelings on the matter were definite. While she might not be able to stop the chance of its happening if a clan war broke out, she knew she’d be fit for the grave herself if she didn’t prevent her brothers from outright murdering him.
“I won’t go with you, Gavin.” She stood. “Please, just do as I say. Go home without delay.”
He shook his head. “We’re leaving together, Aileana. We’ll settle the rest later.” He took hold of her arm and started to lead her to the window. “Come. I’ll not have you spending another minute with that lying churl. He’s not fit to be called a man.”
“Nay, I said!” Aileana shouted and yanked her arm from his grasp. “I will not be pushed and prodded like a sheep to the gate.”
Gavin stared at her, stunned. She shook her sleeve back into position. “I’ve made my decision, and you must abide by it.” She glanced to him, softening enough to add, “I’m no longer a child, Gavin. Father is dead. I’ll allow no one to take his role of power over me again.”
Her brother’s gaze hardened, and he gestured round the chamber that confined them. “The MacRae seems to be doing a fine job of it if you ask me.”
