"Speak." His voice carried the weight of command, deep and low. "Where is the bastard?"
Eric folded his arms. "He's holed up in a village a day's ride to the east. Got word from a trader who swears he saw a paintin' matchin' yer description being sold at the market end of this week."
"Prepare the horses. We ride within the hour." His tone was cold, final. "I'll nae suffer a man to take from me, least of all somethin' that belonged to me mother."
"I thought ye'd say that. But tell me, what's to be done when ye've got him in yer hands? A clean cut of justice, or somethin' slower?" Eric asked as he walked alongside him.
"He must suffer, Eric. For touchin' what was mine, he'll pay in blood and pain. And if he's got friends who helped him, they'll learn that any who steal from Caiden Byrne suffer the same fate."
"I'll see the horses and the men ready."
"Nay, it will be only the two of us. If I arrive with a horde of guards, the entire village will be alerted. We will nae wear our colors. Two brown cloaks, tattered and worn. We shall be disguised," Caiden said.
"I will see it's done." Eric turned on his heel and strode toward the stables.
Caiden headed inside the castle to prepare.
"Fowler!" he shouted as he neared the kitchens. "Where is that blasted…"
"Here, me laird." Fowler scurried in.
"Prepare rations for two men on horseback to last a three-day ride. Send them to Eric in the stable straight away," Caiden said.
"Aye, right away," Fowler said as he turned to give orders to a kitchen maid.
Caiden entered his bedchamber and quickly changed his clothes to a worn tunic and plain kilt that would not give away his status as Laird. However he wore his sword and dirk as always. He tied a scarf around his waist that he planned to use later to cover his face so as not to be recognized.
With no time wasted, he made his way back to the stables ready to ride. There, he found Eric packing their satchels with the food and supplies needed.
"As requested," Eric said, handing him a brown cloak.
"Good. We ride fast but steady so we go unnoticed. I'll nae return without me mother's paintin', nor without the man who dared take it." Caiden's hand tightened on the reins of the stallion, the leather creaking under his grip, as he mounted the saddle.
"I am with ye," Eric said.
"By nightfall tomorrow, Eric," he said, his voice carrying like steel. "We'll have the thief in our grasp. And he'll ken the price of takin' from me. He will be made an example of so that no one else dare try such a thing. To steal from under me very roof. 'Tis unheard of and we must make sure doesnae happen again."
Eric gave a sharp nod.
Caiden spurred his horse forward, and the two men thundered out of the stables, their breath rising in white clouds. The sound of hooves faded into the hills, leaving McGibb Castle behind to await their return.
Whoever stole from me, I shall have his head.
CHAPTER TWO
"This'll do fine for the auction, Lavina," Maisie said. "It's grand enough to impress but warm enough for folk to feel welcome. I can see the tables here along the wall, with candles set high for light."
She gestured toward the far corner, already imagining the arrangement in the grand room of Castle McGowan. Its vaulted ceiling was supported by beams darkened with age.
Maisie turned in a slow circle, her eyes bright with excitement. "What are yer thoughts, sister?"
Lavina stepped beside her. "Aye, I agree. We could bring down the greenery from the upper gardens to twine round the pillars. And perhaps silver candelabra from the dinin' hall, to give it a touch of splendor. When folk are happy, they open their coin purse." Her tone was thoughtful, already falling into the rhythm of planning.
Maisie clasped her hands, the prospect lighting a glow in her cheeks. "And I could hang the smaller paintings along this wall, so folk may walk past and bid as they go. A bowl of holly berries here, maybe fresh pine at the hearth." She looked at her sister with eager eyes.
Lavina smiled, "Ye've an eye for these things, Maisie. I daenae ken why I doubted ye before. I'm proud of ye for thinkin' of it."
Maisie's heart swelled, the praise striking deeper than she expected.
