Baird whispered sweet nothings into the little horse’s ears, but she stubbornly refused to lift her hooves from the deck. It was only when she looked up and saw Arvak waiting, with Selene and Kenneth already mounted on his broad back, that she made a move. She placed one dainty hoof after another and went ashore, with her gaze still fixed on Arvak.
“It seems my destrier has won the lady’s heart,” Kenneth said, sounding amused. Selene giggled as they set off with Baird in the lead.
It was not a great distance to the castle from the berth, yet the road was scarcely more than a rough track and the going was slow through forests and only a few cultivated fields.
So, this is Elsie’s domain. It is wild enough, to suit my little sister.
Selene smiled to herself. Her sister had never been one for manners and restraint, she would be happy in this rough place, riding free without a care for fashion or strict etiquette.
Brochel Castle was pitched high on a rocky outcrop facing east over the sea. The path was tortuous and narrow, but Arvak and his new lady love found their unerring way over the difficult terrain.
Baird shouted to the guards at the gate as they approachedand, by the time they crossed the little bridge leading into the castle, the gate was already opening.
As they rode into the courtyard, the tall figure of Halvard appeared at the entrance to the keep.
He was an imposing figure. His face – a little leaner than when Selene had seen him last – was browned by time spent in the outdoors. Clad in his great kilt in a yellow and red plaid, a black waistcoat and a short green cloth coat with gold cord with a blue bonnet on his head, he was every inch the Highland laird.
Selene reviewed their saturated, untidy, state, and could not help wishing both she and Kenneth had been able to bathe and don garb that was a little more fitting to the occasion before this long-awaited meeting.
Halvard greeted her politely, taking her hand in brief acknowledgment. “Greetings tae ye Lady Selene.”
He glanced at Kenneth, one brow quirking. “Welcome tae Castle Brochel, Laird Kenneth, I was nae expecting yer company.”
He stretched his hand out stiffly. With only the tiniest hesitancy, Kenneth reached across and shook it.
“I beg yer pardon fer nae giving ye notice, Laird Halvard. ’Twas a last-minute decision tae keep the Lady Selene company. Yet, yeand I have matters that are best discussed in person.” He bowed from the waist. “I am most grateful fer yer kind welcome.”
This was the much-vaunted Highland hospitality Selene had heard of. It was unthinkable for a Highland laird not to extend another clan chief a welcome to his home. Even if it was unexpected. And even if it happened that they were enemies or simply not allies.
Halvard glanced at Serene before turning and leading them into the keep, “Me bonnie wife will be with us in a short while.” A grin flickered on his lips. “She is primping in her chamber, wishing tae look her best fer the meeting wi’ ye.”
Selene gave a wry laugh, glancing at her limp skirt in dismay. “And I wish I could look me best also.”
As they entered the keep there came the clickety-clack of shoes on the stone stairs and then a loud squeal as Elsie appeared, her curls flying, as she dashed forward in a whirl of petticoats.
Selene opened her arms and the two sisters hugged, laughing and crying in equal delight to be together again after so long. Elsie sobbed on Selene’s shoulder and looked up smiling, her eyes wet.
Wiping away her sister’s tears, Selene was beaming.
“Oh, my darling little sister. I am so happy to see you.”
Elsie grinned, brushing a damp curl from her cheeks. “I cannae believe ye’re here at long last.” She took Selene’s hand. “Now, let me take ye tae yer chamber so ye can warm yer poor cold hands and change intae something dry.” She looked Selene up and down for a long moment. “Ye’re nae the elegant lass I’m used tae seeing. All neat and tidy with nae a speck of dirt on yer gown.” She laughed, tossing her head back. “Here ye are looking like a bedraggled cat.”
Selene tutted. “And you, sister, are talking like a Scotswoman. What has become of your fine English speech?”
“Och, ‘tis the only way I can be understood in this place. Besides, I rather like the way my tongue rolls on the Scottish words.”
Elsie looked up at Kenneth who was smiling fondly, watching the sisters embracing.
“I thank ye, Laird Kenneth, fer taking such good care of me sister and bringing her safely tae Raasay.”
Halvard cleared his throat, glaring at Kenneth. It occurred to Selene that it was likely Halvard did not share Elsie’s enthusiasm for Kenneth’s good care.
Frowning, Halvard turned to Kenneth.
“Laird Kenneth, I understand there is much fer us tae discuss and I ken it is nae only the Lady’s Selene’s wellbeing that has brought ye tae Raasay.”
Still clutching her sister, Selene cautiously observed the interaction between Kenneth and Halvard. They seemed to be circling each other like two wary black bears, undecided if they were confronting danger or not.
