The other man stared at him.
“And I don’t like it.”
Chapter Twenty
Alex plans to give himself to King Edward in return for the promise to leave
his family alone. Loki, his confidante, is helping him, but will the English leave
his clan alone if he does what they want?
Alexander Grant was tired. Tired of searching over half the Highlands for the person he sought. It wouldn’t be long before someone from his clan found him and he’d be forced to go back to Grant land.
But he couldn’t.
He was done watching his clan be tortured by the English.
The last plan he’d made had failed—the Scottish sheriffs hadn’t been stationed near King Robert like he’d thought. His confidant had done as promised, but he couldn’t keep asking for help.
It was time to complete this mission.
He awakened early that morn and stood on his favorite vantage point, looking down at the snow-topped Highland mountains he so loved. He only knew one person who liked this view more than he did.
His companion joined him. “’Tis a view I’ve always loved, but you know that. We’ve seen much happen in the Highlands over the years, and I still treasure every single trip I’ve made across this point.”
Alex clasped the man’s shoulder. “Aye, we’ve seen much. I’d hoped to see Scotland back in control of the Scots before I leave this land. I hope King Robert will be successful. This move I’m about to make should seal that for all of our countrymen.”
The other man pointed. “Look below. The ones you’re searching for are there, I believe.”
Alex squinted, cursing his loss of vision. “I cannot see that far any longer. I must depend on your eyes.”
“Trust me that the man you are looking for is ahead of us. ’Tis time for us to move.”
Alexander Grant smiled and squared his shoulders. “Lead on. We’ll end this.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Who the hell is Hamish???
Alex had been tied to his horse, but it was no matter—he’d always had a talent for directing his mount with just his knees. Midnight was distressed because of his containment, but he knew the beast would follow his lead.
Busby had told DeFry that he was leading Alex to a specific pathway he wished to take, after which he’d return. Alex was annoyed to be portrayed as a daft old man who’d gotten lost, even more so because DeFry hadn’t thought to question it. Before they left, Hamish following, Alex gave instructions to his guards, loyal men who already knew precisely what to do when he was taken captive.
He knew his grandbairns would be upset, but they would follow him. He hoped they would come together, as a group, because he suspected he’d need the spectral swords to get out of this. But he also knew his headstrong granddaughter would be beside herself with worry.
He wished he could tell her there was no need.
Alex wasn’t ready to say goodbye to wee John and Ailith yet. He suspected there could be another couple of grandbairns coming along soon, but he didn’t prod.
The three men didn’t go far before they came upon a small English garrison. Busby left Alex with Hamish and rode ahead to speak with the man in charge of the group.
“You don’t remember me, do you, my laird?” Hamish whispered when he brought his horse abreast of Midnight.
“You look familiar,” Alex said. “Were you one of my guards many years ago?”
“Aye. I lived on Grant land for years, trained every day in the lists. Do not worry, my laird. I’ll help you get through this safely.”
His words were those of a faithful man, but Alex noted that Hamish would not make eye contact with him. Not a good sign. Memories trickled back to him. “Why did you leave Grant land? If my old memory serves me properly, you left without saying a word to anyone. Just disappeared.”
