“I received word that my mother was severely ill, so I left in a state of panic. My pardon for not having acted more appropriately. I was young and foolish.”
But Hamish still wouldn’t make eye contact. He hadn’t even turned his head toward Alex.
Alex knew better than to trust a man who wouldn’t look him in the eye. He tried to recall more about Hamish’s time as a Grant warrior, but at the moment his mind came up empty.
Busby returned and said, “The garrison will escort you to Berwick Castle, where the king is presently in residence. Hamish and I will follow, see that you’re treated well.”
“Treated well, my arse,” Alex scoffed. “You’re a traitor, so don’t try to pretend otherwise.”
Busby grabbed the bindings around his wrists, his expression a dark glower. “You’ll regret saying that. I’ll have my chance with you.”
It was then Hamish finally looked at Alex.
His wide grin showed the two missing front teeth, the kind a fist to the face usually caused. Experience had taught him that a man who lacked those teeth had typically lost them because he was untrustworthy, confirming the inkling he had about the bastard. But that inkling also told him there was more to Hamish’s story.
What the hell was it?
Chapter Twenty-Two
Alex’s scheme is playing out.
The time was nigh. Alex tugged on his bindings, hoping he could free himself once Loki’s group attacked, but the ropes were stronger than he’d anticipated.
He’d given Loki instructions on where he should attack, if possible. Just as he’d thought, Busby had brought him to the group of English cavalry. The group numbered around eighty, but Loki had at least two score. Everyone knew one Highlander could take out two to three Englishmen, so the numbers were good. He had complete confidence in Loki’s warriors.
He also suspected his granddaughter would come along soon with the spectral swords. They’d assist as necessary. Once this was done, word of the defeat would pass through all the Highlands and Lowlands. Everyone would know a small group of Highlanders had crushed a much larger force of English.
He hoped it would be enough to keep Edward’s son away until next summer.
Once he was free, he’d have the task of convincing the lass that Derric was meant for her. That he belonged with the spectral swords and would also make a fine addition to Clan Grant. Of course, he’d have to ensure Corbett had completed his quest, but if he’d spent this much time with Dyna, he must have seen her soft heart.
Unfortunately, the lass could be a wee bit stubborn. Somehow, he’d have to convince her Derric was the one for her.
***
Alex dreams of Maddie again, and finally remembers who Hamish is…
Alex groaned and lifted his head, but the pain was too much for him. He was on a pallet in a small hut, and he thought he was alone. He recalled the battle, the lightning, but then something unanticipated had happened, putting a hitch in his plan.
Someone had struck him in the back of his head. Everything had turned black until now.
The pain in his head was so severe that he shut his eyes again, drifting into a dream that brought him pleasure.
Maddie stood in the loch, her back to him, dressed only in her chemise. Trembling from the temperature of the water, she glanced over her shoulder at him, her golden hair falling around her shoulders, the blue of her eyes visible from the distance.
“Alex, could you help me, please? The fabric is stuck in my wound.”
He’d brought her to the loch to wash off her wounds, the ones her own brother had inflicted on her. Although they’d had many sweeter moments, this one was etched into his mind as one of the most important moments of his life because it was then he’d made his mind up. It was then he’d decided Madeline would be his wife. He remembered wondering if she’d give him a son or perhaps lassies.
“Alex?”
“Aye, I’d be pleased to help you, but you may wish to turn around. I must remove my plaid as ’tis the only one I have.” He’d said it to guard her tender sensibilities, her innocence, as he waded into the water behind her. But when he took the soap from her hand, preparing to wash her, she said his name again.
“Alex?”
“Aye, Maddie?”
“You must push yourself to remember other things,” she said, her tone turning urgent. “There is something you must recall. I know ’tis there in your mind, and you must pull it out. Things are not as they seem.”
