Alex cleared his throat to silence everyone in the solar. Jamie and Connor were there in their capacity as co-lairds of Clan Grant, and Logan represented the Ramsay clan. The cousins were also there: Alasdair, Alick, Els, and Dyna, along with their spouses. Alex had invited John to join them, and the lad sat quietly next to his sire. He wasn’t usually involved in these kinds of meetings, but Alex knew it was time, even though the lad was only a decade old.
Finlay and Kyla were also there, of course, along with Avelina.
“We have two serious tasks ahead of us,” Alex said. “My sons have asked me to speak today as the issues we face are of such grave importance. First, we have a group of warriors we wish to send to King Robert. This group will leave in two days. Magnus and Jamie will lead them, while Ashlyn and Isbeil will lead ourarchers. Torrian will be leading the Ramsay warriors, who will be joining King Robert. The Ramsay and Grant warriors will meet at Gallow Hill and camp together. Maggie will be leading the Ramsay archers with Gavin, Merewen, and Gregor. Do you not agree, Logan?”
“Aye, Molly will not fight. She trains. Torrian will lead with his son, Lachlan. Kyle Maule will be with them.”
Connor nodded, then continued, “The force King Robert has gathered is so large, possibly between six and eight thousand, that we wish to be able to keep track of our men and women. Godspeed to this group.
“The second group will go off in search of Chrissa and Drostan, Astra and Hendrie. We still do not know their location, but I think this group, working together with their special strengths, will be able to determine where they are being held. Hopefully, they’ll find Astra looking for Chrissa. The group of cousins—Alasdair, Emmalin, Els, Alick, Dyna, and Derric—will travel together.”
“What do you think it means that you’ve heard naught?” Alasdair asked. “The other times the English kidnapped Grants, it was for a purpose. What is their purpose this time?”
Alex shook his head, uncertain of the answer to this question. “My guess is they are looking for information and they think they can get it from one of them. Although I have no idea what information they seek. The English know when the battle will be, where, they know who they’re fighting. What else could they be looking for? And I think their numbers are such that they’re underestimating our ability to defeat them, but I could be wrong about that.”
“Neither of them would know the answer to that question either,” Alasdair said. Then, as if noticing Alex’s disquiet, he added, “Don’t worry, Grandsire. We’ll find them.”
“What about me,Seanair?” John asked. Already a tall lad, he looked much like his father and grandsire. Long dark locks surrounded a strong jawline, though he showed no signs of a beard yet. His blue eyes took in everything they could, and he had a memory unlike anyone else Alex had ever met.
“I have not decided that yet, lad. I’m waiting for more patrols to return. Once I receive this information, I’ll decide where you are to go, John. Probably with your sire.”
Chapter Eighteen
Two great minds on the parapets one last time…
Alex leaned over the parapets, smiling at the glorious day. The door banged open, disturbing his peace.
“Ramsay,” he greeted. He didn’t need to look to know who’d joined him.
“How’d you know ’twas me?”
Alex arched a brow at his friend and said, “’Truly you ask that question? No one else has taken so many doors off their hinges over the years.”
Logan laughed heartily. “I hear you’ve received word that Astra and her friend have been found.”
“Aye, and the wee troublemaker managed to find the castle where Chrissa and Drostan were being held. The Highland Swords team found them, but by the time they moved into the castle where they were being held, Chrissa and Drostan were gone. But there’s every indication they’re still alive.”
“Good news. I hope your grandbairns can locate them.”
“Astra and Hendrie should return soon. Connor will have a few things to say to the two of them.”
“I would wager he will,” Logan said. He leaned over the parapets next to him and said, “Recall you the day I stole yourdear sister away to tend my sickly brother? I find myself thinking about it of late.”
Alex chortled, staring at him. “You mean the day I allowed you tothinkyou stole her away? My men had come back to tell me you were looking for her. I knew you needed her quickly so I allowed it.”
“Hellfire, you hand me such bullshite after all these years? You didn’t know it until after we snuck away. You would never have allowed me or anyone to steal one of your sisters away. I’m not daft yet, Grant.”
“I cannot argue with that fact. You got by our defenses, but it didn’t happen again. And look what good she did for your brother. I did find out about the situation in the morn, and once I knew the circumstances, I decided to allow it. But ten men were following you through the woods.” He cast a serious look at him. “And I don’t regret it.”
Logan nodded. “Brenna healed more than Quade in our clan.” He stared out over the trees, ignoring all that took place in the bustling courtyard beneath them.
“Aye, she helped Lily and Torrian, too.”
“She healed more than those three, but you know that, old man.”
Alex looked at Logan and nodded. “I do.” Logan had struggled to handle the sickness of his beloved niece and nephew. “I was there when you took a knee to vow you’d trade your life for hers. Others didn’t understand the implications, but I did. That same day we made the best alliance ever for Clan Grant.”
Logan glanced over at him, a small smile on his face. “I agree. Too bad we always bested you at the annual Ramsay festival.” The gleam in his eye told Alex exactly what he was after, but he ignored his friend’s plea for competitiveness.
