Margaret tore her gaze away from Sir Guy. “There is not much to tell. We were disguised as common maids, and we stole from the castle while the Wolf’s army was leaving, and then slipped into his ranks. It was easy to do, and we stayed hidden that way until they made camp outside Dumbarton. My maid Peg got us into the castle. John of Menteith received us warmly, then gave us an escort and sent us immediately on our way.”
“How simple you make such bravery sound,” Buchan said. “How is Will?”
“He was shot with an arrow while attempting to escape with us. Can you send a messenger to inquire after him?” Margaret asked.
“I will do so today,” Buchan said, pushing his plate aside.
“Is there any war news? Did Dumbarton fall to Bruce?” Margaret asked him.
Sir Guy said, “John of Menteith refused to surrender and Bruce retreated.”
She wondered where Alexander had gone. Margaret wanted to ask about him—and she wanted to ask about Castle Fyne. Did she dare? “MacDonald left a large garrison at Castle Fyne.”
“I heard. Have no fear—Castle Fyne will be ours again, by the time we wed in June.”
She stiffened. “So you have a plan to attack?”
“I am plotting with my brother. We will have Castle Fyne back, Lady Margaret, you may have no doubt on that.”
She had so much doubt. “Will Aymer send his troops to fight with yours?”
“Aymer will give me men, yes.” His stare remained riveted upon her. “You ask many questions.”
“I want Castle Fyne back.” She turned to her uncle hastily then. “Bruce was at Castle Fyne, Uncle, for a single night.”
Buchan choked on his wine. “My God! Did you learn anything from him?”
It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him that there might be a coronation on March the 25th. But then she thought about the fact that if she said such a thing—and the date was right—Bruce and his allies would be attacked by King Edward. Alexander would be attacked. She shifted in her seat. She did not even know if Eilidh had heard the date correctly. “He marches to Scone to be crowned there.”
“The world knows that!” Buchan exclaimed.
Sir Guy sent her a look. Was it as odd as she thought it was?
“They are seeking many earls, and I heard Lennox and Atholl will attend.” Now, she was aware of Isabella staring at her. She did not look back.
“Atholl will never attend,” Buchan said. “You must be mistaken, Margaret.”
“I did not hear that myself—I had my maids spy on Bruce and MacDonald,” Margaret said.
“You are clever,” Sir Guy said thoughtfully.
She flinched, staring at him.
“I know Atholl well. He opposes Bruce, just as we do.” Buchan was firm. “He is one of us.”
Sir Guy smiled. “We have spies everywhere—even amongst Bruce’s best friends. We will learn if Atholl is our friend—and we will learn when Bruce thinks to steal the crown.”
Margaret wondered if Alexander knew that there were spies amongst Bruce’s army.
“Bruce will be captured, and he will hang.” Sir Guy drained his wine and set the mug down hard. “As will all of his damned friends.”
Margaret hoped she did not appear appalled.
“We will be avenged, Lady Margaret, I vow it.”
Somehow, she spoke. “I do not like this blood feud, Sir Guy.”
His dark brows rose. “You opine against me?”
