"The cattle are disappearin' around Old Donald's lands," Fraser reported.
"And what are we doin' about it?" Killian asked as he took another sip.
"We've got men lookin' the mountain but we might as well search the sea as well. Some people are sayin' the cattle went as mad as the laird and went over the cliffs. Others say there's people scarin' the cattle to charge over."
"That's horrid," Brandon said with a gasp. "Please tell me we have a solution for this mess?"
"Aye," Killian answered. "Have the men patrol the cliffs and get a fence set up or stone wall would be best."
"Ye want the soldiers to work as wall builders and farmers?" Fraser asked as he arched an eyebrow.
"Why nae? Tis nae like they daenae ken how to do it. And since they're out there, they can round up the herd and see that they come to nay harm," Killian answered.
"Alright, and what do ye propose we do about the ruffians comin' about burnin' down the coastal villages? We've got people reportin' ships comin' from the west and plunderin' up anddown the coast," Fraser said as Killian noticed the fear and panic swelling within him. We found the buildin' still smolderin' and the brigands are prowlin' about like wolves. The men are doin' what they can about it.”
"That's nae good," Brandon chimed in. "We need the coastal ports to get goods. What are we goin' to do when we cannae ship out unless we pay? Or worse? What if everythin' gets stolen out right? People will nae want to trade with us if they daenae think the harbors are safe."
"Our harbors will be safe," Killian said with a wave of his hand. It was bad enough that Fraser was becoming affected by the news, but to see Brandon worried, too, didn't bode well for Killian.
"Then we will send men to cover the ports," Killian answered as the pattern slowly came into view. Pushing off the desk, he walked over to Brandon.
"We are spreadin' ourselves too thin," Fraser said. "Ye want to have men handlin' the cattle and others tendin' to bandits and brigands. They're tired and ye cannae keep goin' this way."
"What would ye have me do?" Killian snapped. "Ye ken the situation we're in. One slip up, just one and they'll have me head on a spike. Or do ye think I daenae ken they want me brother at the head. I've heard the whispers."
"Then we must be careful about our next move," Fraser said, pulling Killian closer to him as he dropped his voice. "Too many eyes and ears."
Killian glanced over at Brandon as doubts about his loyalty began to surface. It was bad enough that Killian had half the clan after him, but having them want your invalid seventeen-year-old brother in charge made him shake his head.
"But ye're certain that they are involved?" Killian asked as his chest tightened.
"There's at least three of them on the list, aye. And we can snatch them from their beds right now if that is what ye wish to do," Fraser said. As much as Killian wanted to know who was behind the conspiracy to overthrow his rule, he knew the best way was for him to remain patient.
"Nay, let them think they have the upper hand," Killian said. "We cannae afford to have a scandal, nae now."
"And what are ye goin' to do about their selection for a bride?" Fraser asked as Killian moved to the window and stared into the garden. A smile stretched across his lips the second he spotted Leah. The mere sight of her stirred his loins as a yearning gnawed and chewed away at him. How easy it was to fantasize about Leah. She was every bit alluring as she was enchanting. She had more than beauty; there was a spark about her that Killian wanted to possess. Every trouble and concern Killian had resting on his shoulders was gone.
"Me laird?" Fraser asked as he cleared his throat.
"Aye?" Killian mumbled as Brandon let out a frustrated sigh.
"There he goes again. He's been at it for the past four hours. Somethin' drifts into his mind and just carries him right away," Brandon bemoaned as Fraser took a step closer to the window.
In the corner of his eye, Killian noticed Fraser's mouth stretch.
"So that's who has ye distracted," Fraser teased. "Is that nae the healer Sean brought in the other day?"
"Aye," Killian answered as he found his chest tightening at the mere mention of Leah. He was conflicted over the sensation that rippled through him when she was near. It was as if she had the power to change the tide to any event or mood.
"What's her name?" Fraser asked.
"Leah," Killian answered as he let the name roll off his tongue like honey.
"By the looks of it, I'd say she has ye a bit smitten," Fraser teased as he rammed his elbow into Killian's arm.
"Have ye been kicked by a mule lately? Whatever makes ye think I'd be interested in a lass like her? I mean look at her. She's clearly nae fit for the outdoors," Killian said as he watched the butterflies float around Leah.
"I daenae ken about that," Fraser snickered as a bunny bypassed the snare Killian had set up the day before and scampered rightinto Leah's hands. "She seems rather at home if ye ask me. Or is it somethin' else?"
