He stood at the edge of the yard, watching as they practiced swordsmanship and different formations. Hugh knew, without a doubt, that they'd be ready if any threat presented itself to the castle. Though, they were so focused on their drills that they didn't realize he was standing there, appraising their skills.
Hugh cleared his throat before saying, "I'll only need a minute of yer time. And one of ye to ride into the village for me."
"What do ye need from the village?" one asked.
"Did ye forget somethin'?" another joked, a playful grin on his face.
"Nay, I just didnae have enough time to finish all of me errands," Hugh said, smirking. "The villagers were quite fond of me wife. I couldnae get her away from them. So, I need one of ye to ride into the village and get the seamstress for me. Yer Lady needs proper attire for the winter."
As Hugh had been expecting, several of them volunteered. Their loyalty was predictable and appreciated. They'd yet to meet Anna, yet all of them seemed to have a vested interest in her well-being.
"Ye can go, David," Hugh said, knowing that the man was likely the most well-practiced and disciplined of the militia. "I will walk with ye to the stables. I'd like to speak with ye about somethin'."
David nodded, sheathing his sword and stepping out of formation. Hugh nodded at him, beginning their walk and trusting that David would catch up. As he stepped away from his post, the sounds of training began in earnest again.
"What is it ye needed to speak with me about, me Laird?" David asked.
"I just need to ken who was in charge of ye when I was in England," Hugh said, knowing that asking his council and Marcus would likely send him in circles. "I've nae been informed on what happened in my absence."
"Ach, well, we were dealin' with two people out in the courtyard. I daenae ken what was goin' on in the castle itself," Davidadmitted. "Callum and Marcus were overseein' everythin'. They both had different ideas on what we should be doin', and it was a right mess."
Hugh processed the information. Apparently, Marcushadstepped in while Hugh was away, though he only had evidence that he'd done so with the men. Truthfully, Hugh thought it more than appropriate for his brother to step in and ensure that the militia was battle-ready.
But Callum? Involved here? Was he correctin' Marcus's leadership or was he the one muckin' it up?
Before Hugh was able to ask, he spotted Anna, seemingly going in the same direction. She noticed him at the same time, her gorgeous face lighting up. She corrected her course, scuttling toward the two of them.
"Ach, am I gettin' the honor of meetin' Lady McDonald?" David asked, grinning at Anna's excitement.
"I thought you'd be busy," Anna said, stopping right next to Hugh. "So I was going to come over and meet the horses." She shifted her attention to David. "My apologies for not introducing myself. I'm Anna."
"I ken who ye are, me Lady," David said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Me name is David Giffard."
"David," she repeated as they continued toward the stables. "Are you one of the men who keep this place safe?"
"Aye," he said, puffing out his chest. "And I'm the one in charge of gettin' the seamstress for ye."
"He's one of me most loyal men," Hugh said, clapping David on the shoulder, sending him forward to retrieve his steed as he and Anna stopped. "Ye wanted to greet the horses, then?"
"Yes," she confirmed. "I was hoping that I could practice my riding sometime soon."
"Well, ye can practice today," Hugh offered. "I'll make some time to oversee ye, make sure ye daenae hurt yerself."
"I can ride," Anna said, turning her nose in the air. There was a slight smile on her face, proof that she wasn't upset by the joke. "I wouldn't hurt myself even if I were alone here."
"Well, I would feel better if I'm here to watch ye," Hugh said, leading her into the stables. "I wouldnae want ye to be injured durin' yer first week here. That might make ye a bit sour on the castle. The cold's already gettin' to ye."
"The cold won't scare me off," she said, nodding at David as he rode out. "That problem will be fixed soon. Once I have proper clothing, I'll be just fine."
"That's good to hear," Hugh said, stroking the muzzle of a mare that leaned over her stall to nose at him. "Now, I think I'll start ye on one of her foals. It'll be yers."
"Is this horse yours?" Anna asked, watching as the bay and white creature pressed her head more firmly against Hugh's hand. "She seems to like you."
"Aye," Hugh confirmed. "I was lucky enough to be gifted her before I took over Lairdship. The foal I'm givin' ye is her first."
"And what's her name?" she murmured. At the sound of her voice, the horse turned to Anna, seeming to analyze her.
"We call her Nuggle," he said, chuckling when the mare snorted approvingly at Anna.
