“Nae fer a while. It took our healer time tae determine it was poison and nae an illness, or a natural problem with his heart or his nerves.”
Reyna’s fears solidified. “But... Blake told me... when he told me what happened, he said Hutch told him he’d been poisoned, and Blake was suspected because o’ his friendship with me. Because even as a child, I was always interested in herbs and teas and tonics. He told him that when he found him with me in the meadow.” She took a deep breath. “Ye dinnae think... the letter he sent Blake…”
Hannah’s eyes were filled with tears. “So we have proof he knew the real reason of his uncle’s death. And that he lied. Reyna, I’m afraid fer me son. I dinnae want tae think that aught will happen tae him, but I cannae think Hutch brought him back tae the clan with nay plan in mind, especially nae when Blake still has a potential claim tae the lairdship.”
“He does?”
“Aye. He wasnae formally banished, only exiled, and an exile can be recalled if reason is given. And once it is proven that he couldnae be the the man who killed the previous two lairds, Blake’s claim as the son o’ the elder braither o’ the lairds before him means he has a right tae contest fer the lairdship, if he chooses tae.”
Reyna felt as if she’d been dumped in ice water. “Ye think he’ll harm Blake tae ensure he cannae be challenged fer the position.”
“It’s what I’m most affeared o’ but I couldnae say so tae Blake.” Hannah took a deep breath, looking faintly ashamed. “I would have told him all this meself, but I’ve nae certain proof. All I could tell him, fer now, is what I ken I saw, and that I’m sure that Hutch cannae be trusted. And I dinnae ken if it will be enough.”
Without proof, there was no way either of them could accuse the current laird of killing the previous lairds. Especially when they were both kin to him.
Worse, Blake didn’t know. And he would hesitate to hear any accusations against the cousin who had helped him avoid an unjust execution, stayed in contact with him in spite of his exile, and called him home. Unless Hutch could be proven as the murderer, Blake would defend him to the death, believing he owed his cousin a debt of honor.
Unless the words came from someone else he loved and trusted. Someone who had expressed faith in him even before there was proof of his innocence.
Hannah is afraid Blake willnae be sure o’ her words because they’ve nae spoken in so long, and she didnae appear tae stand up tae the previous laird fer him. She came tae me with her fears because she kens that Blake loves me, and she hopes that I’ll be able tae convince him.
“I’ll speak tae him.” She looked up, scanning the hall for Blake.
He was nowhere to be found. Neither was Hutch. Fear filled her. She rose to her feet. “Blake is missing, and I cannae see Hutch. We need tae find them, as soon as possible.”
Hannah straightened from her seat in alarm. “If Hutch is alone with Blake…”
“We’ll find them.” Reyna thought a moment, then started for the main doors to the Great Hall, while Hannah made her way to the smaller door reserved for the servants, which she could use to find her way to Hutch’s private chambers.
Reyna exited into the dimmer light of the hallways. To her surprise, she spotted the two men almost immediately. They were standing a small distance away, far enough from the doors to avoid being eavesdropped on, but still visible.
Then she spotted the cups in both men’s hands... the cup that Blake was raising to his mouth to drink.
The two previous lairds were both poisoned. ‘Tis easiest tae poison someone through food or drink. If Hannah’s right... and Hutch is…
“Blake!” Without thinking, she hurried forward and grabbed his arm, deliberately knocking the tankard out of his hand and to the floor. She blushed. “Och, I’m sorry... it’s just... I was trying tae find ye…” She looked down as if she was embarrassed, and leaned into Blake as if she was slightly tipsy or feeling awkward in front of his cousin. She was pleased to see that the majority of the cup’s contents had spilled onto the stones of the corridor and tried to keep it from her expression. “There was something I needed tae tell ye.”
She’d been hoping to be able to take him somewhere and tell him everything in privacy, but her shout had attracted attention. Servants and a few of the clans-folk were approaching, watching with curiosity and concern.
Blake frowned, worry in his eyes. “Are ye all right Reyna? Ye seem upset.”
“I…” She had to make up some excuse. She settled on a version of the truth. “I... I think ye’re maither is nae well. She was very pale and excused herself tae go rest.”
Hutch frowned. “I ken me aunt has been in poor health since her husband passed away. Dae I need tae call fer the healer?”
Reyna bit her lip as if indecisive. “Och, I dinnae think it’s anything ye need tae concern yerself with, Laird Sinclair. I think she just needed tae rest and wanted to spend some quiet time with her son. Maybe she just the comfort of him, now he is back.”
“Dae ye think she’s ill?”
“I couldnae fully tell, but she didnae seem tae be very ill. Just... a touch agitated.”
Hutch bent and lifted the tankard that she’d made Blake drop. “Och, likely as nae, she’s merely wearied from all the excitement o’ having her son back home. She likely retired fer the evening and wants tae see her son afore she goes tae bed.”
Hutch smiled, and there was something in that smile that made Reyna’s stomach clench and her shoulders tighten. Perhaps it was what Hannah had told her making an impression on her thoughts, but it felt like there was an edge to that smile, a sort of eagerness she couldn’t trust as he held the cup out to his cousin.
“I’m sure she’ll be happy tae hear we’ve toasted the future prosperity o’ the clan.” Hutch smirked down at the tankard. “The majority o’ the drink’s been spilled, but there’s enough o’ it fer a toast, I think. That way ye can assure yer maither. That all is well when ye go up tae her.”
Blake shrugged and reached out for the tankard. “If ye say so.”
