“If that is what ye wish.” Alex wanted his father-in-law to feel important, to have a hand in defending his daughter’s honor.
“He’s but a whelp, only guilty of doing what he’s told. Where’s yer da?”
The boy pointed at one of the other five men.
Laird Oliphant shook his head. “There’s a special place in Hades for a man who would lead his son astray.”
Alex signaled for one of the guards.
“Take the lad to the kitchens,” he said. “Ye are to submit to Mistress Bradana. If word reaches me that ye’re disobedient, ye’ll get lashes. Do ye understand?”
The boy bowed. “Aye, milord.”
As his father-in-law downed another cup of ale, Alex considered what to do with the other men. In Constantinople, all of them would be hung—a form of execution reserved for the lowest criminals. It had taken all of his strength to control his bloodthirsty nature on his wedding night. Levi’s beating had been beyond brutal. But the punishment had to fit the crime. Accusing his wife of being a witch… that could cause trouble for his clan.
“Let my sons kill them,” the laird suggested. “Broc needs a lesson or two about administering justice.”
Alex placed his folded hands on the table. “Twould be within yer rights as Keely’s father. Or mine as her husband. But I am afraid my wife wouldna speak with me again if she found out I ordered their executions.”
“The lass shouldna have anything to say on such matters.”
“She bore the brunt of their vulgarity.”
The laird nodded. “What do ye think, Broc?”
Laird Oliphant’s eldest son had a good head on his shoulders, so Alex was curious about what he’d say.
“If the leader lives, he deserves execution. But these five, I see the fear of the Almighty in their eyes. Ye canna risk another uprising. The whip will be wasted upon their rebellious hearts. Banishment is a fair punishment.”
Alex rubbed his chin. Aye, sometimes banishment was a far worse fate than death, especially in the winter. He’d be sure to send word to his neighbors not to take them in. All had families, and Alex would support their wives and children if they chose to stay.
“So be it,” Alex said, pounding the table top with his fist. “The five of ye are forbidden to ever cross MacKay lands again. If ye’re caught, ye will be killed on sight. Have ye anything to say?”
“I do, milord.” Hamish stepped forward, wringing his hands nervously. “I have six bairns and a wife.”
“Ye should have considered that before ye followed in Levi’s footsteps.”
“I was drunk, Laird Alex, caught up in the moment. Levi has a way of getting inside a man’s head, using yer fears against ye.”
“Look what that weakness has earned ye.”
“Where will I go?”
“Away from here,” Alex offered.
“Please, milord…”
Alex dinna want to hear anymore begging. He signaled for the guards, and they dragged the men away.
“I’ll see that man,” Laird Oliphant said. “Levi.”
Alex stood and stretched. How could he keep Keely’s father from going to the dungeon? Did he have a right to forbid him from confronting his daughter’s accuser? “Tis a waste of time.”
“Ye dinna hesitate to throw Keely in one of those filthy cells.”
Jesus Christ. The tips of Alex’s ears burned. “Consider the unfortunate circumstances of her unexpected return.”
“She’s a laird’s daughter.”
