She jumped out of bed, slipped into a gown and slippers, then ran belowstairs. Kuresh and some of the men were guarding the doors, and the maids were gathered in the corner by one of the hearths, looking terrified.
“Kuresh!” She called to him. “Where is Jamie? The rest of the men?”
Kuresh bowed. “Laird Jamie did not want to wake you,” he said. “Someone shot fiery arrows into the one of the stables. We lost several horses and the boy who slept there.”
“Is the fire out?”
“Yes, milady. It was a sinister way to draw Jamie out. I asked him to stay here and let me lead the soldiers, but he refused.”
Fear slowly filled Helen’s heart. “Who would do such a thing? We have only just arrived.”
“The MacKays have enemies, Lady Helen. Perhaps whoever did this waited for the right moment to attack.”
“What about the crofters?”
“I sent guards to the main village.”
“And where is this village?”
“Two miles north.”
“Take me there,” she demanded.
“No.”
“Twas not a request, Kuresh. I am the lady of this manor.”
“And I am Laird Jamie’s right hand. If anything happened to you, he would kill me.”
“If anything happens to my husband, I will kill ye, too.”
Kuresh grew silent, staring at her, as did the other soldiers. Helen had never threatened violence before. God forgive her, she hadna come all this way to find happiness only to have it torn from her arms. She would no longer cower in her chamber as she had been taught to do. And she wouldna rest until she knew her husband was safe and her people were protected.
“I understand yer ways are different where ye come from,” she told Kuresh calmly. “That women are compliant. But I am nay that kind of lass. Not anymore.”
“If I have to lock you in your bedchamber to keep you safe, Lady Helen, I will.”
She propped her hands on her hips. “Ye can try, Kuresh. But in the morn, when all of this is over, I will make ye suffer along with anyone who helps ye. I willna be denied.”
Miran rushed into the hall. “Lady Helen, please, come with me. Let the men keep watch. Ramsey and Nudar are waiting for ye.”
“Ye go back to them and guard that bairn with yer life,” Helen commanded.
Miran dinna argue with her; she curtsied and did as she was told.
“Bradana,” Helen called one of the maids in the corner.
“Aye?”
“Go abovestairs and get my cloak. It is bitter cold outside, I doona want to catch a chill while I am riding with Kuresh and the other soldiers.”
“Yes, milady.”
The young maid scurried by, then ran up the stairs. She returned moments later and helped Helen dress.
“Will ye escort me to the village, Kuresh? Or will I be forced to ride alone?”
“Lady Helen.”
