Three or four branches cracked, then Graham emerged from the thick wood ahead. “They are there, both of them,” he said. “They do not appear harmed, though I could not see much. Ten men outside, and possibly four more inside. The cottage is not overly large so I cannot imagine many more than that could fit inside. I did not see Chattan, only Camerons. Bastards are likely rotten drunk and seeing who can piss the farthest.”
Annabella was not used to such language, but the image was now stuck in her head and she had to stifle her laughter.
“Sorry, Lady Annabella. I will watch my tongue.”
An apology from Graham? Well, this evening was becoming more and more entertaining by the second. “Perhaps now would be a good time to retrieve the lairds, if those who guard them are not at their most keen,” she said.
“In theory you are correct. However, this lot are not to be trusted even by appearances.”
“I do not understand,” she said.
“What I mean is that they will act drunk, but be stone cold sober in order to draw in their enemy. They are famous for it. They act like bumbling oafs, but are scheming and conniving thieves.”
“What do you propose?” Iain asked.
Annabella found all of this fascinating, like working out one of the riddles she and her cousin were so fond of.
“A distraction?” Annabella asked.
Despite the pale moonlight, she had no trouble observing the two heads that quickly turned her way. She smiled. Perhaps she did possess a head for military tactics. Would they allow her to try?
“A distraction is exactly what I would propose,” Iain said. “Go ahead, Lady Annabella. Tell us your idea.”
She glanced at Graham before speaking. If they had to move quickly, she did not want to waste any time, especially if he already had something in mind.
“I would be interested in hearing your idea, Lady Annabella. While I do wish you were not here in harm’s way, I am as intrigued as Iain to hear what you have to offer.”
“Thank you. Well, as I see it, it is a basic riddle for us to solve.”
“A riddle?” Iain asked.
“Yes, like this. Ten men are outside of a building, and six are inside, including two who are prisoners. How do you make the six inside want to come out, and all of them disburse?”
“Well, it is dark so it could not be anything visual,” Robert said. Annabella noticed that a few of the men had now gathered around.
“We could light a fire,” Neville said.
“No, we run the risk of our men being harmed,” Iain said.
“No, no one needs to be harmed in my plan,” Annabella said. “Just a little frightened, perhaps. I’m thinking of a way for the Cameron clansmen to be afraid, but Angus and his father to know it is you outside. Surely you men have some sort of secret whistle or call for times such as these?”
“You are a clever lass,” Graham said.
“An apology and a compliment in the same night?” Annabella said, and laughed. “I did not believe it possible.”
“You will get a thank you as well if this scheme works. Neville, Geoffrey, Stephen, ‘tis a full moon and I believe we need to let her know how much we adore her.”
Annabella smiled as a few of the men slipped away into the woods. Before long, she heard softly baying wolves. Well, what sounded like wolves. Annabella was amazed at how well the Balloch lads could mimic the sound. And she prayed her idea would work to distract the Cameron men long enough for Graham to rescue Angus and Alexander.
* * *
Alexander watched his father carefully. Chattan said they would leave at first light, and although he was bone weary there was no way he would close his eyes for one second. He did not trust Chattan and wondered, if now that Angus’s father was of no further use, would he be disposed of? Chattan had left a while ago, saying only that he had to see to some other business. Angus could care less if he ever saw the man again, and wondered if there was some way that he could reason with the Camerons to let them go.
Reason? Unfortunately, this clan did not know the meaning of the word. They were greedy and unpredictable, so Angus would wait until he could glean an opportune moment.
Alexander’s eyes drooped.
“Rest your head awhile, Father,” Angus said. “We have many hours to wait before dawn breaks, and you will need your rest before we ride.”
