Chapter 9
Malcolm followedhis father to the dungeon. The sight that met his eyes there disgusted him. Four men to each small cell and the stench proved their lack ofcare.
“We are better thanthis.”
His father turned to him and glared. “You will keep your mouth shut or else you and your whore wife will find yourselves down heretoo.”
He moved along until he got to the last cell. The dense air was thick with piss and shit. Malcolm had seen his share of prisoners down here before, but none on this scale. And none treated so poorly. He was more determined than ever to put an end tothis.
“Alasdair MacLeod!” his fathersaid.
“I amhere.”
“You will answer for the crimes against ourclan.”
“And who will answer for the crimes against ours?” Macleodasked.
The MacDonald threw his head back and laughed. “Naught has happened to you that you did notdeserve.”
“Where is mysister?”
“She is upstairs and has served as entertainment for me and mymen.”
Sheona’s brother was on his feet in an instant and reaching through the metal bars of his cell. “You filthy bastard! You will not harm one hair on herhead!”
His father laughed, drawing a sickening churn to Malcolm’sguts.
“Your sister has not been harmed,” Malcolmsaid.
“You will bite your tongue, lad. Or I will cut itout.”
Alasdair MacLeod narrowed his eyes and shifted his gaze to Malcolm. “What do you mean she has not beenharmed?”
“I have taken her as my wife and I assure you she will come to no harm while in mycare.”
“Enough!” His father grabbed Malcolm by the throat and squeezed. Any hesitation he had left for usurping his father and resolving this mess fled in thatmoment.
Malcolm grabbed his father’s wrists and pulled his hands away from histhroat.
“You will not torment these men with lies about mywife.”
His father spat at him. “You are as weak as a wife. At the hour of our greatest victory, you dare to challenge me? I will see your balls served to you forthis.”
Malcolm shoved his father away and turned to leave. Seconds later several men descended upon him and locked him in a cell by himself. His father was stark raving mad and Malcolm had underestimated just how far he would go to see the MacLeods completelydestroyed.
“You will rot in here with them until you conform to my judgement. You are no son of mine to take the side of a MacLeod over yourown.”
His father and the men retreated up the stairs. Malcolm bumped his head against the cool metal bars. What the hell could he do from downhere?
“You are either very brave, ordaft.”
Malcolm looked across to the cell containing AlasdairMacLeod.
“Is it true my sister is notharmed?”
“Aye, ’tis true. We were wed just before your arrival. I needed to ensure my father did not have a chance to make a claim onher.”
MacLeod’s eyes narrowed. “Why would you protect one ofours?”
