It was time to complete this mission.
He awakened early that morn and stood on his favorite vantage point, looking down at the snow-topped Highland mountains he so loved. He only knew one person who liked this view more than he did.
His companion joined him. “’Tis a view I’ve always loved, but you know that. We’ve seen much happen in the Highlands over the years, and I still treasure every single trip I’ve made across this point.”
Alex clasped the man’s shoulder. “Aye, we’ve seen much. I’d hoped to see Scotland back in control of the Scots before I leave this land. I hope King Robert will be successful. This move I’m about to make should seal that for all of our countrymen.”
The other man pointed. “Look below. The ones you’re searching for are there, I believe.”
Alex squinted, cursing his loss of vision. “I cannot see that far any longer. I must depend on your eyes.”
“Trust me that the man you are looking for is ahead of us. ’Tis time for us to move.”
Alexander Grant smiled and squared his shoulders. “Lead on. We’ll end this.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Loki finds Dyna, explaining his plan with Alex. How many readers guessed Alex’s co-conspirator’s identity?
Loki Grant grinned, leading her back off the main path and shouting over his shoulder, “Kenzie, get her horse.” He rode to a hidden clearing that had been concealed behind a thick line of trees. A quick glance told her Derric was following directly behind them. “I’m sorry for surprising you, but you would have ruined our plan.”
“What are you doing here?” she asked, jumping down from his horse as he soon as they slowed down. “We have to go after Grandsire.” When he finally dismounted and stood in front of her, she shoved at him.
Loki just gave her a sly grin. “Uncle Alex came to me after he left Cameron land. He wanted to make sure the English wouldn’t kidnap any more Grants just to get to him.” He stood there with his hands on his hips, over two score of warriors behind him, all wearing Grant plaids.
They had help.
“He told you? Why did he not tell me?” Her insides twisted and turned at the thought that her grandfather trusted Loki more than her.
Apparently, she did a poor job hiding her feelings because Loki took one look at her and said, “Mayhap he asked me because he wanted to come at the English with a different force. They’d know to watch the Clan Grant warriors on your land, but no one would suspect my involvement. The English are quite ignorant, as you know. The man had his reasons,” Loki said, patting her shoulder. “He asked for my assistance, and after all he’s done for me, I certainly couldn’t turn him down.” As a bairn, Loki had been adopted by Alex’s brother, Brodie, and his wife, Celestina, after they found him living in a crate behind a tavern. Alex Grant had given him his own castle, Castle Curanta, where he and his wife, Bella, took in other orphans and abandoned children. They also had two bairns of their own, a lad and a lassie.
“What exactly did he ask you to do?” Derric asked, jumping down from his horse. Then, as if realizing he had yet to introduce himself, he nodded. “Derric Corbett, pleased to meet you. I’m relieved we’ll have your assistance in getting Alex Grant away from the English.”
“Aye, we’ll take care of them soon enough. Alex asked me not to tell anyone from his clan what he was planning until it was too late to stop him. I know you’re upset he didn’t confide in you, but if he had told you, you would have needed to tell your sire, your laird, his siblings, his children, and so on. I didn’t have to tell anyone, so I could do what he asked without upsetting his clan and all his allies. Don’t take it too hard, Dyna. But I think I’m safe revealing the truth now.” He glanced back over his shoulder. “Uncle Alex told me to take the garrison out and leave no survivors. He aims to send a message, and that’s exactly what we’ll do.”
Dyna turned to the sea of warriors that had been gathering behind Loki. She recognized many of them, and the sight brought tears to her eyes. She didn’t swipe her tears away this time, instead allowing them to roll freely down her cheeks. She smiled and said, “Derric, on the left is Kenzie, next to him is Gillie, then you’ll see Thorn and Nari, who helped my mother and father escape some cruel bastards. And he”—she pointed to one of the four—“is married to my aunt Elizabeth.”
“You’re going to attack soon?” Derric asked.
“Aye, we will. Dyna, why are you the only Grant here? I hardly think your grandsire would approve. He was expecting to see the rest of your group.”
“Alasdair and Emmalin, Els and Joya, and Alick and Branwen will be along soon. They’ve been trailing us down the mountain. They’ll help for certes.”
“Any archers besides you?”
“Aye, Branwen and Emmalin.” Emmalin had worked hard to build her skills, Dyna helping to train her whenever she visited MacLintock land. Joya was best at distraction.
Loki let out a low whistle. “Alex has told me about the spectral swords. I hope we get to witness you at full strength. But wee John and Ailith are safe?”
“Aye, they are on MacLintock land. Tell us what to do.”
Loki stepped out of the trees to glance down the path. “We’ll follow shortly, but you archers can go ahead if you can find your place quietly. We’ll take them out from behind so they’ll know not what hit them. Alex said he’ll make his way to the front so as not to be close to the fighting. He suspected he’d be bound at this point.”
“Loki, I’m so glad to see you. We’ll get him back for sure.”
“Aye, we will. We’ll start without your cousins and hope they join us.”
“How many in the garrison?” Derric asked.
