Page 43 of A Laird and a Fugitive

The approach was not without risk. One mistake Ryan now realized he made during his reign was that he had been insular and isolated. He had not cultivated good relations with the clans around him, so he was largely an unknown factor to people like Laird MacLeod, and they were not inclined to trust him. He was grateful that Caroline had insisted on coming here with him, for otherwise he might well have been turned away with his words being ignored.

“I see that ye hae inherited ye Da’s wisdom,” Laird MacLeod nodded. “I will indeed sign such an agreement.”

“And what if we can prove that the former Laird was murdered?” Ryan asked.

Laird MacLeod took a heavy breath. He leaned back in his high seat and lifted his gaze towards the ceiling. “It can be a messy thing, justice. Even if ye dae prove this tae be true, what dae ye think is gaeing tae happen? The current Laird hae a son who I am sure will wish tae press his claim. The only thing ye are promising me is a bloody affair. Now, if there was another heir, one that hae a direct link tae the murdered Laird, then they would hae more of a right tae the clan. If ye hae proof and an heir, then aye, perhaps, I can support ye in that instance. But ye hae better be careful because ye are venturing intae murky territory. This is gaeing tae get very gruesome very quickly, sae tread carefully,” the Laird warned.

He ordered his servants to have an agreement written up there and then, which was quickly signed, with copies given to both parties.

“It’s quite a ride back tae yer Keep. If ye like, ye can enjoy our hospitality for the night,” Laird MacLeod offered.

Ryan bowed. “I am grateful for yer offer, but these are dangerous times for a Laird tae be away from his clan. We must return swiftly,” he said.

The Laird bid them farewell with a supply of food to seem them along their journey, and then he and Caroline left.

“I know that it’s nae as much as ye were hoping for,” Caroline began.

“It’s more than I hae when I came here, and we only hae it thanks tae ye.”

Ryan nodded in her direction and offered her an appreciative smile. She grew and grew in his estimation, and she had truly proven herself to be on his side. They saddled their horses, but before they rode, Ryan took her hand.

“I hae a spy in yer clan,” he confessed.

Caroline’s eyes went wide, and her mouth dropped open. “A spy?” she gasped.

“Aye,” Ryan nodded. “That’s how I was able tae learn about the nature of yer Da’s death. It was hard for them tae escape the clan without being noticed, but they are on their way tae us with the proof. They hae the bottle of the liquid, and they hae been working tae trace the seller. Once they hae his identity, they are gaeing tae get them tae reveal that yer uncle bought the poison, proving that he was responsible for yer Da’s death.”

Caroline spent a few moments in silence, trying to understand what was happening. “But why, why would ye dae this? Dinnae ye want my Da dead? Why dae ye want tae punish the one responsible?”

“Because he stole my justice from me, first of all. Second of all, yer clan being in turmoil is good for me. I can take advantage by pressing my claim on disputed lands. It just sae happened that ye fell intae my lap, sae tae speak, and I realized I hae another way.”

Caroline nodded. “I see. Well, I want tae know what this spy hae tae say for himself, and if my uncle truly is responsible, then naething on earth will save him from justice,” Caroline said with anger flashing in her eyes.

She was a formidable woman in so many ways, and Ryan was proud to call her his wife. They set off for home, plunging into the twilight with the wind at their backs.