Page 170 of Claimed Highland Brides

SNEAK ATTACK

Diego ran up to his brother’s chambers, all the while keeping an eye for further attacks. He jumped as a wailing sound rent the air around him, like a warning klaxon. It seemed someone had finally sounded the alarm.

He ran into Antonio in the corridors, and his brother clutched his arm, his look urgent. “Are you fine? I went to your chambers and did not find you.”

“Intruders,” Diego whispered.

Antonio’s eyes widened in alarm. “Where?”

“I left two of them passed out in the little girl’s chambers. I believe they were trying to abduct or interfere with her in some way.”

Antonio gasped. “You mean...”

“Si.” Diego grabbed his hand. “Do you have any weapons?”

Antonio showed him the hand that had been behind his back; in it was a knife. Diego nodded. “Anything else?”

The other hand emerged from which was dangling a claymore sword. Diego laughed with delight. “Bueno.” He held out his hand for a weapon, and Antonio slapped the knife into it.

“Lead the way,” he murmured.

Diego turned around and showed his brother the way down. Guards were milling all around, along the stairs and outside the sisters’ rooms. They ran into Delwyn, gesticulating in the courtyard as he spoke to a few guards.

“What is happening? Are we under attack?”

Delwyn turned to face them. “No, it is more of an incursion. Five men climbed over the wall on the west side, where we were conducting some repairs. They managed to get in, but”—he gestured towards Diego—“I understand you subdued two of them yourself.”

Diego nodded. “Yes, I ran into two of them on the stairs headed towards your sister-in-law’s chambers.”

Delwyn grasped his arm and squeezed. “I thank you on behalf of the family for your help.”

“It was no trouble. Do you know why they were attempting to do that?”

“We shall subject them to questioning presently, but for the moment, we do not know.”

Diego nodded his understanding.

“Delwyn?” A shout from behind them had them all turning, weapons rising only to see Jamesina waddling towards them, a look of fear on her face.

“Jamesina!” Delwyn hurried towards her, grasping her hands. “What’s wrong?”

“Did ye catch them? Is everything alrigh’?”

Delwyn flicked a glance at Diego. “We caught the two that tried to attack Ùna, and there were three more. The guards are still searching the keep.”

“How did they get in?” Jamesina’s voice was high and breathless.

“Breach in the north wall where the stampede happened. We are filling it up as we speak.”

Jamesina sighed. “Who sent them?”

“We don’t know yet.”

“We should question the prisoners as soon as possible in order to establish how many there are,” Diego said.

Delwyn nodded. “I agree.” He turned to Jamesina, grasping her arms. “Please go and wait with your sisters. I will come by and give a report.”

Jamesina nodded. “Be careful, please.”