Page 5 of Highlander’s Forbidden Fruit

Frustrated beyond belief, Fergus roared and lunged in for a punch to the gut, but it was just the move Aleck had been waiting for. He stepped aside, easily avoiding the fist, planted a punch of his own in Fergus’s side, speeding Fergus’ descent into the mud face-first by landing a kick on his backside.

The crowd cheered. Aleck had enough time to grin at Lockard who was frowning darkly before he strode forward to help Joseph tackle Colin to the ground. Royce was roaring as he sat on Davis’s back, making sure he couldn’t get up.

Ruffling Joseph’s hair, Aleck walked over and held a hand out to Fergus. The man looked up at him, and for a moment Aleck thought he’d rip his arm out, but Fergus laughed, a sound similar to cannon fire, and took Aleck’s hand gratefully.

Lockard didn’t look amused, but he wasn’t scowling either, so Aleck thought the matter put to rest.

“That showed them, eh?” Joseph slapped Aleck on the back.

“Wipe that smile off yer face, if ye ken what’s good for ye,” Aleck muttered. Joseph had no sense. “Do ye want to give Lockard a chance to foist us with stable cleaning duties, do ye?”

Joseph looked suitably horrified.

Aleck was about to pick up his lance for practice when someone called his name.

“Aleck!” Margret, the chambermaid came running towards him, her cheeks flushed, eyes wide. “The Laird needs ye. Now!”

“What’s happened?”

“Come fast!” She didn’t wait for him to follow. She sprinted back across the yard and towards the kitchens, resembling a headless chicken.

Aleck looked at his friends, shrugged, and followed Margret at a leisurely pace. What could be the cause of so much commotion so early in the morning? Aleck wasn’t sure, but he had a very good idea who was responsible.

“I donnae care how many people find out, I need her brought home now! Evanna will nae step a foot out of her room, so help me God!”

Of course, Aleck sighed as he entered his Laird’s bedchamber. Evanna MacLeod. It’s like the lass was sent to cause nothing but grief to her poor father.

Laird MacLeod was a powerful man, not only in wealth and social stature but also physically. He was tall with a large gut and an even larger beard that he liked to fist when he was agitated or thinking on a grave matter. His hands were so firmly grasped around his beard at that moment that Aleck was sure he’d rip most of it out if he wasn’t careful.

“Ye asked for me, my Laird?” Aleck made his presence known.

“Ah! Aleck! Just the man I need. Read this.” Laird MacLeod thrust a note in Aleck’s face. “The foolish, insolent, stubborn girl!” Aleck read the note. It was brief, written in a spidery hand no proper lady would ever admit ownership to. But Evanna MacLeod was a law unto herself. She was the only lady Aleck knew who could out spit a street urchin and out drink many men, and burp just as loudly after.

Dear Da,

I’ve decided to go to London anyway. Clara has enough dresses for both of us, so you need not send any. I’ve borrowed sixteen gold pieces from your purse. I shall return them when I come back.

Your devoted daughter,

Evanna.

“What makes her think she’s ready to be presented? Can nae tie her hair, will nae learn how to sing or speak like a lady, and she’s gone off to make a sorry fool of herself in London! What kind of men do ye think she’ll attract, eh? The kind that’ll take her down dark alleys and the path of sin. That damned fool!” The Laird raged on as Aleck read.

Aleck folded the note and handed it back to the Laird. “What would ye have me do?”

The Laird stopped his pacing and rested his hand on Aleck’s shoulder. The weight was grave, and the squeezing fingers emphasized the importance of the Laird’s next words.

“Yer the only man I can trust with my daughter, Aleck. Bring the fool back.”

“And if she refuses?”

The Laird’s nostrils flared, and his eyes shone with worry. “Then ye convince her in any way possible. I will nae have my only child out there in the wild fighting the unknown. I ken ye have little patience for her childish ways, and I suppose I am to blame for it. But, please, ye must find her and protect her.”

Aleck nodded solemnly and held the Laird’s hand. “Ye have my word. I’ll bring her back.”

“Go! Quickly. Might be ye can catch her on the road.”

Aleck didn’t stick around to hear more. There was nothing more to be said. He made one quick stop to his room where he packed spare clothes, his sword, a small dagger, and a little money. Once that was done, he ran towards the stables where a horse was waiting for him. Peter, the yard boy, handed him a sack full of food, and Aleck was on his way.