Page 27 of The Highlander’s Kilted Affair

A knock at the door broke the silence.

Killian looked at Benedict as he was about to turn and open it. “We’ll keep this between ourselves. Let’s get this council meeting over, and we can talk about it later. And dinnae forget,” he nodded towards the door, referencing the council members beyond it, “yer meant tae be Audor.”

“How could I forget?” Benedict snarled.

After the older men had entered the room and settled around the table, Benedict stood, as his brother might, and addressed them all.

“I’ve gathered ye here because I have some worrying news. I was in the village earlier today and Lady Sinclair spotted men wearing Clan Keith colors.”

There were frowns of concern from all the men present, then James Finley spoke up. “This is worrying, me laird. Especially with yer upcoming betrothal tae me lady.”

James Finley was the oldest of the group. He had been a close friend and confidant of Benedict and Audor’s father, and had been instrumental in helping the brothers come to terms with his death.

All the council had been of great support, but James had been there the most. He had sat with them for many nights afterward, relaying stories of their father’s bravery and courage. While Benedict and his brother’s tears were shed privately, James had been the listening ear they needed in their time of grief.

“Did she see how many o’ them there were?” James continued.

Benedict shook his head because, of course, it had not been he who had seen them at all. “I’m afraid nae, James. Perhaps a handful. It was a fleeting glance. But nae matter the number, there shouldnae be any o’ Laird Keith’s men anywhere near here. In fact, I cannae understand how they have managed tae get ontae our lands unnoticed.”

“They are a sneaky lot, me laird,” William Kerr offered. “And ‘tis impossible tae guard every inch o’ the borders.”

Benedict nodded. “Indeed, William. I am also o’ the mind that their presence has much tae dae with the arrival o’ Laird Sinclair and his daughters.”

He had deduced that the moment Evelyn had spotted them, but he had not wanted to cause her any unnecessary concern by mentioning it.

The men murmured in agreement. “Laird Keith has been relentless in his attacks o’ Clan Sinclair,” Angus Gunn said. “He’s an arrogant man. It wouldnae surprise me tae learn he’s sent men tae follow them.”

“But tae what end?” William countered. “Surely, they willnae attack the Sinclair’s on our land. That would be madness.”

“I’ve always thought o’ Laird Keith as a man who isnae sound in mind,” James murmured.

“Be that as it may,” William replied. “I cannae believe he would mount an attack. He cannae bring an army through unnoticed. A few men, perhaps, but nae more.”

“He may nae be here tae attack at all,” Angus said.

“Then what is our response?” Benedict said. “I dinnae want tae jump tae any conclusions, but it’s clear they’re nae here for anything good.”

“We need first tae establish if there is any threat tae the clan, me laird,” James said. “I would suggest we send scouts intae the village and beyond. It will be prudent tae discover where they are, and how many.”

The rest of the council nodded in agreement.

“I would also send more guards tae the borders. ‘Tis a preventative measure and a discouragement fer any others that might approach,” Benedict said.

Once more, the men murmured an agreement.

“Very well.” Benedict turned to Killian. “Ensure that is done as quickly as possible, Killian.”

“Aye, me laird,” he replied.

He turned back to the gathered council. “I thank ye fer yer time, gentlemen. We will meet again when the scouts return tae discuss our next move.”

Even as he spoke those words, Benedict knew that Audor would have returned by then. The next time the council met, they would be speaking to the real laird, not his stand-in.

The council members stood and, one by one, they left. Only James Finley lingered.

“Yer braither has been away fer several days, me laird. If he doesnae return soon, he may miss the wedding.” The old man’s eyes twinkled, and a soft smile danced at the corner of his mouth.

Did he know?