Page 85 of The Fierce Highlander

Lady Elizabeth gasped.

Hedley nodded. “She is right. That is their intention.”

“So, they abduct Mother Abbess believing Noble will go rescue her, send you ahead under the pretense that you fear them and just want to go home—”

Hedley interrupted, “I do fear them. They are savages and now that they have banded together—”

“Banded together?” Noble asked.

“Aye,” Hedley said, nodding. “Three troops have joined together to demand more coin from Lord William, though some favor selling her to one of your enemies, feeling they will get more coin from them.”

“May I speak, Chieftain Noble?” Lady Elizabeth requested.

“I know what you will say. You have the coin to meet their demand,” Noble said.

“I do and I will pay whatever it takes to see my granddaughter safe, and she will be safe in the Lowlands. Both of you come home with me where you will not have to worry about losing her. A home where she will finally be safe.”

Leora could see her husband question the wisdom of such a decision since she knew he would do anything to keep her safe. Lady Elizabeth needed to be reminded of what Leora and Noble had told her on endless occasions and her husband also needed to hear her say it again as well.

“That is generous of you, Lady Elizabeth, and I and my husband are most grateful for your generosity, but we do not even know if I am your granddaughter. And as we both have told you time and again, neither of us will ever leave the Highlands.”

Noble squeezed her hand, her reassurance that nothing would have her leaving the Highlands chasing away any thought of even considering the older woman’s offer.

Noble turned his attention on Hedley. “So, you have come here today seeking my help, seeking protection from the mercenaries hired to kill my wife so you can inherit Clan MacMurray, and you expect me to believe what you say?”

Hedley returned to wringing his hands as he spoke. “I never wanted your wife dead, that was Lord William’s doing. He gave those orders. I did not even want to come here but Lord William insisted I see it done. But no inheritance is worth my life. I want nothing more than to go home.”

“And after trying to kill my wife, I should simply let you go?” Noble asked.

Hedley’s whole body started trembling. “I wanted no part of that.”

“And yet you were part of it,” Noble accused.

A quiver ran through his every word. “Please, I beg you. I just want to go home. I mean your wife no harm.”

Noble turned to Finley. “See him held prisoner until I decide otherwise.”

“I am guilty of being a fool, nothing more. Please, I beg you have mercy,” he cried as he was led out of the Great Hall.

“It is imperative that Mother Abbess is found,” Leora said. “She may be able to tell us something that will help end this dilemma.”

“If she knew something, wouldn’t she have said something by now?” Ross asked.

“Nuns see much but say little,” Noble said.

“The very reason many a nobleman is a benefactor to an abbey,” Lady Elizabeth said. “The nuns keep their secrets.” She was quick to glance at Noble. “It is not easy for me to hold my tongue, but I will do my best.”

“I would make certain of it if I were you since you will not like the promised consequences,” Noble reminded. “Now go and do your part in the plan, an easy task for you since it allows you to do as much talking as you like.”

Lady Elizabeth stood. “And talk I will, spreading the word of your departure tomorrow, letting everyone know you go to find Mother Abbess.”

“I will go and do my part as well,” Ross said and took his leave with Lady Elizabeth, the two bickering as they went.

“I have to go and make sure all is ready as well, and you, dear wife, will not leave the keep,” he said firmly and kissed her lightly.

“When do you think they will attack?” Leora asked, worried about her husband’s safety and for the clan.

“When they are sure that we are a distance enough away from the clan but worry not. The tree perches you suggested we build in the higher branches of the tall trees will see them coming from a distance and we will be well prepared.”

---