Page 62 of Bride of the Beastly Laird

“Thank the Lord ‘tis ye,” he said, delight in his voice as he greeted his old friend.

Craig slowly let his gaze drift across the assembly. “Are ye leaving the castle, Arran? I can only think this isnae a time fer a pleasurable gallop.”

Arran gave a soft laugh. “How did ye ken we were leaving?”

Craig dowsed the lantern leaving them standing in a pool of moonlight. “I did nay ken ye were here. It is part of me duty tae patrol the castle battlements and the yards every night before I retire. This was me last stop fer tonight.”

Arran clasped his old friend’s hand. “After what happened between mesel’ and Bairre today in the training yard, I kent it was time fer me tae leave this place.”

Craig studied the others. “And the Lady Dahlia and her maid are travelling with ye?”

Arran drew in a sharp breath. One word from Craig and their plan would be finished. He nodded slowly.

“’Tis time I told all of it tae ye, Craig. It is nae a secret tae anyone, Bairre included, that Dahlia doesnae wish tae marry the laird. She wishes tae be with me and I cannae leave the lass I love here in certain danger from Bairre’s wrath.”

“So ye two are lovers? Right under Bairre’s nose?” Craig shook his head. “Ye must ken ye are risking everything.”

“Aye. And that is why I ask ye tae reveal none of this tae the laird. Come daylight, we’ll be far away, tracking intae the mountains in search of me maither.” He clenched his fist. If it came to it, he would knock Craig down and leave him while they made their escape. Even his friendship would not be permitted to stand in their way now.

It was clear that Craig was ill at ease at this new discovery. “Ye’re asking much of me Arran. If Bairre discovers I kent ye and his betrothed were planning tae leave against his wishes, it would nae go well with me. ‘Tis me who would bear the brunt of his rage.”

“Och, I dinnae wish ye tae suffer because of us. But ye ken I must dae everything in me power tae find me maither and bring her tae freedom.”

“I understand. I will nae speak of it tae Bairre.”

Breathing a deep sigh of relief, Arran clapped a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Why d’ye nae come with us? I ken ye’re nae happy here. Bairre doesnae treat ye well. Ye’d be better off seeking a new life with us. Our plan is tae free me maither and seek the assistance of Dahlia’s braither, the Laird of the MacLeods.”

Craig was silent for a moment as if he was mulling this over. Then he looked up at Arran.

“I dinnae ken, Arran. Ye are asking much of me,” he said.

“Me friend, we have kenned each other since we were bairns, and I dinnae want tae cause a rift between us. I would like naething more than tae have ye by me side at a time like this. Will ye come?” Arran reached out to him.

There was another moment of silence, which seemed to stretch on for longer than it did.

Then, finally, Craig held out his hand and shook Arran’s. “Aye. I dinnae wish tae see ye harmed. I’ll come with ye and add me brawn tae yers. If Bairre sets out in pursuit of ye, ye’ll need every pair of hands ye can muster if ye’re tae save yerself and the lass.”

Arran approached the head groom who was standing in the shadows nearby. “Can ye saddle melord a good horse?”

The groom nodded and entered the stable, where a fine chestnut was pacing impatiently. “He’s a fine horse, I’ll make him ready.”

Craig turned and patted Arran’s stallion. “Go ahead. I’ll catch ye on the road in minutes.”

He turned and followed the groom as Arran looked on in satisfaction. This was an unexpected turn of events, but one that would be to their advantage. Another able-bodied man for protection went some way to alleviating his anxiety. Although they were making their departure under cover of darkness, there could be no doubt Bairre would set out in hot pursuit once he was aware they had fled.

With Nicol in the lead, they moved off, crossing the cobbled yard at a slow walk, muffling the sound of hooves. He lifted his hand in salute as they reached the portcullis. Within seconds it had been raised and they filed through unchallenged. The moon was bright and they could see the empty road clearly enough.

Now that they were through the gate and on the road to escape, knowing Craig would be close behind, Arran felt himself lighten as if a giant load had been lifted from his shoulders.

They progressed slowly, waiting for Craig to join them. Within minutes they heard his horse on the road and, once he was alongside, the little group set out at a gallop. Arran was determined to create as much distance as possible between themselves and the castle before the dawn brought light that would expose them to any pursuers.

They’d not gone far when Nicol turned them away from the coast and began the trek inland to the high country of the mountains. The way took them through a deep glen that sliced through mountains on both sides.

Arran leaned in to Dahlia. “On the other side of those mountains is MacLeod country.”

She drew in a sharp breath. “Aye it is. If we can make our way across the mountains, we will all be safe among me clansmen.

As they progressed along the grassy meadows of the glen, Nicol pointed out the route he intended for them to take.

---