Page 72 of Bride of the Beastly Laird

“I was expecting tae find the Lady Dahlia already present in the castle.”

Haldor raised a quizzical eyebrow, fixing Arran with a curious expression. “I received a letter from me dear sister, written mere days ago. In it she mentioned she was in danger from the laird and begging us tae come tae castle Mackinnon tae aid her.”

Arran nodded. “Aye. She told me she had written tae ye, asking fer help. But matters became urgent, and it was unsafe for both of us tae remain in the castle, so we made the decision tae leave.”

He went on to describe their escape from the castle and how the search for his mother had led them up the mountain, and to the eventual discovery of her imprisonment in the old bothy. Then he told them of Craig’s plan to escort Dahlia home tae castle MacLeod in the hope of evading Bairre’s pursuit.

As he finished the story, he noted Haldor’s expression growing grave.

“Me sister and this man, Craig Donald, didnae arrive. Ye’ve spoken with our scouts. If they’d entered the clan lands any one of the lads would have seen them.”

Arran felt a block of ice settling in the pit of his stomach as he took in the somber faces of the three men opposite. Clearly, they shared his fears.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

“They left us yesterday and we expected they would be here before nightfall. The only reason I can think of fer their delay is that some ill has befallen them. I pray Bairre Mackinnon has nae caught up with them.”

As Arran spoke, all three of Dahlia’s brothers were shaking their heads, their expressions grim.

Ivar was the first to respond. “If the Mackinnon catches up with them things will go badly fer Dahlia. She is still tied tae him in betrothal under the king’s decree and until she is released from that he can force her intae marriage.”

Arne shook his head. “Laird Haldor has petitioned King Robert, requesting he release her. But we’ve nae had his reply yet, that’s why we havenae sent a letter tae her about it. As we ken this marriage was against her will, it was our hope that he would agree to our petition and spare her instead of rushing into war.”

It was impossible for Arran to remain still. He clambered to his feet. “I must retrace me steps and search for her. There is nay other way. If both she and Craig have been captured there is nae time tae waste. Ye are right tae suggest Bairre will force her tae wed him. She is the prize he is determined tae win and there is no way he would willingly relinquish his hold over her.”

The others rose also. “We are with ye,” Haldor said with a nod to Arne, who hastened out of the room. “Me braither will see tae a fresh horse fer ye and assemble a group of our soldiers tae accompany us. We’ll leave here as soon as we’re ready.” He glanced at Arran. “After ye’ve had a serving of something tae nourish ye. I daresay ye’re a mite hungry.”

Arran smiled. “Aye, I’ve nay eaten since breaking fast this morning, but, truth tae tell, I’ve nay appetite when all me thoughts are for the Lady Dahlia and what fate may have in store fer her.”

Haldor scanned his face, his gaze locked with Arran’s. “I can see that ye care deeply fer me sister. Daes she share yer feelings?”

Arran considered this, unsure of how to respond. “I cannae speak fer her feelings, only mine,” he finally said. “We have spent much time together. She holds me heart, and I would willingly give me life tae ensure her safety. During the time we have spent in each other’s company I have come tae believe yer sister has warm feelings fer me also.”

Haldor and Ivar contemplated his words as silence fell in the room. Arran wrestled with the bittersweet memory of Dahlia, inhis arms in the village, naked, her eyes shining with joy as they spoke of a future life together.

The moment was broken by the appearance of two maidservants who served up bowls of hearty soup accompanied by slices of oatbread.

“Eat, lad,” Haldor said, “Ye’ll need yer strength this night. There may well be a fight if it is as we fear, that me sister is again in the clutches of a laird who will force her tae wed with him against her will.”

After only two spoonfuls of soup Arran pushed himself up from his chair, giving a short bow to the Laird Haldor.

“Many thanks fer yer hospitality tae mesel’ and me people. I am grateful fer yer Lady Sofia’s concern fer me maither, Emilia Mackinnon. But now…” his gaze swept the faces of the two brothers, “I cannnae spend any further time before I set out tae search fer Dahlia and Craig.”

“D’ye have any thoughts as tae where they may be?

“If they are being held by Bairre’s men, there is one place that makes sense to me. A tavern that straddles the border between MacLeod and Mackinnon lands.” He groaned. “And we rode past it this afternoon without any inkling that Dahlia might be being held there.”

Haldor folded his arms over his chest. “Is it nae unwise fer ye tae go alone? We’ll be setting off within the hour.”

Arran snorted. “Ye’re right. ‘Tis. But I fear that if I dinnae seek them out there’s every chance whoever is holding them willnae bide long but take their prisoners back to Castle Mackinnon, where we cannae pass.”

“Aye.” Haldor nodded slowly. “That makes sense. Once they are returned tae the castle we’ll have nay power. The king has decreed there should be a wedding.” He gave a rueful laugh. “One of his aims is fer our clans tae unite peacefully. We cannae openly defy his wishes and take our fight tae the castle fer fear of bringing King Robert’s wrath down on all our heads.”

Arran left Haldor and Ivar to their soup and ale and strode quickly down the passage. He was bounding down the steps of the keep when he encountered Arne, who was heading into the castle.

“There’s a fresh horse ready fer ye, Arran. We’ll be leaving with five of our guards. The grooms are saddling the horses and we’ll be ready tae ride before long.”

“I thank ye Arne, but I cannae wait. I must set out tae find Dahlia without any delay.”

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