Page 77 of The Highlander's Pirate Bride

“Dinnae look so glum, Aileen. Ye spoil yer pretty face wi’ that sad, turned-down mouth. This wee castle is a fortress. We’ve been besieged more than once. Once the invaders feel the boilingfat cascade upon their heads, they quickly realize the castle’s meagre fortune is nay worthy of their assault.”

“I would like tae believe that would be true of Andrew Sutherland. ‘Tis me belief that he cares naught fer any booty the castle might bring, and little fer the suffering of his men. His only concern is his asserting his will and punishing those who set themselves against him.”

Getting to her feet, Raven smoothed her kirtle and tucked a strand of dark hair under her lace cap before heading to the door. “I must consult with Mildred and our cooks and advise them we may be under siege. They will need to make preparation tae feed many more mouths than usual.”

She turned to Aileen, who had followed her to the door. “Methinks ye should rest awhile, Aileen. Last night must have taken a toll on yer strength. I cannae spare water fer bathing, but if ye splash yer face and hands and comb out yer hair I’m certain ye’ll feel a little better.”

“Of course. Ye’re right.” Aileen glanced at her crumpled britches and worn boots, brushing back the hair in tangles around her face.

After returning to her bedchamber, she wasted no time in washing and drying her hands and face, donning a fresh linen kirtle hanging by the garderobe and tidying her hair. Then, as Raven had predicted, with the grit washed off her face and the knots combed out of her long red locks some of the tightness in her chest eased and the fingers she’d been curling into fistsstraightened out. She took a seat in a comfortable chair by the fire, easing herself in the cushioned seat, attempting to bring some order to her tumultuous thoughts.

If only she could share Raven’s quiet confidence that the castle could withstand any siege.

She closed her eyes and then came the haunting images of burning ships silhouetted against a black sky, the screams of slaughtered men and the smashing and splintering of the battering-ram against the castle gates. Eventually, exhaustion claimed her and, resting her head on the cushion, she fell into a fitful sleep.

She was awakened to a heavy fist pounding on her door. Her heart leaped as her brain tried to make sense of what was happening.

“Aileen,” came Maxwell’s urgent voice.

Oh God. Sutherland is already at the gate!

She jumped up from the chair and raced across to open the door, almost tripping over her slippers in her haste. Her shaking fingers fumbled on the latch but at last she lifted it free. It was not Maxwell’s face that greeted her when she finally hauled the heavy oak door wide, but the sun-browned, beaming features of her dearest friend, Finn MacDougal, and the rugged face of her long-term watchdog, Séamus O’Rourke.

Chuckling, Maxwell stepped from the shadows beside the doorway.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Aileen seized Finn in a giant hug, their arms holding tight, while Seamus stood watching, his smile ever-widening. Pulling back to gaze at these two who’d been lost to her for so long, a million questions were spinning in her mind.

“I cannae believe ye’re here. How did ye find me? How did ye escape from Sutherland?” She frowned. “Ye’re nae hurt?”

Finn’s eyes sparkled. “Nae lass, we’re nae hurt and now all the better fer seeing ye so well.”

A serving-maid appeared in the passageway with a tray of sweetmeats and flagons of mead and the four adjourned to the comfortable chairs by the fire.

Once they were seated Maxwell raised a hand. “I ken ye have much tae discuss, but there are pressing matters that we need to learn from Finn and Seamus.” He turned to Aileen. “If ye can curb yer curiosity fer a wee while, and if ye can hold off wi’yer story, me braither Everard and Arne are waiting to hear it. And…” He offered a wry grin. “…tae learn from ye what we can of Sutherland’s plans.”

Seamus folded his arms wearily. “There is much tae tell ye, but I ken that, as War Chief, ye need tae hear of Sutherland’s plans.” He looked at Finn and she gave a tiny nod. “There is much tae discuss.”

“Aye I can curb me curiosity fer a wee bit longer except fer one thing.”

“I ken. Ye wish tae hear how yer faither fares.”

Aileen turned to Finn. “Daes me faither still live?”

Finn nodded. “He lives. He is now a prisoner on the island of Canna at Sutherland’s disposal.”

Aileen took a steadying breath.Me faither is alive. Thank the Lord.She lifted her head, straightening her spine. “Then let us meet the laird and converse on the subject of war.”

Everard, Arne, Raven and Ranald Dunbar were gathered in Everard’s study, seated at his big table when Maxwell and the others entered.

Everard rose as they took their seats. “Flying the Sutherland flag as ye were, ye were fortunate we didnae dispense wi’ ye as soon as ye entered Chaisteill Bagh. “

Ranald Dunbar got to his feet. “Our scouts had spied the birlinn approaching and we made ready tae fight. As it was only one, we waited without attacking. When me men went alongside, this lass…” He indicated Finn who was sitting quietly, her hands on her lap, taking in every word. “…convinced us she was a friend of milord Maxwell, and that they, and all the crew, were loyal tae their captain, Aileen MacLeod and wished nay association with Sutherland. All weapons were handed over. The oarsmen put up their oars and each one pledged unswerving loyalty tae Captain MacAlpin.” He searched their faces finding only approval. “So, I brought them tae ye.”

“Ye did what was right. Thanks tae ye and yer men, Dunbar.” Once Dunbar was seated again Everard turned to Finn and Seamus. “Now we are ready tae hear yer story. Our War Chief, Maxwell MacNeil, is eager tae find out what ye ken of Sutherland’s plans.”

Seamus spoke first. “I can give yer War Chief numbers of men and ships, but Finn can give ye more detail about his plans. The Laird Sutherland is gathering his troops and has already amassed a mighty army. He has most of his fleet moored at the Isle of Canna, and there are more yet tae come, delayed by the harsh weather.” He nodded to Finn. “She will give ye more insight intae what he has planned.”

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