Page 64 of The Highlander's Pirate Bride

“After offering several juicy bribes to the few peasants that live thereabouts, one of them plucked up the courage to enlighten young Anderson as tae yer whereabouts.”

Maxwell huffed. “I daresay by the time the word reached Barra, I was halfway to Dunrobin.”

“That was exactly what we feared. It was then the laird – furious when he learned of yer capture – decided to sail to Dunrobin to confront the Laird Sutherland and demand yer release. He was ready to pay whatever ransom was demanded or fight tae the death if that was what it took.”

Maxwell groaned. This was news he dreaded. “Jesus! This would have played directly intae Sutherland’s hands. ‘Tis a long story, lad, but I was mistaken fer me braither. It was Everard that Sutherland wished to take as his prisoner.”

Arne shook his head. “He sent word tae us on Skye and we came direct from Dunvegan so that Raven could be here acting as laird in his absence. He sailed his big birlinn and took a company of his best men.”

“Little good that would dae against Sutherland’s might.” Maxwell groaned again and ran his hand through his hair, undoing its neatness. “The man commands a fleet of birlinns and other vessels that make ours seem puny. His men outnumber ours many times over and all of them have sworn blind fealty tae him fer fear of their lives and the lives of their loved ones.”

“But would he nae respect another laird? The Sutherlands have never been the enemies of the MacNeils. Highland hospitality calls fer courtesy tae be paid tae any guest.”

Recalling the brief interlude he’d spent in Sutherland’s company, Maxell uttered a loud “pshaw,” and shook his head. “Sutherland cares naught fer the rules of hospitality. He daes what he wishes and there is nae one person outside of the king who would live long if they defied him.”

“Then all we can dae is pray that Everard is able tae avoid capture and make his way home safe tae the island.”

“Mayhap that is all we can dae, Arne. But I’m nae one to sit by passively and depend on prayer alone. Me belief is that Everard is, indeed, in terrible danger. I cannot sit idly by.”

“What d’ye intend?”

Maxwell shrugged. His mind was sliding over possibilities. He needed to discuss this with Aileen. If anyone knew the ways of Andrew Sutherland and where his weakness would lie, it was Aileen. “I will think on it. Mayhap we can come up with a plan.”

“Aye, as War Chief of the MacNeils, ye are the one best suited tae find a way tae defeat Sutherland. Whatever ye decide, I’ll join wi’ ye.”

“Nay, lad. Ye’ve a wife and family tae consider. If both Everard and meself were tae lose our lives, Raven would become the MacNeil clan chief. She’ll need yer strength beside her.”

Arne shook his head. “This is nae our way, me friend, as well ye ken. We all fight fer what is right and so dae many of our lassies. Raven, is a warrior too. But…” he managed a grin, “She is with child again. In a matter of months there’ll be a wee sister or brother fer our bairn, Thorsten.”

This brought a smile to Maxwell’s lips. “Some bright news among the dark tidings.”

Arne smiled broadly. “Aye, ‘tis indeed.” He reached a hand to Maxwell’s shoulder. “Now, ye must partake of sustenance if ye’re nae tae disappear in front of our eyes. I’ll go with ye tae break our fast in the hall and ye can tell me all yer news. Afterwards, we shall seek me lovely wife, who will also be desperate tae hear yer stories.”

They left the chamber and progressed along the passageway and down the stairs to the hall.

After a fine repast of fish and mussel stew, cheese, bannocks and raspberry jam, honey-cakes and hot mead, Maxwell was ready to meet with his sister in the solar.

In response to Arne’s heavy fist on the door, Raven shouted, “Come in, ye noisy beast.”

Laughing, Arne entered and seized her in a bear-hug, lavishing her cheek with kisses. She made show of pushing him away. “Put me down, ye dinnae ken yer own strength, Arne MacLeod.”

Her cheeks flushed red and her eyes took on a sparkle that warmed Maxwell’s heart. They were so clearly in love.

Once Arne released her, she flung herself at Maxwell.

“Here. Let me look at ye.” She held him at arm’s length, studying him. It was only then he realised Aileen was standing by the chair watching and smiling.

“Ah. Ye’ve met Aileen?”

Raven turned to Aileen and clasped her hands. “She has told me something of yer story. Ye’ve both endured so much, ye must rest a day or two and partake of fine food and wine tae compensate fer the privations ye’ve suffered.” She turned to Arne.

“This is miss Aileen MacAlpin, who accompanied Maxwell on their journey from Dunrobin.”

Aileen dropped a curtsy toward Arne. “I am pleased to make yer acquaintance, milord, and am grateful fer the hospitality shown tae us by ye and yer wife.”

Arne bowed. “The pleasure is mine. Ye have me gratitude fer helping me braither-in-law tae escape from Sutherland’s castle and fer accompanying him on yer arduous journey tae our island.”

It was impossible for Maxwell to hide his grin as he listened to Arne’s thanks and Aileen’s embarrassed answers.If it wasnae fer Aileen I’d nae have been taken tae Dunrobin in the first place.

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