Page 64 of The Winter Laird

“The castle is almost fully occupied now,and the laird is clearly taken with her to allow such nonsense.”

Burke wasn’t looking at the man directly. Instead, he was watching for anyone who may have followed him into the forest. He saw no one but wasn’t willing to take unnecessary risks, so he motioned for the fool to be silent, then led him deeper into the trees.

Speaking in hushed tones, Burke urged him to continue.

“She is often left by herself within the castle walls, or accompanied by Lady Maguire.” The man’s breath came out in icy puffs.

Burke swore. “Maguire stays at the castle?”

The man nodded, his eyes glittering. “Aye, he remains close to the laird. When Maguire is not with his wife, he ensures she’s followed by her personal guard, even within the castle. Lady MacWilliam is always with a guard when by herself, and she’s allowed to roam the inner bailey at will.”

“Has MacWilliam’s wife left the castle walls?” Burke demanded.

“Aye. Once, and with only Maguire and seven men,” he confirmed.

“Surprising that he’d allow his lady love to wander so unescorted,” Burke mused.

“There are thoughts that she may be with child because of her changing moods.” He pursed his lips. “Sounds like nonsense to me.”

“I pay you for this nonsense,” Burke replied, tossing the man a few coins. “So continue.”

The man greedily scooped the coins off the damp forest floor, dropping some through his frozen fingers. When he’d finished gathering them, he grinned a nearly toothless smile. “The laird left for a few days, and the lady seemed to have a hard time with it. Never smiled, which made some of the elders look on her as the laird’s true love.” The man spat. “She’s probably just good in the—”

“And when does the laird plan to leave again?” Burke interrupted.

“Don’t know.” The man shrugged. “He just up and leaves when he wants, doesn’t tell us until he’s on his way out the gate.”

“And you’re just left to defend the castle? Who acts as laird?”

“Well, he left his brother there last week,” the man replied, drawing his dark cloak tighter around himself to ward off the chill. “But he’s also got someone else in there. O’Malley, he says his name is, but there’s something off about the man. He and the lady have fast speech in a tongue I don’t know.”

Burke felt a flash of triumph. That was what he’d been waiting for, some nugget of information that the woman at the keep was, in fact, the missing O’Rourke daughter. The one with the ability to travel through time.

“This woman—Lady MacWilliam. She came to the castle, married your laird, and began changing your ways. Then, a man arrives, speaking a strange tongue, and he knows the lady?”

The man nodded at Burke’s summary. “Aye, all a bit strange. Some think she was put with us to protect her from something, but most of the clan thinks she’s a miracle, getting all these changes done and capturing the laird’s heart. To hear the women tell it, our laird was never getting himself married for fear that someone might come and kill his wife.”

“Oh, I don’t think anyone would want to kill her,” Burke replied.Not until she births a son with her same powers, he added silently. “You’ve been very helpful. If you provide me with more information when we next meet, your payment doubles. Do you think it possible to bring Lady MacWilliam with you? I’d like to meet this woman who’s wrought such change in your castle.”

The man’s eyes widened. “But if I do that, she’s likely to tell MacWilliam we’ve met!”

Burke slid his dirk out from his belt and flashed it in the moonlight. “Do you want a new laird, lad? One who will give you the battle you crave? Or will you be content to live your sorry life in a wattle-and-daub house, sharpening your sword so that you may throw yourself upon it for shame of your battle skills?”

The man remained silent for so long Burke thought he might have to kill him now, which would throw his entire plan into jeopardy. Instead, he used the last reserves of his patience and said, “Three weeks from tonight, you’ll get your chance at battle. But you must get Lady MacWilliam to me, here, before you join with your new clan.”

The man nodded. “Tell me what you want me to do, my laird, and it shall be done.”

Chapter 18

Nioclas mindlessly removed the various weaponry from his belt and boots, placed them in his trunk, and let his shoulders relax. It was good to be home.

The MacDermotts imparted grave news whilst he visited. There were rumors Kildare planned an attack on the MacWilliams for dishonor of his daughter. When passing through the Clanricards’ land, Nioclas heard the same rumor; he sent his two fastest men ahead to prepare his clansmen, in case the news proved true.

Nioclas wasn’t concerned, as his men were always prepared for battle. Donovan had sent for reinforcements almost immediately upon their return that morning. Nioclas knew even the most loyal of Kildares would turn on their laird if someone better and stronger came along—many had already pledged their loyalty to the English crown and broken away from Kildare and his rule. The man was in trouble. It would’ve proved a very beneficial alliance to both clans had Nioclas followed through with the wedding. The Kildare clan was high in numbers but low in organization. If they had a laird to inspire them, they’d prove formidable, which is why Nioclas had agreed to the marriage of their daughter before the O’Rourkes dropped Brianagh into his life.

He smiled at the thought. He would be forever grateful to her for making this easier than it should be. Most women would demand much more from him—ribbons, gold, fine clothing. Nioclas had just pulled his tunic off when the chamber door opened and Brianagh entered. Her eyes widening, her hand fluttering to her chest, she let out a tiny gasp of surprise. “Nioclas! I didn’t think you’d be here.”

He gave her a look. “Where else would I be?”

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