Page 72 of Highlander Lord Of Vengeance

“I have sent some trusted warriors out to hunt those who betrayed you, but the focus has been on finding you.”

“Now that you have found me shift the focus on finding those who dared to raise their swords against me,” Torrance ordered.

“Aye, my lord, as soon as I see you settled safely at Clan Stott.”

“I am not going to Clan Stott,” Torrance said, with such finality that it left no room for argument.

Brack argued anyway. “That is not what was agreed. Clan Stott is prepared to offer you shelter, warriors, whatever you need. It was arranged for your protection.”

Torrance’s eyes narrowed. “And you trust them completely with that protection?”

Brack’s brow furrowed. “They have always proven loyal.”

“You know as well as I do that loyalty can sour faster than milk left in the sun.” Torrance leaned forward, his tone cool. “Gavin. Has he returned?”

Brack blinked at the sudden change in subject. “Gavin? I don’t believe so. Last I heard, he had not been seen since you dismissed him and the others who failed you.”

Torrance gave a noncommittal grunt and reached for his tankard. “See if that has changed.”

“You believe he may have returned?”

“I asked if he has. Not what I believe.”

Brack’s gaze sharpened. “What aren’t you telling me?”

Torrance’s grip tightened around the tankard. “What I do or don’t tell you is my decision.”

Brack stepped closer. “Are you doubting my loyalty to you, my lord? My concern is and always has been for your safety, your life.”

Torrance’s fist tapped the table. “Then do as I order without question.”

“It is my duty to question you, to challenge you,” Brack snapped, the last thread of restraint unraveling. “You should be at Clan Stott. You're vulnerable here, exposed. Too many unknowns?—”

“Then let me make it known now,” Torrance cut in, his voice suddenly low and lethal. “Where I go, where I stay, who I trust… that is my decision to make, not yours.”

Brack bristled. “I’ve risked my life to keep you alive, my lord. I only speak because?—”

“Because you forget your place,” Torrance growled, rising slowly from the bench. “You may command the warriors, Brack, but not me. Never me.”

The silence that followed was heavy, and Brack held his tongue only by sheer discipline. He gave a sharp nod, though the tension in his shoulders was obvious.

Torrance stood tall, every inch the feared leader. “You say this land is dangerous. Then prove your loyalty. Protect me and keep watch. But speak again as if you rule my steps, and you won’t like the consequences. Do you understand, Brack?”

Brack inclined his head stiffly. “Understood, my lord.”

Torrance sat, ending the conversation, but the fire in his gut hadn’t settled. He’d seen Gavin speaking with Eagan and he wondered who else plotted against Torrance. And the elderly woman’s warning whispered in his head.

Friends are foes and foes are friends.

“See that preparations are made for my stay here,” Torrance ordered, wondering who to trust.

“How long?—”

“Until I say otherwise,” Torrance snapped. “Now go and do as I say.”

Esme had remained silent throughout the exchange, knowing Torrance would never tolerate her interference. But now that Brack was gone, she went to speak.

“Not a word,” he warned.

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