Page 51 of The Laird's Vengeful Desire
The villagers scattered in terror, overturning stools and crying out for their children. The young soldiers immediately sprang into action, drawing swords and forming a protective line, but they were outnumbered two to one.
Rhona’s first instinct was to flee – every fiber of her being screaming at her to run from the chaos and violence. But then she saw him: a small boy, perhaps three or four years old, standing frozen in the middle of the square as armed thugs thundered toward him on horseback like the hounds of hell itself.
Without a second thought, she launched herself forward, scooping the child into her arms just as a raider’s horse pounded past where he’d been standing. The boy’s horrified sobs cut through the din of battle as she clutched him protectively against her chest.
“I’ve got ye,” she whispered to the trembling child, her heart hammering against her ribs. “Where are yer parents?”
The boy answered by wailing louder and clinging to her with desperate strength.
A crash of splintering wood made her whirl around. One of the riders was systematically smashing the villager’s market stalls, clearly intent on destruction rather than theft. Another group had cornered several families near the well, their intentions unclear, but undoubtedly malicious.
I have tae get the bairn tae safety,but where?
Her eyes darted back and forth until her gaze fell on a small stone building at the edge of the square – the village’s grain storage, with thick walls and a heavy door. If she could reach it, they could barricade themselves inside.
“Come on, wee dove,” she whispered to the boy, pressing a quick kiss to his hair. “We’re goin’ tae play a game of hidin’. Just ye and me.”
Keeping low, she darted between overturned things and scattered belongings, the sounds of battle growing louder behind her like an approaching storm. Steel clashed against steel somewhere close by, and she heard Baird shouting something above the chaos.
Please let them be all right,please…
The grain storage door stood open – someone else had clearly had the same idea. Rhona slipped inside, immediately pushing the heavy door closed and throwing the bar across it. The thick stone walls muffled the chaos from outside, but didn’t eliminate it entirely.
The boy in her arms had quieted into hiccupping sobs, his small hands fisted in her dress like anchors in a storm.
“There’s a good lad,” she murmured, settling them both behind a large pile of grain sacks. “We’ll just wait here until ‘tis safe tae come out, aye?”
Through a single small window, she could see flashes of the battle outside. The Wallace soldiers were fighting bravely, but they were clearly outmatched.
Where is Baird? Has anyone managed tae send word tae Ian?
Somewhere in the distance, she could hear the sound of galloping hoofbeats – but whether they brought salvation or damnation, she couldn’t tell. All she could do was hold the frightened child close and pray that help would arrive before it was too late.
The hoofbeats grew louder, thundering across the countryside like the very wrath of God himself, and Rhona held her breath, waiting to discover whether they heralded rescue or ruin.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
“Idinnae like the sound of this, me laird.”
Tristan’s voice carried a note of unease as he stood before Ian’s desk in the solar, holding the crumpled parchment like it might bite him. The afternoon sun slanted through the narrow windows, casting long shadows across the stone floor, but the light did nothing to warm the chill that had settled in Ian’s bones since reading Lachlan’s MacPherson’s message.
“Neither dae I,” Ian replied grimly, reaching for the letter again. The parchment felt heavier than it should, weighted with implications that made his jaw clench like a vice, threatening to crack his teeth. “But we cannae ignore it entirely.”
He read the message again for the third time, though he could have recited every word from memory.
Laird Ian Wallace of Clan Wallace,
I trust this missive finds ye in good health and high spirits. Word has reached me that ye have settled intae yer new role with admirable dedication, though I confess I was surprised by some recent developments that have come tae me attention.
I am aware that certain arrangements made by me late cousin Douglas may require reconsideration in light of changing circumstances. As ye well ken, Douglas and I shared many understandings regarding the future of our respective clans, particularly concerning matters of mutual benefit.
I believe we have much tae discuss regarding how best tae honor the intentions of those who came before us, while addressing the legitimate concerns of those who remain. There are certain assets currently in yer possession that were intended fer different purposes, and I believe a meeting between us would serve both our interests well.
I propose we convene at the border stone between our lands three days hence, at midday. I shall bring only a small retinue fer protection and trust ye will extend the same courtesy. Surely, reasonable men such as us can find mutually beneficial solutions tae any complications that may have arisen.
I remain, with great anticipation of yer correspondence.
Lachlan MacPherson, Laird of Clan MacPherson.
