Page 19 of The Trials of Neilina MacKai
The space was huge, like the rest of the building she’d seen thus far.Hence the small number of trestle tables and benches clustered near the salt surprised her.A mess of trenchers and tankards on the tabletops told her that those who ate below the salt had already broken their fasts.
I did not think I had woken so late.
She crossed the floor strewn with fresh rushes and herbs.As she climbed to the high table, Sir Dougal and two of the senior MacKai men at arms took their leave of her husband.She exchanged greetings with them as they left.
“Good morning, Laird MacFearann.”The man was more handsome than he had a right to be.She’d not thought him attractive when she’d first seen him, nor even when he arrived dusty and travel stained to ask her brother’s aid.What had changed?His eyes were still blue his hair still red, his physique still strong and manly.Perhaps it was simply seeing him in action as laird in his own home that colored her vision of him?She shrugged, what matter if she found him attractive or not?They would part ways in less than a month, of that she was certain.
“You might as well address me as Rhuad, wife.Include laird, if you like, when we are with others.”
“If you wish it.”She signaled a waiting servant to bring her a meal
“Wine?”Rhuad pointed to an ewer.
“I prefer ale or cider to break my fast.”
He lifted a crock that sat beside the ewer and poured ale into the tankard near her hand.“You must try MacFearann ale then.Our alewife swears by the mixture of grains she uses and guards her recipe carefully.”
Seona sipped the beverage which was just a bit sweet.“This is delicious.I will be certain to give her my compliments.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
Two oatcakes flanked the trencher containing a pottage that was placed before her.
With Rhuad watching, she took a mouthful.
“Does the meal meet with your approval?”
“I can tell this was not made by my cook.Nonetheless it is quite savory.”
“Excellent.”He rose.“I am sorry I cannot remain to entertain you.I must see to the preparations for the rescue.”
She took his hand.“Sit, please.Before any preparations are made, we must form our plans.”
She would not tolerate being excluded from the planning or the rescue itself.
“We did not wish to bother you with such things.Our plans are already formed, and Dougal has gone to instruct the men.”
“Then you must call Dougal back.I speak for my brother on all matters involving MacKai men, horses, and arms.You would not plan without consulting him.Thus, you will consult me.If you wish to include Dougal and any others, I will not oppose that.”
He did sit.However, his expression was not happy.
“To recall Dougal and the men at this time would be inefficient.What specifically do you wish to discuss?”
She studied him.He slouched at ease, yet his fingers drummed on the tabletop, and a tic formed in one cheek.From the corner of one eye, she thought she saw a servant approach.She waved the person off, and they moved out of sight.
Best not to have anyone overhear this conversation.
“We should speak of our entire rescue plan, from preparations to escape and return to the castle.”
His gaze narrowed, and his hand on the table flattened.“I want to be clear on one point, wife.You will not risk yourself by participating in this rescue.”
She gave him an equally hard gaze.“I act with the full authority of the MacKai Seneschal, which allows me complete participation in any effort that involves MacKai men, horses and arms.Or would you prefer that I gather my brother’s men and leave for Dungarob Keep?”
“Your brother promised aid,” Rhuad protested.
“Aye, with me speaking for him.He would withdraw any promised aid if you attempted to exclude him from your plans and action.That is what you are doing.Hence, I have no qualm with ending any agreement on that basis.”
He formed a fist with the hand on the table.Then his shoulders lifted, and he sighed.
