Page 32 of The Trials of Neilina MacKai
The boy studied the floor.“I shouldn’t speak ill of my betters.It’s what Father Magnus says when he tends my hurts.”
“Lady Staunton beats you?”
The boy nodded.
“Does she do aught else that is mean or cruel?”
The boy stood straighter, as if about to confront an evil monster.
“Whenever she strikes one of us...”
“She maltreats more servants than you?”
“Aye, Laird.She pinches the smallest maids and calls us men littletoom tabards.She says King Edward will come to send us all to the devil, making Scotland clean for decent English folk.I don’t want to live with the devil, Laird.”The lad’s voice shook despite his defiant stance.
“Do not worry, boy.England’s king will never get this far north.Were you ever able to have your breakfast?”
“Nay,” he shook his head.
“Take him to the kitchens,” Rhuad instructed the master of horse.“See that he’s fed, whatever he wishes.Make sure the cooks treat him well.Also, have someone find Sir Dougal and send him to me.”
“Aye my lord,” the master of horse replied.
They left, and Rhuad stared into the fire.The boy’s story made clear that Lady Staunton spied for the English.What could she possibly hope to gain from betraying her family?Had she always hated Scotland?She was a Scot herself, so how was it possible?
I may never know.
He’d had no reason to suspect her of such ill will.What caused her to spy and why leave now.He doubted she planned to return.She’d know he would question the stable boy.Where would she go?Who in Scotland would give shelter to a traitor?
The answer leapt to mind the moment the questions formed.The Reverend Mother of St.Margaret Abbey.Why now?His aunt must have left to warn the abbess about the plans to rescue his mother and sister.
Dear God, Seona’s life is at risk.
The timing of his aunt’s departure was such that she would reach the abbey before Seona.Lady Staunton wouldn’t have to spend the night in the village.The abbess would know Seona’s purpose before his wife arrived.At best she would be held hostage like his mother and sister.At worst, Seona would be killed.The thought made his stomach turn.
He would not allow any harm to come to Seona.He wasn’t ready to lose her, yet.He doubted Raeb MacKai would be pleased when he learned of recent events.Perhaps that displeasure could be used to advantage.How many more men, arms, and horses, might Baron MacKai give to save his sister?
“You asked to see me, my lord?”Dougal stood at Rhuad’s side.
He’d been so deep in thought he’d not heard the knight approach.
“Aye, sit down and listen carefully.”
“This is terrible news,” Dougal said when Rhuad finished telling everything he’d learned.“What do you think should be done.”
“I think we need not wait for a message from my wife.I doubt she’ll be permitted any chance to communicate.”
“I agree.The men are nearly ready.We could leave within the hour.
“’Tis close to midday.We’d have to stop for the night before we arrived at the village.Then another half day would be wasted getting to the village.We’d be tired and in no shape to attack the abbey guard, while they would be fresh and well rested.In addition, the longer we take for the journey, the greater the danger to my wife.‘Tis also more likely we will be seen by an enemy sentry.”
“You make good points.We should prepare to leave at first light tomorrow.”
“Perhaps even before first light.We should also send my squire ahead.If he leaves within the hour, he’ll be able to get help from his friend the tavern keeper.”
“Are you sure Clyne will help?What about the rest of the villagers?They depend somewhat on the Abbey for their livings.”
“That will not change no matter who is in charge of the Abbey.In addition, the MacFearann coffers are deep.I’ll have my squire assure Mr.Clyne that any who help us will be well rewarded for their trouble.However, secrecy is of utmost importance.Anyone discovered revealing our plans to the Abbey will be hung as a traitor to Scotland.”
