Page 33 of The Trials of Neilina MacKai
“A carrot and a stick both.That should gain us some allies.Have you thought that our plans could fail?We may have to hold siege at the abbey.”
“I would prefer not to do that.The longer Seona, my mother and sister are held hostage, the more likely the Reverend Mother will threaten their lives to gain our cooperation.”
“We cannot rely solely on one plan of attack.”
“I agree.Which is why I will send a messenger to Baron MacKai, the Earl of Strathnaver and Lord Iver MacTavish.”
“It would take a week for your messenger to get to Dungarob alone==MacTavish is another week to the south.Then a third week or more would be needed for any force from the MacKai and his brothers-in-law to travel to Castle MacFearann, then another day to arrive at the fishing village.”
“Messengers will be sent by land and sea.”
“The currents along the northern coast of Scotland are wicked fierce to say nothing of the near constant storms.”
“And the highlands of northern Scotland are no place for a man to travel alone, especially if he’s in a hurry.All I can do is try to get word to the lairds of clans MacKai, Marr, and MacTavish as quickly as possible.”
“Aye, I’ll say prayers in the chapel for the success of all our plans.”
“With any luck,” Rhuad continued.“We’ll be able to take possession of the abbey quickly.If we can capture the Reverend Mother, the guard will have to lay down their arms, just to save her neck.”
“You’d kill a holy woman?”
“No, not even if she truly is a holy woman.However, the men in the abbey guard need not know that my threats to end her are only that, threats.”
Dougal contemplated the circumstances involving such a deception.“You know, this may be one occasion on which the MacFearann reputation for cold-blooded vengeance could work to your advantage.”
Rhuad smiled and leaned forward.“You are right.I must have my squire ensure that Mr.Clyne can relate the most lurid parts of the clan history.No matter how stalwart, any man at arms whose head is filled with horrors will carry extra fear into battle.”
Dougal grinned and nodded.“That fear could cause a man to hesitate when immediate action is needed.”
“We can refine the details of our attack tonight at the evening meal.Go you now.Send my squire to me and tell the men that waiting is over.Tomorrow we depart early to go to war.”
“I will make it so, my lord.”Dougal stood, bowed and left.
Rhuad remained staring into the fire once more.His mind’s eye pictured Seona seated next to him with a ledger in her lap.
“You will need to plan carefully and with logic, husband.”
Aye, that I will my love.Win or lose know that I will be with you soon.
