Page 40 of The Trials of Neilina MacKai
“How large a force, and how far behind you?”Dougal demanded.
“I would say close to one hundred men, perhaps more.I came on them as I rode toward the crossroads where I would turn to continue on to Baile Iasg.The sun had risen above the forest trees when I reversed direction.As soon as I was some distance away, I galloped as quickly as I could to warn you.”
Dougal looked skyward.“The sun is now halfway towards midday.Most likely they will meet up with us before then.”
“Possibly.”Rhuad frowned.“Did they show any colors?From what direction did they approach, James?”
“I saw no colors.They were coming from the west when I first saw them.Soon after they turned north toward the castle.”
“Shall I order the men to take position for a battle?Dougal asked, though his high-pitched tone suggested he might prefer to run back to Castle MacFearann and hide behind the gates.
“No, for twenty-two men to attempt to defeat more than one hundred men is a fool’s errand.Let us wait here and see what they want.We may be able to negotiate a peaceable solution.”
“But if they are enemies...”
Rhuad raised a hand.“We do not know they are foes.Let us move to the side of the road.Indicating we do not oppose their travel may go some way to avoiding a fight.”A deadly massacre was more likely if the two groups were forced to battle each other.However, Rhuad did not want to feed fear by saying so.His job as leader of his men was to remain calm in the face of disaster.
Dougal gave the order.
Then Rhuad, Dougal, and all the men with them, James included, moved their mounts to the right side of the road.
The sun crept higher as they waited.The men took the opportunity to drink water and permit their mounts to rest awhile.
Eventually, the first rider appeared.
Rhuad peered at him.A little bit later, when the man was close enough to see his shield, Rhuad smiled.“Dougal, men, stay here.”
He set his horse to a canter and approached the dark knight in the lead.
“Raeb MacKai,” he shouted when he was close enough to be heard.“By all that’s holy, what brings you and your men here when we most need you?”
He reined to a stop beside his wife’s brother, leaned toward Raeb, and embraced him at the shoulders.
Raeb returned the gesture then signaled his men to stop.“You remember my sister Artis?”
“She’s the youngest, right?She has some sort ofsight, if I recall correctly.”
“Her gift is more like aknowing.She says she never sees images or events.Sometimes she simply knows things.”
“What has she to do with you bringing one hundred men and more to my aid I am desperate for help?And what of your wife and babe?”
Raeb grinned.“Our daughter and son were born the day after you left with Seona.I was able to keep my promise to Jessamyn.”
“Twins?I thought that was a trait of Clan Marr.”
“The midwife said twins can happen to anyone.We may talk about all of that later,” Raeb said.“As for what Artis has to do with my being here, she came to me the day the children were born.She said Seona was in trouble.Artis told me that I must go to your aid with at least one hundred men.I always listen when she speaks so.I contacted Earl Marr for additional men horses and arms.I sent a messenger to Lord MacTavish, but I doubt he’ll be able to respond in time to assist much.”
“Well, Lady Artis was right.”Rhuad explained the plan he and Seona had formed and the betrayal of his aunt.
“Ah, I understand now.Let us continue toward this fishing village.Remaining hidden until nightfall is wise, as is sending your squire to speak with the tavern keeper.”
“Very well.As we ride, we can discuss how best to use your men to effect the rescue of all three women.”
“There is room enough for three men to ride abreast.Let us include Dougal in our conversation.”
“An excellent idea.”
They gave orders to their men to form two columns.With the lairds and their friend in the lead they made their way toward the fishing village.When at last they stopped in the forest nearby the Baile Isag, a plan was formed.Orders for the coming battle were passed to the men.Then all that remained was to wait for news from Mr.Clyne and dawn—the hour chosen to commence the attack on the abbey and the guards’ keep.
