Page 9 of The Trials of Neilina MacKai
Seona leaned forward and kissed Jessamyn’s brow.“Be well sister.I hope to be home in Dungarob in time for your child’s christening.”
“I will pray for that as well.”
Seona left, told the ladies their mistress needed them, then sped toward the Dungarob kitchens.
Chapter Two
Dungarob Keep on theScottish Northwest Coast
Mid-morning February 14, 1297
Lord Rhuad, Sir Dougal and twenty MacKai men at arms stood by their horses listening to Raeb MacKai give orders to his men about treating the MacKai seneschal, now Lady MacFearann, with the same respect they would show their laird.He finished his remarks and turned to MacFearann.
“Where is your sister, MacKai?I’m certain she is as eager to begin this journey as I.”
“I cannot say.If Seona delays, she has good reason.”
Was she delaying out of vanity?His mother and sister were both prone to force people to wait long stretches of time just to perfect the way a curl lay or the drape of a bliaut.
“If my mother and sister suffer from her bad timing, you’ll hear about it.”
“You would certainly be within your rights should that happen, but since your parent and sister have been imprisoned for more than two years, another small wait will matter very little.You’ve had no word from the abbey or any English of a ransom demand?”
“Only the one unsigned missive suggesting I might want to follow my brother’s treasonous example.”
“The English are probably waiting to have a response from you.”
“Silence is all the reply I will give.Once I’ve rescued my mother and sister, I’ll lead every man I can muster into battle with the Scots Hammer and see him so broken that he’ll never be able to harm another Scot.”
“You would do battle with Edward himself?”
“If I get the chance.Yes.”
“What of your mother and sister?You would leave them unprotected again and risk having them taken hostage once more.”
“Nay.I have already made arrangements for their security.My sister will marry, and her husband will accept responsibility for her safety and that of our mother.”
