Page 140 of Bride of Fire
His first thought was for his wife. He couldn’t let harm come to her. Lunging forward, he seized her around the waist. Ignoring her protests, he hefted her up in his free arm. He lumbered through the inner doors, shouting at the guards to bolt them behind him.
The guards managed to seal the entrance with only moments to spare, before the horde could force its way in. Even so, there was a loud rumbling as they crashed against the wooden doors.
He set Alicia down and turned to her in concern.
“Are ye all right?”
She gave him a cautious nod.
It appeared the army of Rivenloch had come at last.
With no time to waste, he began calling out orders.
“Davey!”
The eldest Campbell was already emerging from the armory. He was only half-dressed, but his claymore was firmly in his grip.
“Gather the men,” he commanded, “and arm heavily.”
“Aye, m’laird.”
“John! We’ll need a cart to reinforce the doors,” Morgan ordered. “William, post archers at the four towers.”
“Aye, m’laird.”
“And William…”
“Aye?”
“No arrows are to be released except on my orders.”
William’s face fell in disappointment, but he nodded, “Aye, m’laird.”
If there was to be any hope of peace, Morgan needed to make sure there were as few casualties as possible, something Jenefer apparently hadn’t considered when she’d given the order to Rivenloch to charge.
It was tempting at that moment to hand Miles off to his mother. The lad was beginning to fuss. Things were about to get chaotic. Morgan needed his full concentration to defend the keep. And a bairn had no place in the midst of a siege.
But at that moment, Jenefer came tearing across the grass toward him. Her bow was in her grip, and her quiver of arrows bounced against her back.
“Nay!” she yelled, as if she’d read his thoughts. “Give Miles to me!”
He looked daggers at her. Give his heir to Jenefer? Was she jesting?
The lass may have been loyal and devoted to Miles. She may have soothed the bairn’s fears and stopped his tears.
But this was war. That was her clan out there. There was no telling what she might do to salvage the castle and save her people. He’d be a fool to hand over his heir.
Instead, he turned toward young Danald, who had just arrived in the courtyard and was still tying up his trews. “Danald, lad, take my son. Gather the women and children in the great hall. Keep them safe.”
The lad straightened with pride. “Aye, m’laird.”
“Nay!” Mid-stride, Jenefer drew her bow, aiming at Danald.
The lad’s eyes widened as she rapidly closed the distance.
Morgan felt his heart drop to the pit of his stomach.
God’s eyes! Was the lass going to shoot Danald? Was she so intent on taking custody of his son that she’d kill anyone who got in her way?
