Page 62 of The Devil in Plaid
“Stand down,” the captain called out.
Heaving warriors surrounded her, their faces strained, their blades at the ready. Alasdair and Matthew glared at the captain.
“Release Lady Fiona,” Matthew demanded.
“Ye’re both under my command,” she snapped at her men. “Return now toLàidir.Tell my laird to keep to our plan. Tell him Ranulf MacKenzie has tried to sully our name, and that I’ve offered myself in goodwill to our allies. Tell him to look for the torch fire.” She choked down the sudden fear forming a knot in her throat.” Her voice softened. “Tell him that I love him.” Grasping for courage, she straightened in her seat. “Go now,” she urged.
She could see the struggle on Matthew and Alasdair’s faces, but even if they wanted to flout her command, they were outnumbered.
“Where will ye keep her? The dungeon?” Alasdair thundered.
“She will be kept in the high tower. If the MacLeod is good on his word, and ye’re indeed our allies, then she will be released when we are all victorious.”
Matthew’s nostrils flared. “If she is harmed or if ye betray us and hold with the wretch Ranulf, know that Laird MacLeod’s wrath will be delivered ten-fold.”
Fiona watched as her men turned their horses around and galloped away.
“I hope ye know what ye’re doing, my lady,” Tormod said behind her as he turned his horse around.
“Don’t worry about me,” she said, her voice steady, despite the shiver of fear coursing up her spine. “Ye just focus on the plan ahead. How will ye get me into the keep without Ranulf finding out?”
She could feel the captain’s heart beating against her back. “I will sneak ye in through an unguarded passage, known only to the laird of the keep who is dead and me, his first captain. I will have to blindfold ye, of course.”
“I understand,” she said. Then she turned and looked Tormod in the eye. “I spoke the truth, Captain. We have not raided yer people. Ye must believe me.”
Tormod sighed, and his face softened. “The horror of these last weeks have been so great, ‘tis hard to know who to trust or believe. But I once believed ye to be the perfect wife for young Adam.” His voice broke. “God’s blood, Ranulf’s villainy is too great. He took the life of good men and has pitted us against one another.”
She squeezed his hand. “Ye can trust me. In two days’ time an army will march to yer aid. If my laird sees three torches lit side by side on the eastern parapet, he will know we have an accord. Open the gates and let our men inside. Together, we will rid yer keep of Ranulf and his men.”
Once again, his face went cold. “Open the gates to an army? How can I know the MacLeod does not seek to conquer us?”
She looked at him boldly. “Because ye hold his wife prisoner.”
