Page 43 of Awoken
“MacKinnon cut him down without hesitation,” Ross replied, watching the outlaw leader’s face harden. “But that shouldn’t come as a surprise … ye know what he’s capable of.”
A dangerous look flickered in Craeg the Bastard’s eyes. Ross realized then that despite his friendly manner, this man wasn’t one lightly crossed. Ross had heard of Craeg’s origins. He knew that the man had plenty of reasons to hate his half-brother.
But now Ross had just given him another.
20
Awoken
CRAEG WAS STANDING on the edge of the village, taking his turn at the watch, when he heard the heavy tread of men approaching behind him. Twisting around, he peered through the gloaming to spy two familiar figures: one hulking with wild red hair; the other older and dark-haired, dressed in dusty hunting leathers, and carrying a slight limp.
Gunn and Brochan.
“I hear we’ve got visitors?” the latter greeted Craeg.
The outlaw leader inclined his head, noting the brusqueness of Brochan’s tone. He’d known the man for years—in fact, it was Brochan who’d taught him how to use his fists properly, swing a broad-sword, and wield a longbow—but sometimes he thought his friend forgot that Craeg was in charge here.
“Aye … Gunn has told ye who they are?” he replied, his tone non-committal.
Brochan halted, folding his arms across his chest. “He has … MacKinnon’s right-hand is now our guest.”
Next to Brochan, Gunn rolled his eyes. “I’ve told him that Campbell is no longer MacKinnon’s man, but he won’t take my word.”
“Well ye will just have to take mine,” Craeg said with a smile. “Did ye have any luck with yer hunt by the way?”
Brochan shook his head. “The hinds eluded me today.” The older man’s weathered features tensed then. “This is a wasted opportunity, ye know?”
“What is?”
“Ye have never been in such a strong bargaining position with MacKinnon. Those two would be worth all our weights in silver.” Brochan’s eyes gleamed. “Think of all the good ye could do … all the folk who could buy food for their families with that coin.”
Craeg’s smile faded. “Ye think I should ransom our visitors?”
Brochan nodded, while beside him Gunn shifted uncomfortably, his bluff features tightening. “That’s a cracked idea.”
Brochan cut Gunn a sharp look. “Is it? Ye have two people that MacKinnon wants to get his hands on. This time, ye can really hit him where it hurts.”
“And if he discovers the location of this village as a result?” Craeg was scowling now. Gunn was right; Brochan’s idea was mad. He clearly hadn’t thought the details through.
“If ye handled this right, he wouldn’t.”
“Campbell and Lady Leanna are our guests,” Craeg reminded him, with a shake of his head that made his opinion clear. “We won’t be ransoming them, and I certainly wouldn’t risk any of yer lives to go and treat with him.”
“I’d do it,” Brochan countered. His face wore a strained expression now, his fingers flexing at his sides. “I’d love to see MacKinnon’s face when he hears the news.”
Craeg knew that the outlaw bore MacKinnon as much hate as he did. Many years earlier, Brochan had been a member of The Dunan Guard, but had been cast out after he’d dared contradict the young clan-chief. Duncan MacKinnon had beaten Brochan so badly for the slight that he still walked with a limp as a result.
Brochan wanted to avenge himself upon MacKinnon, but his need for reckoning had clearly clouded his judgement.
“No ye won’t … no one will,” Craeg hit back, his anger rising. “Put this wild idea of yers to bed, Brochan … there will be no blackmailing.”
It was dark inside the hut, the only light streaming in through the smoke hole in the roof. A small lump of peat burned in the hearth, warming the damp air. Nonetheless, it was cool this evening.
Leanna shifted uncomfortably, arranging herself upon the fur next to the hearth. The hut was empty except for the furs covering the dirt floor. The air smelled dusty and stale, as if this hut wasn’t used often. After sharing two cups of ale with the outlaw leader, Craeg had brought them here.
His final words, as he’d gestured them inside, had made worry knot Leanna’s belly. “There are a few folk here who don’t welcome yer presence … for yer own safety, I suggest ye stay out of sight till dawn. I’ll get someone to bring ye supper.”
Seeing Leanna’s frown, the outlaw leader had favored her with a reassuring smile. “Fret not, Lady Leanna … ye will be safe here. I just want folk to get used to yer presence, that’s all.”
