Page 134 of Once Upon A Haunted Castle
Jamie turned atthe rumble of horses galloping toward them from the other direction. A troop of men flying Robert the Bruce’s colors came into view.
“Jamie,” called the leader.
“Donald. You arrived at the right time.” The man dismounted and walked over to them.
“Anything to save your sorry arse.”
Laura stepped out of the mist, a smile on her face. For a moment she enjoyed the panic that rushed across his face.
“Oh, beg your pardon, Lady Laura. I wasn’t aware you were with Jamie.” Donald’s gaze turned tender. “I was sorry to learn of Richard’s passing. He will be missed.”
“Thank you, Donald. I appreciate your kind words.” Laura’s voice died away.
Donald turned to Jamie.
“We followed the raiders. I see you’ve taken care of their leader. I didn’t recognize him,” Donald said.
“He was the new innkeeper,” Laura said. “He knew where to find us because I mentioned our destination to his wife last night.”
The men turned to her. The blood pounded in her temples as she looked from face and face. They didn’t try to hide their hostile stares.
“I made polite conversation when she served me supper. I had no idea…” Her tone begged for forgiveness, her voice faded to a whisper. The looks the men gave her were grave. She would never have forgiven herself if any of them had been injured.
“Intended or note, the results could have been deadly.” Jamie’s caustic tone made her cheeks burn. Her mouth sprung shut.
“I saw your maneuver. Impressive,” Donald said. Laura let out a small sigh, relieved that the men shifted their attention to Jamie.
“You can thank Laura for that. I followed her instructions.” All eyes turned to her. It stunned her that he gave her such high praise.
“Richard and I practiced that tactic. The maneuver was a favorite of his. I’m glad it was successful.” Her voice trailed off, overwhelmed with her loss.
“Richard saved the day,” Jamie said for her ears only.
She closed her eyes. Tears threatened to come down her cheeks.
“She’d make a warrior a good wife,” Donald said and set the men laughing. “I suspect you’re on your way home to Caerlaverock. You can save me a trip, if you will.”
“What is it you’d like me to take for you?”
“Information. Tell Herbert to watch his back, especially the next several days. There is good reason to believe a traitor is in his midst.”
“I will tell him,” Jamie said. Donald straightened in his saddle and moved his men out.
“Safe travels to Caerlaverock.”
“Do you think the message is serious?” she asked as Jamie watched the last of Donald’s men fade into the mist.
Donald’s sources were never wrong.
