Page 13 of Taken By her Highland Enemy

Chapter Seven

Once the boy had fled the camp, Eamon felt uneasy. He was so young, anything could happen to him as he journeyed back to Cutler. He hoped that all would be well, but in these uncertain times, there was a chance he would not make it through the night. It appeared Cutler was on a rampage of revenge, but Eamon was satisfied that his eye was turned momentarily.

Now they could make their plans. But once they returned to the fireplace, Sean was grim. “What is wrong, brother? Are ye nae pleased that our men will be saved for another day? We have time tae think of a better plan now! The spy has given us an option!”

Sean shook his head. “Something sets my gut on edge. The boy is kind enough, and it is kind that he gives us information, but I still cannae gather why. What does he have tae gain from this besides mere coin? He puts his young life intae extreme danger, and for what?”

Eamon sighed. “I know it seems confusing, but what other choice do we have? The boy is our connection tae victory, and thus far, he has nae led us astray!”

Sean said, “Well, what if the boy lied, and he has sent us tae our deaths, and Cutler will slit our throats in the night and head towards the village come morning?”

Eamon was beginning to lose patience, but he knew he couldn’t afford to get angry with Sean. Not when their relationship was so tenuous. He kept his voice calm. “Brother, I understand yer concern. But we have already established that the spy is the one who is posting up the calls for Scottish rebellion! That couldnae merely be a diversion for us tae believe him. Look how far and wide he has done so.”

Sean paused. The other men were silent until Donovan said, “The boy was vague when we spoke tae him at the meeting point, afore ye both found us. He didnae wish tae answer any questions. He seemed eager tae speak tae ye, Eamon.” Eamon was touched. “Even though he was shy at so many men surrounding him, there was an earnestness about him. I believe he is honest about what he does.”

Gareth said, “Aye, I agree.” Sean looked at the other men and then back at his brother.

Eamon said, “What else can we do, brother? We go tae the village tomorrow. Men, what say ye tae us asking the villagers for aid? They will be ready for vengeance once Cutler has enacted his brutality upon them. They could join our ranks, and we could be prepared for battle.”

Dirk said, “Aye, lad, I’ll do that. I am nae one tae shy away from a battle, but I like the thought of more numbers.”

Lukas laughed, and Donovan smirked. Sean relaxed a little and said, “Aye. We cannae but wait. We will go tae the village and see what we can do.”

They ate and drank together in companionable cheer. Eamon was grateful for the men of his party, for they knew this rough life well, full of danger and uncertainty, and it did not dampen their spirits or resolve. He hoped it would encourage Sean. Once the men began to lay down on the soft ground to prepare for sleep, Sean called Eamon to him. “We will go on the first watch, brother.”

Eamon nodded, and once they were out of earshot of the men, Sean whispered roughly, “I know ye dinnae wish tae hear more of the spy’s potential treachery, but hear this. I cannae tell if it is a trick of the mind or perhaps I am too worried about Rose and the baby, but I could have sworn, the spy intended tae say father instead of master.”

Eamon shifted on his feet. He had heard it as well, but he didn’t want to worry his brother, and he didn’t think it anything to consider. It was just a slip of the tongue, or so he hoped. Would it really change anything if Cutler was the boy’s father? Would that make him any less trustworthy? It was still strange enough that he was betraying his master and country, wasn’t it? Eamon did not want to give away his thoughts to Sean, or else Sean might return to the village or do something else rash, instead of following the plan.

“Really, brother? I didnae hear it. Ye must have misheard.”

Sean was not satisfied. “What if the boy is Cutler’s son? Then it could definitely be a ruse tae get us intae his hands.”

Eamon nodded. “I agree, that would be a potential if that was the case. But I dinnae think it is true. I sought out a spy myself, someone tae give me information about Cutler. He was given intae my hands. It was nae as though he sought me out. Ye worry for nae reason, brother. Now we have the chance tae fight against Cutler before he comes tae destroy ye. I will do the watch. Ye should go and sleep.”

Sean stood still. “I suppose I have nae choice but tae trust ye, brother.”

Eamon grinned. “Aye, and I swear tae ye, I shall prove myself. Go and rest.”

Sean moved away into the darkness, and Eamon wandered around the boulders and the trees, keeping his eyes on the dark shadows and his hand on his sword. The moon was full and bright, and so it gave him some comfort as he tried to keep all his fears at bay.

He thought about how he had first met the boy. He had been searching for a word of his brother and his whereabouts when he heard about Cutler’s arrival at Fort William, and his plan to kill The Wanderer. It was no secret, and so it had been easy to gain information as he had traveled through the villages and clan lands surrounding the fort.

One day, weeks ago, a woman had approached him, a young woman, and told him of someone connected to Cutler who wanted to give him information, but he’d have to meet him outside the fort. It had been a risk, a great risk, but Eamon had gone with hope in his heart that he might be able to save his brother and warn him when the man was coming.

His men had assisted him, lying in wait to help him in case the spy was someone dangerous, but all had gone well. It had gone smoothly. Despite that former success, he was discomfited by Sean’s uncertainty. His brother was now a different man with different concerns on his mind. Eamon couldn’t afford to be wrong on this, but in his gut, he felt that the spy was right and honest. He would follow his gut until it told him otherwise.

* * *

“What do you mean, not every man? You defy me with such disrespect?” The moment had been so brief when her father had looked at Isabelle with a feeling akin to love and hope. Now his familiar hard expression had returned. The words were hasty ones that she’d spoken, and now she thought quickly how to talk her way out of this.

She smiled. “Father, you are so serious. I simply mean it is not every man because if I am to take over for you, and I am a woman…”

Lord Cutler paused in his scrunched expression before bursting into laughter. “Daughter of mine! You are wise and clever, more so than I have given you credit for.” Isabelle unclenched with relief. “There will be a public trial tomorrow to find the man or men who killed the soldiers. They will be flogged and executed, and the village warned. I want you by my side, Isabelle.”

Isabelle chewed on her lip. If she was to take so public a role with her father, then how could she slip away if she needed to meet Eamon? She would think of something. The tannery would be their place to send messages. She could send Arya if she needed to. But her father’s eyes would constantly be on her. There would be no escaping him.

“Of course, Father. I would be happy to. Now, will you allow me to go to bed? If I am to display myself so publicly, then I need to get my rest, do I not?”

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