Page 30 of The Veiled Wish of a Highland Bride

Archibald smirked, seeing that he had instilled fear in the man. To him, all this was a form of entertainment and fun, but he knew that this man would seek any opportunity to return to the castle.

He wasn't like the other hunters, this Laird MacLean. He was gaunt and frail. There was a hunger in his eyes that Archibald couldn’t describe, his long red hair doing nothing to hide it.

Before long, a call was made to the Lairds to gather around. The main hunting party had a prize to show: a huge boar, enough to feed the whole of the keep and its guests.

With a loud cry of victory, the men marched back the keep.

CHAPTERTWELVE

It had been six days since Archibald had arrived at her home, but Mia's feeling of uneasiness was still ever so present. She spent every waking moment wondering what he was up to, sometimes even deliberately putting herself in a place where he was just to be able to feel his presence around her.

On this day, Mia decided that she had had enough of her pathetic pining, and went in search of Clyde. She found him sharpening his sword in the armory.

"I thought I'd find ye here," she said as she walked into the space.

"Ye're in yer riding clothes," he replied, gesturing at her loose dress gathered at the waist.

"Aye. I was hoping ye'd come along with me. Just a fun ride across the grounds. Dinnae say nae, Clyde.Please."

Clyde would never refuse her, and Mia knew it well.

"Ye are nae taking that stubborn mule today, are ye?" Clyde asked with a mocking scowl. "That thing almost threw ye off the last time."

Mia couldn’t hide her laugh at the memory.

"Lassies do nae betray their horses. Buck is a fine mare, and I am a better rider now. Mind yer own horse and leave me in peace, thank ye."

They left the armory together, bantering as they walked towards the stables. Just as they both mounted their horses and gently spurred them forward, Mia saw Archibald and Lennox placing saddles on theirs.

"I see ye also going for a ride." Lennox was the first to speak while Archibald remained quiet, shooting occasional glances at both Clyde and Mia.

"Aye," Clyde replied, stopping his mount just beside where the two men stood. Mia followed suit, but like Archibald she remained silent. "Would ye both like to join us?"

Mia debated on arguing against it but thought better.

Lennox nodded when Archie was silent. “I am certain Laird Macnab would nae mind that, and I would certainly love to stretch me legs."

Archie grunted in forced agreement, and Mia rolled her eyes. It was hardly her fault he had been called back to the keep, not that she minded of course.

Eventually, they set off riding through the village and into the fields beyond. There was nothing Mia loved more than a quiet ride in the Highlands. She had chosen this day specifically because the weather seemed pleasant enough, the sky was clear and the sun was bright. The morning fog had already cleared, and all that could be seen were miles of vibrant green land.

She had just closed her eyes momentarily, breathing in the clean air, when she heard the stomping of hooves around them. Mia had thought she felt eyes on her—and them, for that matter—as they rode but chose to ignore the feeling. Why would anyone think to cause trouble on such a beautiful day? When the sound of horses got closer, she had chosen to believe that they were mere passersby, until they were too close to miss.

The other three men sensed that something was wrong before her and signaled to Mia to ride harder. She understood that instant: they were going to take cover in the woods nearby and shake off their pursuers.

Mia knew who they were now. Brigands.

The brigands on Murray land were a plague. They raided villages, carts and even nobles in their quest for gold or silver.

The men caught up with them easily. The woods had not helped but hindered the party, slowing them down. It was obvious that the brigands knew these areas better.

One of the men fired an arrow at Buck’s leg. Immediately, Clyde, Lennox and Archibald hopped off their horses and began fighting back. As she tumbled off the frantic animal, she promptly took out her skene.

The trees around them had provided excellent cover for the brigands. They had set up the perfect ambush and were now enclosing their prey from all sides. They were dressed in cowls that almost completely concealed their faces.

“Halt!” someone who looked like their leader said. “Halt or we'll fire our guns and blow yer brains out!”

“Aye, this is one fine lass, is she nae? Tread carefully or she'll be picking yer brains off the floor. After we’re done with her, of course,” another said, laughing maniacally.

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