Page 85 of The Scottish Bride
“Aikwood,” Liam said and led their party over the bridge. Tamsin felt tension in the air and tightened her shoulders. She noticed that Liam sat tall but with wariness in his back and shoulders, his calm gaze keen as any hawk’s.
The broken tower had no moat, just the protection of the long hill and the broad view from above, so that anyone approaching could be seen for miles. The gate stood open, a wooden arched door in an iron grid between the fieldstone walls. For a moment, the crisscrossed iron reminded her of the uncomfortable dream.
They rode into the yard and halted outside the ruined keep, dark with char and traces of the fire that had taken in down. Nearby, a low stone building stood whole, its door open on shadows. A lone saddled horse nuzzled at autumn grasses growing around the crooked doorstep.
A man stepped out of the low structure and came toward them. His brawny build and height were made larger by a heavy blue cloak with raised hood, and a green surcoat belted over full chain mail. Lifting a gauntleted hand in a gesture of peace, he paused.
Dismounting, Liam helped Tamsin down and then turned. The man shoved back his cloak hood to reveal a young face with high, rounded cheeks and a swath of thick blond hair. Seeing them, the fellow grinned, dimples flashing. He laughed.
Gasping, Tamsin ran toward him. “Henry!”
“Tamsin,” Henry saidlater, his arm around his sister, “I thought you were safe at Dalrinnie. But what you say about Sir Malise is alarming. We all know the man, I think.” He looked at Liam, who nodded. Standing nearby, Finley and Iain nodded in silent agreement as well.
“So you see, I had to leave,” Tamsin said.
While she had reunited with her brother, explaining her situation briefly, Liam had stood by—thanking heaven’s own luck that Sir Henry was the new sheriff deputy of Selkirkshire. He had met the fellow but a few times and had liked him, found him straightforward, intelligent, and discreet. The position he held was an honor, especially for a young knight. Henry Keith of Kincraig must have earned the notice and approval of King Edward, as well as the sheriff of Selkirkshire, Edward’s trusted cohort, Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke.
Yet Tamsin’s brother gave loyalty to Scotland precedence; even his sister had not realized the extent of his dedication. But Henry Keith was playing with fire if Edward ever learned the truth.
“Sir William,” Henry said, leaving his sister’s side to come toward Liam. “I recall we met at Carlisle three years back, was it? I doubt you remember it.”
“I do. Four years back,” Liam said. “Have you been here in Selkirk long?”
“A month or so, sent up to Selkirk Castle with Patrick Siward to work with De Valence.”
“Patrick Siward?” Liam frowned. The fellow had been looking for Tamsin not so long ago on Malise Comyn’s orders.
“Sir Patrick was at Dalrinnie the last time I was there,” Tamsin said. “He came to Dalrinnie sometimes when Sir John was alive, usually with Sir Malise.”
“Interesting,” Liam said. “We saw him recently leading a patrol for Comyn.”
“Comyn and De Valence have been working together to find Bruce,” Henry said, “and whoever is working with Bruce.”
“Then I hope you are a wary fellow, straddling both sides as you do,” Liam said.
“As wary as one can be. Both De Valence and Sir Patrick are gone, one north, one south. I am expected to watch the forest. One could get lost in there for days. Impossible to find rogues. Some days I just give up on the task.” Henry shrugged.
Liam liked the lad immensely, even more now than he remembered. “I have something for you,” he said, “if you can bring it to its owner. If not, please have the courtesy to admit it, and I will have your sister removed to safety.”
“I give you my word on my sister’s life, sir. I am here alone, and no one is aware of what I sometimes do. De Valence and Siward regard my position as not very important, so I am not under scrutiny. I have Edward’s approval as well, though I had to work hard for that,” he added.
Liam studied him. Henry’s gaze was direct, his dark blue eyes steady. Liam nodded. “If Bruce asked you to do this, and Lindsay trusts you, that speaks well of you.”
“I will guarantee my brother’s honor as well,” Tamsin said.
“That is good enough for me,” Liam murmured.
Henry gave his sister a rueful smile. “Thank you. I would hope Sir William would take the word of a man’s sister.”
“He would take the word of his wife,” Liam replied.
“Wife!” Henry stared, then laughed in delight.
Tamsin went to Liam’s side, welcomed under his arm. “We were married recently.”
“God’s very bones! And you said nothing until now?” Henry grinned. “Had I made the match myself, neither of you could do better. But what of Dalrinnie? It was once yours, Sir William. Will my sister be Lady of Dalrinnie once again?”
“It is currently in Malise Comyn’s hands,” Liam replied. “But that can change.”
