Page 60 of The Guardian's Bride
“Aye. The other Patrick, old Abernethy, is still exiled. But we hear his son Peter is back,” Jennet said. “I hope he will not stir up that old feud.”
“He would not dare. Patrick Wemyss is a sheriff in Fife. He is a good man and can be trusted.”
“And well he should be,” Marjorie said firmly. “The Wemysses and MacDuffs have long been allies. The English burned Sir Patrick’s castle three years back, if you recall. Edward made some recompense by awarding Sir Patrick the sheriffdom. But he has no funds to rebuild, so he sometimes stays here, and is always welcome.”
Something in her voice, and her quick blush, caught his attention. “Always welcome?”
“Does it bother you?”
He lifted a hand to beg peace. “Not me. I like Patrick Wemyss, always have. It is good to know he has been watching over our castle in my absence.”
“Are we truly under threat here?” Jennet asked.
“It is possible, so we need measures to prevent it. Apparently, Edward gave orders regarding my kin and this castle, and entrusted them to Sir Malise Comyn.”
“I do not know him,” Jennet said.
“I have heard that name,” Marjorie said. “Sir Patrick said Malise Comyn was nearly killed by nuns.” Beside her, Lady Jennet gasped.
“Something like that,” Aedan said. “Suffice to say he may try to take Colban and wreak havoc here. So you must go elsewhere for a while.”
“Aedan is right,” Jennet said. “But we would be gone for only a bit, aye?”
“As soon as it is safe, you can come back. The lad looks tired,” he said, glancing across the room. “Lady Rowena needs rest too after this day. Where will you put her?”
“She can have the guest chamber,” Jennet said. “And your bedchamber is always ready for you. You both look weary.”
“It has been a busy week of days.” He stood. “Colban, how goes the game?”
“Lady Rowena’s king is surrounded! I am winning!” Colban lifted his arms high.
“Be careful. Your opponent is a clever lady,” Aedan warned. “Why, this very day she defeated a band of naughty pirates. Perhaps she will tell you about it at bedtime.”
“Pirates! I want to hear about the pirates!”
“Then go off to bed so she can tell you about her unique strategy.” He leaned out of the way as Rowena threw a little black playing piece at him. He caught the stone deftly and set it on the table at her elbow, his arm brushing hers.
“I will be back,” he said as he went to the door. “I need to find the seneschal in the garrison.”
“Your cousin will either be at supper or on the battlements at this time of day,” Jennet said. “I am surprised he did not come over to greet you, but the lad takes his work very seriously.”
“Good. We need Michael Balfour’s vigilance, especially now.”
Crossing the yardwith long strides, glad of the sea wind blowing through his hair, refreshing the old plaid that Marjorie disparaged, he took the outer steps leading to the battlement to where two guards strolled.
“Hey lads!” he boomed, waving. “Halloo!”
“MacDuff!” one called as both turned. “Welcome home.”
“Good to see you. Where is Sir Michael?”
“At his supper!” one called back.
He went to the corner tower and took a few narrow steps inside the breadth of the stout curtain wall, a warren of rooms that could easily house fifty men, though only twenty made up Castle Black’s small garrison. He passed sleeping quarters and meeting rooms, and took another door into a separate building jutting into the bailey to enter the garrison dining hall.
The dim vaulted room held several tables where knights and guards ate supper or played at dice and bones. Each one lifted a hand or said a greeting. Then he spied the young man he sought coming toward him.
“Aedan!” Michael Balfour said, holding out a hand. “I heard you had returned, but I did not want to disturb time with family.” He grasped Aedan’s hand.
