Page 59 of Treachery in the Highlands
The battle has begun.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Rachel
As the MacLeods race toward us, aiming to take the drawbridge and all of Dùndubhan, I suddenly realize there might be a less violent solution to Alisdair's challenge.If they cannae get close enough to seize us---or me, that is---then mayhap they will give up on this moronic attempt to abduct me.
I rush to the nearest spot where I can still see Joey up on the walkway.And I shout to gain his attention."I've got an idea.Follow my lead."
He leans over to stare down at me."Rachel, what---"
Without waiting for his response, I dash toward the gatehouse, my skirts flapping wildly in the wind.
"Rachel, what in the Sam Hill are you doing down there?"
The approaching thunder of hoofbeats threatens to drown out anything I might.But I have a wee window in which to shout, "We're going to give them a wee surprise!Well, a large one, actually."
Joey shakes his head, then returns to helping my father.
As I reach the winch that controls the drawbridge, I grab the handle and attempt to give it a mighty heave.But I cannae do it.My father always manned the drawbridge, and I never bothered to learn how to operate it.
Joey emerges from the inside the castle, coming up beside me."Need a hand, Your Highness?"
"Aye, please.The drawbridge is bloody hard to maneuver."
Joey manhandles the mechanism, forcing the ancient gears to function.They groan in protest, but gradually, the bridge begins to move.It creaks and groans as it rises, the ancient wood protesting against the sudden movement.I watch with bated breath as the gap between us and the approaching MacLeods widens.
"Faster, Joey!"I urge.The thundering hoofbeats grow louder, and I can see the glint of steel in the sunlight as Alisdair's men draw their swords.
Joey grunts with his effort, his muscles straining as he works the winch."I'm...trying...Rachel.This thing...weighs...a fucking ton!"
Just as the MacLeod clansmen reach the edge of the moat, the drawbridge slams shut with a resounding boom.I hear shouts of surprise and anger from the other side, followed by the splashing of several men falling into the water.Their mates fish them out but nearly drown one man in the process.
"Hah!"With a triumphant grin, I spin round to plant a quick kiss on Joey's cheek.The exertion of outsmarting the MacLeod clan has left me both exhilarated and exhausted."That'll teach them to mess with the MacTaggarts of Dùndubhan!"
Joey doubles over, hands on his knees, sucking in deep breaths."Holy shit, woman...You almost...gave me...a heart attack!"
I sober quickly and race to his side, my victory dimmed by the toll our narrow escape had taken on him.I rest a hand on his back."Och, Joey, I'm so sorry.Are you injured?Ye dinnae look well."
Straightening up, he flashes me a crooked grin and waves a dismissive hand."Nah, I'm fine, just out of shape.Guess hauling ancient drawbridges should've been part of my workout routine back in New York City."
A laugh splutters out of me."Dinnae worry.We'll make a proper Scotsman of you yet."
Joey's retort is cut short by a booming voice from beyond the walls."Rachel MacTaggart!You cannae hide forever!Open this bridge at once, or we'll find another way in!"
I roll my eyes, recognizing Alisdair's pompous tone."That numpty never knows when to quit."
Joey raises an eyebrow."Numpty?"
"Idiot," I clarify, then turn back to the wall."Alisdair MacLeod, you bloody stupid pillock!"I take a deep breath, summoning all the bravado I can muster."Ye can huff and puff all ye like, but this castle has stood for centuries against far worse threats than a sorry lad with delusions of grandeur!"
Joey snorts beside me, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
I flash him a quick grin before continuing my tirade."If ye think ye can take Dùndubhan by force, then by all means, give it yer best shot.But I warn ye, the MacTaggart clan doesnae take kindly to uninvited guests!"
There's a moment of stunned silence from the other side of the wall.Then, Alisdair's voice rings out again, this time with a hint of uncertainty."Rachel, be reasonable!"
I snort at Alisdair's plea."Reasonable?You're the one who came charging at our gates with a band of armed men!"
