Page 19 of It Began With A Kiss
Broden stood on the edge of the cliff watching the silhouette of the couple who had been locked in each other’s arms. He spat on the ground before turning from the sight. He would recognize the shadow of Iona anywhere and he cursed that another had claimed her lips in a kiss that should have been his. But ’twas of no matter. Given enough time, Iona would be his as would these lands. He had not killed his own brother to lose all he coveted to an Englishman.
He raised his fist heaven bound and made a vow he would do all in his power to claim everything he had fought so hard for, or he would die trying.
CHAPTER13
Several days later, Aiden stood in his solar. The shutter to the window was flung wide open as if the breeze from the ocean would calm his anger. He had been roused from his bed before the sun had even come up and even now, only a bare glimpse of the shining orange globe touched the horizon. He took a deep breath and squared his shoulders before turning his attention back to the occupants of the room. He would show no weakness in front of the men whose loyalty he hoped to gain.
“He was caught attempting to sneak back into the castle this morn, my laird,” Seamus said, frowning down at the man on the floor.
“And just who is this man you hold hostage before me?” Aiden asked, crossing his arms across his chest.
“Angus of Clan Ferguson, ye mindless cur,” the man spat.
Seamus smacked the man on the back of the head. “Watch yer tongue!” he warned. A growl of outrage came from Angus.
“Ye bastard,” Angus swore at Seamus. “Ye betray yer own kin by following this scum!”
Seamus ignored his outburst. “He is also friends with Broden. If anyone knows the whereabouts of Broden, ’twould be him.”
Aiden raised his hand to his chin, contemplating Angus’s fate. But mayhap ’twas not for him to decide but his own clan members. “I suspect he is not saying anything.”
“Nay, my laird,” Seamus replied, “although we have tried tae get the information from him. He’s a stubborn lout.”
A slight chuckle left Aiden. “I suspect I would be in the same position if our situations were reversed.” Aiden’s hands went behind his back. “Well, then… what do you propose we do with him, since he will not cooperate?”
Seamus’s brow rose. “I am but the steward here. ’Tis not my place to pass judgement on him.”
“I disagree,” Aiden said carefully. “You are his kin. He will not reveal vital information we need to apprehend a man who escaped my dungeon most likely with the aid of this very man. Who else but one of his own should sentence him?”
Seamus opened and closed his mouth several times until he nodded. “Very well,” he finally said. “Make an example of him then in the village square. Ten lashes.”
“Ten? Is that not a bit extreme considering he very well may crack and reveal all with half that amount?” Aiden asked waiting for his steward’s reply.
“Five then and not one less should serve as ample punishment. We would not wish to appear weak tae the clan,” Seamus stated, hauling Angus to his feet.
Aiden nodded. “Take him away to the village. I will follow shortly to ensure the deed is carried out.”
“Very well, my laird,” Seamus replied. It took several men to remove Angus from the room. His curses were heard echoing in the passageway.
’Twas not the way to begin any morn and yet Aiden thought it had been fair to allow one of the clansmen to suggest the punishment. Now he would need to find another to carry out the deed. ’Twas no small task to whip a man. Five lashes might prove just enough to get the answers Aiden demanded.
He left the solar, stopping at his chamber to retrieve his cloak and sword. Strapping the belt about his waist, he inserted his blade into the scabbard and left his bedchamber to pass down the turret and through the great hall. He was met at the entrance to the keep by Logan and Colin along with several clansmen who nodded to him. One burly man had a whip attached to his own belt and Aiden knew he would not have to look for someone to inflict the punishment.
The way was still dark as they strode through the inner bailey and before they left through the barbican gate, he took up a torch. ’Twas an eerie sight as they made their way carefully across the pathway connecting the castle to the mainland. He briefly wondered how many years it might take before he would be comfortable treading this very path.
Once in the village square, Aiden saw that Angus was already tied to a tall wooden post. ’Twas clear to Aiden that this would not be the first prisoner who was made an example of. Angus’s arms were stretched high above him, and he’d been stripped of his shirt. Aiden stepped forward.
“This man was caught attempting to sneak back into the castle. He has vital information regarding a prisoner who escaped the dungeon. He has refused to answer our questions as to Broden Ferguson’s whereabouts.” Aiden paced the crowd that began to gather. “One of your own has sentenced him to five lashes just as one of your own will perform the deed. If you are harboring Broden, you, too, will receive the taste of the lash. Proceed.”
Aiden stepped back even whilst the crack of the whip hit the ground. Punishment would be swift, and he could only pray that mayhap once the first lash hit Angus’s back, the man would reveal all.
CHAPTER14
Iona picked up her pace across the narrow spit of land. The sun had barely risen over the horizon, yet she was not one to dally in her room idling the day away. Besides, she had wanted to reach her cottage to pick up some of the things she had left there when she had thought she would no longer live at the castle. ’Twas not much but they were still her belongings and she wanted them with her, especially the few things she had kept as reminders of Ewan. They would someday be handed down to Gregor.
She reached the mainland, the dew still wet upon the ground, and turned to look behind her. Deidre, her lady in waiting, was lagging behind. She was carefully placing each step on the well-worn path. At this rate, they would not return to the keep until the noon meal.
“Hurry along with ye, Deidre. I dinnae have all day,” she ordered, returning her attention to the village ahead of her. Several clansmen came running from their cottages, causing Iona to wonder what was occurring in the village at such an hour. The men should be making their way to the fields. The village square would come alive with those attempting to sell their wares or with the children who would play whilst they could. Mayhap she should have awoken Gregor so that he, too, might find a bit of fun before the boys were forced to do their daily chores. She frowned. Something was going on and Iona did not have a good feeling.
