Page 31 of It Began With A Kiss
Logan strode across the room to pick up the discarded parchment. A growl of outrage left him. “’Tis a trap.”
Colin nodded. “Of course, ’tis a trap, ye dolt.”
“Anyone with any sense can see for themselves that whoever goes tae meet Broden will have tae fight for his life,” Gavin chimed in.
Aiden ran his hand through his hair. “’Tis of the greatest import that we plan a rescue with the utmost of care.”
“Aye,” Finlay agreed. “The boy canna be harmed.”
“She willna like being kept out of this discussion,” Duncan said, whilst his gaze went toward the closed portal.
Aiden crossed his arms over his chest. “She has been sent for.”
“She will want tae go,” Colin stated.
Aiden shook his head, knowing he would in no way allow his lady anywhere near Broden. The man was a murderer and now had taken his own nephew. ’Twas clear he had no loyalty to his family or anyone else for that matter. “Nay. I go alone.” Conversations erupted in the room whilst all the men began to voice their disapproval. He held up his hand to silence his friends. “You know this is going to be the best course of action. We cannot all just go traipsing to the rendezvous point of Broden’s choosing. He might kill the boy and I will not put Iona’s son in more danger than he already is in.”
Finlay stepped forward. “And I canna in good faith let ye go alone!”
“Aye!” the men all chorused.
Aiden returned to his desk and unrolled a map of the area. Placing weights on the ends to hold the parchment in place, he motioned his knights forward. He scanned the layout of the land before pointing to the area where he was to meet Broden. “Our enemy thinks he knows how this whole endeavor will play out. Mayhap we can change what happens. He thinks he has the upper hand by demanding we meet at dusk when the light of day is almost at an end. He thinks this will give him the advantage, since he knows the area better. Perchance if you all arrive early and hide out, then I can appear as though I have arrived alone.”
Logan fingered the hilt of the dagger attached to the belt at his waist. “I would like nothing better for the bloody cur tae feel the point of my blade.”
“Aye!” Colin agreed. “There is no honor in a person who would use a child as leverage tae getting what he wants.”
Finlay bent forward and frowned. “Ye would have us conceal ourselves too far away. Much could happen before we could reach ye or the boy.”
Aiden scowled. “Do you have a better idea?”
Finlay pointed to another area of the map. “Here. ’Tis the higher ground and would give us an advantage. Post some of us here and others closer tae the ground so that we can rescue Gregor when the opportunity presents itself.”
Duncan pointed to some nearby trees. “And this grove will be far closer than the one ye proposed. A few of us could hide here.”
Colin shook his head. “But we do not know which direction Ferguson will be entering the glade. He may end up seeing us and then all will be lost, including the boy.”
A grunt left Logan. “I am certain we are more than capable of repositioning ourselves in the event we hear our enemy’s approach. I cannot image he will be able tae quietly enter the area where he is tae meet Aiden whilst dragging a child with him.”
Duncan nodded. “Gregor is smart. I would expect him tae put up a fight.”
“Aye,” Finlay agreed. “The boy will know enough of his situation tae make as much noise as he is able.”
“Ye will still be walking into a trap and will have tae fight yer way out of the situation,” Gavin grumbled.
Aiden nodded. “As long as that bastard lies dead at my feet afterward, I am prepared to do all in my power to save Iona’s son.”
The solar door burst open, causing the men to give a small bow to the lady who filled the portal. Aiden witnessed her panic-filled eyes and motioned for his friends to leave. She rushed across the room and straight into his arms.
“Ye have news of my son?” she asked. Her body trembled and Aiden held her closer.
“Aye, but you will not like what I have to tell you.” His answer was softly spoken to try to instill a sense of calm in Iona when he was anything but composed. In fact, Aiden was ready to explode in fury, not only with Broden but with himself for not capturing the fugitive right away. He should have seen the deed done first hand and not have left it to others. Regret filled his heart, especially knowing Gregor had trusted him to see to his and his mother’s safety. He had failed them both.
“Where is he? Where is my son?” she cried out, holding onto his tunic as though for dear life.
“Mayhap you should sit, Iona,” he suggested, pointing to a chair near the hearth.
“I do not want tae sit, Aiden. I want my son!”
