Page 75 of My Scarred Laird
“Can we offer ye something ta eat and drink? Let your horse’s rest?”
The king nodded, “Thank you.”
They led the way into the keep and Callum showed him to the high table while the other lairds trailed behind.
The king sat down, and Islay gestured for someone to fill a cup for him and to bring him, and his guards some food.
Roberta did just that and after a moment, the king sat back, “I have heard some distressing news.”
Islay sucked in a small breath and Callum lifted an eyebrow as the king eyed him.
“I heard that one of my Lairds tried to kidnap your woman. Is that true?”
Callum nodded, “Aye, my liege, it is.”
The king’s brow twitched, then one lifted as he said, “And I have heard that you had him killed for it. Is this true?”
Callum looked the king in the eye, “Aye. If someone took your woman out of her bed with the goal of keeping her as collateral, wha’ would ye do? He conspired agains’ me, my brother and other clans ta take over more land. More women. I wouldna let tha’ stand any longer.”
The king looked at him, studying him as he picked up his goblet and took a long draw of the ale.
He subtly inclined his head, “I wouldn’t allow it either. You are correct in that. I have heard rumors of his treachery, of his aspirations to take over land that didn’t belong to him. Did he truly attack smaller clans? I hear things from many, but some are rumor, and some are truth. Oftentimes, I do not know which is which. So, tell me true, did he do those things?”
Callum nodded, “Aye, my king. He took land from those with a smaller army than he had. He killed innocent women, children and men. He didn’t care who he hurt; he just took.”
The king sat forward, “Did no one try to stop him?”
Callum shook his head, “By the time we heard about it, it was already tae late.”
Tavish stepped forward, bowing, “Aye, my king. He did all of this with everyone none the wiser.”
The king sat back, he snarled, “Damnation. I need to be kept informed of things like this.”
Callum nodded, “Aye. We can do tha’ sire.”
The king’s brows drew together, “You would tell me if another Laird is stepping out of line?”
Callum nodded, “Aye.”
The other lairds did the same, “Aye.”
The king nodded, “It is settled then. I shall divide up his lands to give to each of you.”
Everyone shook their heads, “Nay. Tha’ is much tae much land. Give it ta other men who deserve ta show ye their loyalty.”
The king rubbed his jaw, “Who do you suggest?”
Callum looked at Culloden, “My brother deserves land of his own. May he keep the lands tha’ belonged ta his wife?”
The king looked over at Culloden as well, “You may. Congratulations, Laird Stewart.”
He held out his hand, and Culloden bowed low, kissing the king’s signet ring and then turning to Daracha, who was grinning like a loon.
Culloden swept her off her feet, kissing her, then set her back down, thanked the king once more and the two left.
No doubt to go back to their home.
The king looked at Callum, “If they all react that way, well. What a treat.”
