Page 63 of Bride of the Merciless Laird
He itched to get his hands around the vixen’s slender throat and squeeze the life out of her. He licked his lips, imagining the look of terror in her eyes as he inflicted the various punishments he’d described to her in his notes.
He closed his eyes momentarily, a vicious smile quirking his lips. She’d shamed him by breaking his betrothal and now she was sheltering in the Mackenzie castle, hiding behind the might of the great Clan Mackenzie. No doubt, certain she’d bested him and was well out of his reach.
Well, he would surprise her still.
He and his men were camped at the furthest ends of his lands, on the shore of Loch Alsh. Why, from here he could almost see the lights of Eilean Donan. It was but a short sail and he’d be on the island before anyone was aware of the invasion.
“God’s blood,” he muttered to Stirling, his closest commander. “Ye men are as good as useless.”
“Laird MacDonald,” Stirling began, keeping his tone as meek as he could. His Laird had been known to run through with his sword a man who dared to caution the Laird’s plans. Laird Harris MacDonald would have his way at all costs.
“What is it lad?” Harris said curtly.
“The men have been keeping careful watch on Eilean Donan. Two days ago, two birlinns arrived from the north.”
“And?”
“I believe it was a visit from Laird MacNeacail from Scorrybreac.” He stepped back. His words would bring an unpleasant reaction from Laird MacDonald.
“That swine.” Harris spat a gob that landed at Stirling’s feet. “I’d like tae twist me dirk in his entrails too.” He shook his head. “But I dinnae wish tae lose sight of the main game. Let him sail past without mishap. I dinnae wish tae waste effort on him and his ugly wife. ‘Tis his wee half-sister I’ve set me sights on.”
“Once MacNeacail has left the island, ye and the men take a fisherman’s vessel tae the landing place. Cut the throats of the soldiers on guard and have our men take their place. Wear the dead men’s plaids tae hide yerselves. Once ye are in control another craft will take me across. I’ll deal wi’ Lady Tyra meself.” His words brought him the thrill of promise. He would take her and nothing would stand in his way.
Stirling bobbed his head, making no argument.
Harris grunted, turned and made his way to the rough shelter where he slept, brushing away the snow already beginning to fall. His scheme would bring him the revenge he craved and all the hardship and discomfort and every moment in that accursed freezing wasteland would be worth it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Eilean Donan Castle
Ewan rose to his feet.
“Come, let us find our ladies and seek some refreshment.”
Edmund nodded as he stood. “I am most grateful fer yer hospitality. I speak fer us both when I say we have much enjoyed this short sojourn with ye.”
They strolled the passageway, heading for the solar where Annora and Tyra were keeping company and Tyra was listening to all the latest gossip from Scorrybreac.
“I will be sure tae send a contingent of soldiers from me garrison as soon as I return.”
Ewan nodded. “I thank ye. We are sorely in need of reinforcements here.”
“It is more than a gesture of goodwill between our clans. I wish tae ensure me sister’s safety as much as yerself and I ken the additional patrols ye’ve ordered will stretch yer household.”
Ewan’s jaw tightened. Once word reached Harris MacDonald of the marriage between himself and Tyra, he imagined the lad’s fury would ignite. All restraint – although there had been little of that – would be gone.
They greeted Annora and Tyra in the solar.
“This is such a beautiful castle, Laird Ewan,” Annora said. “It has been most pleasant fer us during our stay here.”
From the corner of his eye, he saw that Tyra was beaming proudly and his heart lifted. He was glad she was there with him and her safety meant everything to him.
Several maids trooped in bearing platters of cold roast chicken, cheese, boiled eggs and oat bread accompanied by an ewer of ale. It was a fine repast and, again, there was satisfaction for Ewan in being able to offer his hospitality to Tyra’s kin.
“I would like ye tae see the island, if ye’ve an inclination before ye leave on the morrow. Mayhap we could take horses from the stables fer a brief excursion.”
They all smiled at this prospect.
