Page 153 of The Laird's Masked Passion

When he finished, he looked up. “This bears Munro’s name.”

“Aye.”

“It may be forged.”

Colin crossed the space between them before anyone could stop him. Niall caught his arm. Only that prevented Colin from closing his hand around the royal man’s throat.

“Me wife was taken from this castle,” Colin growled. “Her blood is on the ribbon. Robert named the place and signed the threat. How much proof daes yer Crown require?”

Sir Malcolm’s composure faltered. “This message must be preserved.”

“Elspethmust be preserved.”

“Aye.” Sir Malcolm set the parchment down carefully. “And if Munro is at the chapel, witnessed by a royal officer while holding Lady MacKenzie, the question of proof ends.”

Silence followed. Niall released Colin’s arm.

Domhnall leaned over the map. “Robert expects Colin alone.”

“Then that is what hesees,” Breac spoke.

Murdoch pointed toward Blackwood. “The western slope rises above the chapel. Men could reach it through the birch ravine without crossing the open ground.”

“Too exposed,” Niall replied. “Robert will have watchers.”

“Nae if we approach before Colin in small groups,” Domhnall said.

Sir Malcolm studied them. “Ye propose an ambush.”

“We propose witnessing the truth,” Niall answered pleasantly. “The ambush is merely fer everyone’s continued health.”

Colin looked at the map. The ruined chapel stood in a hollow beyond the Blackwood, surrounded by broken stone walls and dense trees. Robert had chosen it because every road into the hollow could be watched.

But the burn behind the chapel cut through a narrow ravine. Colin had crossed it years earlier with Niall, Domhnall, and Ruaridh while evading Crown patrols.

“There is another path,” Colin revealed. “North of the ravine. Narrow enough fer one man at a time.”

Niall remembered. “The old deer track.”

“Aye.”

Domhnall looked at Sir Malcolm. “Can yer soldiers move quietly?”

“They are trained men.”

“That isnae an answer.”

Sir Malcolm’s mouth tightened. “They can.”

The plan formed quickly. Colin would take the southern road openly and enter the chapel hollow alone. He would carry no visible bow and only the sword Robert expected him to wear.

Niall and Domhnall would lead men through the deer track. Breac would circle east with MacKenzie archers. Murdoch would approach along the ravine with Sir Malcolm and two royal soldiers.

No one would move until Elspeth was clear of Robert’s blade.

“And if Robert searches Colin?” Sir Malcolm asked.

“He will,” Murdoch said.