Page 40 of A Laird and a Healer

“And what if we can prove that the former Laird was murdered?” Ryan asked.

Laird MacLeod took a heavy breath. He leaned back in his high seat and lifted his gaze towards the ceiling. “It can be a messy thing, justice. Even if ye dae prove this tae be true, what dae ye think is gaeing tae happen? The current Laird hae a son who I am sure will wish tae press his claim. The only thing ye are promising me is a bloody affair. Now, if there was another heir, one that hae a direct link tae the murdered Laird, then they would hae more of a right tae the clan. If ye hae proof and an heir, then aye, perhaps, I can support ye in that instance. But ye hae better be careful because ye are venturing intae murky territory. This is gaeing tae get very gruesome very quickly, sae tread carefully,” the Laird warned.

He ordered his servants to have an agreement written up there and then, which was quickly signed, with copies given to both parties.

“It’s quite a ride back tae yer Keep. If ye like, ye can enjoy our hospitality for the night,” Laird MacLeod offered.

Ryan bowed. “I am grateful for yer offer, but these are dangerous times for a Laird tae be away from his clan. We must return swiftly,” he said.

The Laird bid them farewell with a supply of food to seem them along their journey, and then he and Caroline left.

“I know that it’s nae as much as ye were hoping for,” Caroline began.

“It’s more than I hae when I came here, and we only hae it thanks tae ye.”

Ryan nodded in her direction and offered her an appreciative smile. She grew and grew in his estimation, and she had truly proven herself to be on his side. They saddled their horses, but before they rode, Ryan took her hand.

“I hae a spy in yer clan,” he confessed.

Caroline’s eyes went wide, and her mouth dropped open. “A spy?” she gasped.

“Aye,” Ryan nodded. “That’s how I was able tae learn about the nature of yer Da’s death. It was hard for them tae escape the clan without being noticed, but they are on their way tae us with the proof. They hae the bottle of the liquid, and they hae been working tae trace the seller. Once they hae his identity, they are gaeing tae get them tae reveal that yer uncle bought the poison, proving that he was responsible for yer Da’s death.”

Caroline spent a few moments in silence, trying to understand what was happening. “But why, why would ye dae this? Dinnae ye want my Da dead? Why dae ye want tae punish the one responsible?”

“Because he stole my justice from me, first of all. Second of all, yer clan being in turmoil is good for me. I can take advantage by pressing my claim on disputed lands. It just sae happened that ye fell intae my lap, sae tae speak, and I realized I hae another way.”

Caroline nodded. “I see. Well, I want tae know what this spy hae tae say for himself, and if my uncle truly is responsible, then naething on earth will save him from justice,” Caroline said with anger flashing in her eyes.

She was a formidable woman in so many ways, and Ryan was proud to call her his wife. They set off for home, plunging into the twilight with the wind at their backs.

Chapter 17

Caroline felt buoyed by her victory. While her uncle was manifesting dark plans, she felt confident that together, she and Ryan, could defend against them and protect the innocent. On their return journey, they did not stop off for a rest, for it was imperative they returned to the Keep with this signed agreement as soon as possible.

The land was always more dangerous at night, so Caroline had to remain content with the stirrings of her thoughts to keep her warm. She and Ryan had come close to being intimate again in the glade, and soon enough they would be in their bedchamber again. This time, she wanted to hear Ryan tell her that he loved her, for she imagined it would be the sweetest thing that would ever greet her ears.

The world passed by in a blur, and thankfully they did not encounter anything dangerous. Her legs were aching, but she steeled herself against the pain, not wanting to appear weak and frail.

“We’re almost there,” Ryan called out as he spied familiar territory.

Caroline was yet to fully acquaint herself with the Knox terrain, but that was something she would have to correct soon enough.

“Oh nae,” Ryan gasped, interrupting her idle thoughts. “Come on,” he urged, and then as she raised her gaze she saw what had inspired such a guttural reaction.

Smoke billowed from the location of the Keep, and the sky was ablaze with a soft glow. Fear clutched at her heart, her thoughts turning to Nessa and Tara. If anything happened to them while she was absent, she would never forgive herself.

She clutched the reins tightly and dug her heels into the horses’ flank, spurring it on to go faster and faster, even though it had already been a long day of riding. But time was of the essence. With every moment that passed, the fire grew more intense, and the more fragile life seemed.

When they approached the Keep, they slid off the horses, for the animals were skittish when faced with such a blaze. The people of the clan were rushing about, fetching water from nearby streams and wells, bringing back bucketfuls to splash upon the blaze. The guards were controlling everything, barking orders and trying to maintain some semblance of sanity.

The flames licked the stone. Fire bellowed out of windows, and ragged tapestries flapped in the wind. The fire roared, as though it was shouting a warning to everyone who witnessed its might. Water hissed and a wave of smoke rolled out, covering the land in a mist. Caroline’s eyes filled with tears, and she felt as though she was choking. She pressed her shawl against her mouth and remained close to Ryan, finding his strong arm amid the darkness.

She blinked frantically, fighting against the itchy feeling in the hope of seeing Nessa and Tara, but it was so hard when there were so many moving bodies. Suddenly, she heard Nessa cry out. They were huddled with some servants beneath a shelter. Their faces were smudged, but they were safe and unharmed.

Caroline embraced them tightly, kissing them both on the forehead.

“What happened here?” she asked the question in unison with Ryan, whose face was set in deep pain. A nearby guard marched up to him.