Page 27 of A Flawed Scotsman

Ruari did the same, drinking while keeping his eyes on the man.

It was at that precise moment that he realized how precarious the situation was. Depending on how things went, it could mean war for his clan or the absorption of Clan Fraser into the Mackenzie’s.

On this day, Ruari carried a burden like none he ever thought to bear.

Ruari met the laird’s gaze. “What do ye wish to speak about?”

“Is it true yer clan plans to unite with Clan Fraser through marriage?”

His blood ran ice cold but, somehow, he managed to keep his demeanor unchanged. He gave the laird his best confused look. “Nothing has been agreed upon.”

Laird Mackenzie was older, perhaps almost sixty. At his age, the strength of character was evidently larger than the physical. “I do not wish to have any conflicts with yer clan. It is best that ye leave and return to Ross lands. What happens between Laird Fraser and me should not be interfered with.”

“I went to see the laird’s brother about purchasing horses. Why did ye instruct that I be brought here in such a manner?” Now that he was untied, Ruari stood to his full height and towered over the man.

Two muscular warriors moved forward. One of them held up a sword and pointed it to the center of Ruari’s chest. “Move away from the laird.”

It would take three days to ride to Dun Airgid, the Ross keep, from the Mackenzie keep, another two from Ross lands to the Fraser keep. At that point, Ruari wasn’t at all sure which direction he’d ride in upon being let go. If it happened.

The Mackenzie could have him killed and his body left out in a field. No one would be able to prove who’d murdered him.

Ruari mentally calculated what would happen once he left. Did the Mackenzie plan to immediately overtake Fraser and his lands?

He fought to come up with something to do or say that would appease the power-hungry man who mulled over a reply.

“I have ears everywhere. I am told ye and Laird Fraser were discussing marriage between ye and his only daughter. Interesting that ye tell a different story.”

Ruari shrugged. “I do not have a stake in this. I am a Ross and we have nothing to gain from an alliance with a small clan like Fraser’s.”

“We shall wait, Ruari Ross. The truth of who is telling the truth will come out.” Laird Mackenzie waved a maid closer. “Bring ale and food. We shall share a meal with our guest.”

Chapter Nine

“I am so happy ye will stay here for a few days,” Esme told Catriona as they slowly made their way down for the evening meal. Her maid walked alongside her to ensure she did not stumble. As much as Esme appreciated the effort, being treated like an invalid was becoming annoying. She was steady and able to walk without much discomfort.

The great room was not full on that day. There were only her family and several guards at the tables. She noted that Calum had returned. He sat at a table with other council members who’d come from the village and farms to meet.

Her mother motioned for Esme and Catriona to join her, her father and brother at the high board.

“Everyone seems in good humor,” Catriona remarked sarcastically, her gaze directly at Keithen.

“I suppose ye’re right. The idea of the marriage celebration and not having to worry overmuch does have everyone in good spirits.”

“Not yer brother,” Catriona said with a light shrug.

Esme studied Keithen. “My brother takes matters much too seriously. I worry about him at times.”

They sat and were immediately served. Esme searched for Ruari. Neither he nor her uncle were present. Perhaps Ruari had stayed over there for last meal. It was customary, after all, to invite guests to eat with the family.

A guard hurried in from the courtyard. He rounded the table and spoke in soft tones to her father and Keithen.

The men stood and hurried out of the room toward the courtyard.

At noticing what was happening, Calum also got to his feet and went out after them.

“What happened?” Esme asked her mother. “Did ye hear?”

Her mother frowned. “Something about a horse. I did not hear more than that.”