Page 32 of A Flawed Scotsman

It took several hours before Ruari realized he was near Ross lands.

No matter how much coaxing he did, the mare refused to go faster than a slow walk. When he slapped and kicked the animal’s sides, it would take several steps backward or become still, seeming terrified to move.

Ruari dismounted and ran his hands up and down the beast’s snout. “Ye have had a terrible time of it. I recognize what ye are doing. How about we come to an understanding? Ye get me home and I ensure that ye are treated well henceforth”

Previous owners had obviously treated the poor animal horribly to the point that it no longer seemed to understand normal commands. The sad creature froze upon feeling threatened.

Despite being in a hurry to arrive home, for a long time, he pulled the animal along, coaxing it gently and then guided it to a creek. The horse became animated at the sight of water and, for the first time, showed signs of life. At the water’s edge, it hesitated until Ruari kneeled down to drink and then the horse took water for itself.

While the animal drank, Ruari ran his hands down its sides ensuring that there were no injuries. Then he inspected each of its legs and hooves. There were old scars, but it seemed that in the recent past, it had been groomed and fed well. Perhaps a Mackenzie had rescued the animal but given up on it being useful since it remained fearful.

Once again, he mounted and was satisfied when the horse went a bit faster, still not at a run, but at least it trotted.

By the time he was sighted by Ross guards, Ruari was exhausted. It had been three days since he’d been taken and released by the Mackenzie and he wondered if, in that time, they’d attacked Clan Fraser.

He immediately recognized three of the riders who approached. Along with guardsmen were his cousins, Tristan, Kieran and Ewan. Each of their gazes roamed over him searching for any injury.

“What happened to yer horse?” Kieran asked with a scowl, his hazel gaze inspecting the mare who shuffled sideways in fear of the warhorses they rode upon.

“Tis a long story. It is best I tell ye at the same time as Malcolm.”

The men nodded.

Ewan guided his horse alongside Ruari’s. “Are ye hurt? It looks like ye’ve been in a fight.”

“I was in a fight,” Ruari said with a huff. “With a bunch of idiots.”

The men managed not to ask any further questions. Thankfully, the mare kept up with their horses, seeming to sense she was safe.

Once inside the courtyard, Ruari did not release the mare’s reins until one of the lads he’d trained came to get it. “Treat her gently. Give her a stall in a corner to ensure she feels safe.”

The lad studied the horse, his face softening. “Had a hard time of it, have ye?” He ran a hand down the horse’s face and it settled. “I will take care of her,” he said, looking to Ruari.

“Thank ye.”

Along with his cousins, he made his way inside. Although Ruari’s stomach grumbled at the aroma of food, he pushed hunger away and hurried to find the laird.

Malcolm met his gaze and once Ruari neared, his cousin embraced him. “Welcome home. I am glad to see ye are not too badly hurt.”

As a group, they made their way to Malcolm’s study. Immediately, his cousin poured him a glass of whisky. “Sit down. Tell us what happened. I received a missive from Laird Fraser that ye went missing.”

“The Mackenzie. He sent men to get me. They were not guardsmen or warriors, probably to not arouse suspicion in case they were seen by villagers.”

“His ambition knows no bounds,” Malcolm said, his face hard. “What did he want?”

Ruari drank down the amber liquid, the warm trail traveling down his center. “For us to not involve ourselves with what happens between him and the Fraser. He wishes to take over the clan but not have any confrontations with us.”

“How did he know ye were there?” Tristan asked.

“A spy,” Ewan remarked. “Do ye have any idea who it is?”

“Aye,” Ruari said. “I think it’s the town constable. The man is transparent in his insistence they unite with Clan Mackenzie. Already, the village has taken people in who were forced to flee when Mackenzies razed their homes and killed their livestock.”

Malcolm was pensive. “The man must have been promised something. I do not understand why the Mackenzie would provoke Clan Fraser. They are a small clan alone. But if they are joined by the other Frasers, they can be a challenge.”

Tristan huffed. “Until now, the other Frasers have watched quietly, but I will not be surprised if the other Frasers decide to come to their rescue if the Mackenzie tries to overtake them.”

“I am going back as soon as I eat and get a fresh horse,” Ruari announced.