Page 35 of A Flawed Scotsman

Ruari nodded. “We will not sit back and allow yer men to fight alone while we do nothing.”

“Come. Let us see what is happening.” Just then, someone fell into the courtyard from atop the gate, arrows embedded in his body.

“Their archers have advanced.”

Ewan, who remained astride, motioned the archers forward. “Assume secondary positions at the east wall.”

The men hurried to the wall that was not being defended.

Fury filled Ruari. There was no need for this to happen. “How many men did he send?”

“I estimate at least five hundred,” Laird Fraser replied as they rushed toward the main house. “I only have three hundred here, another fifty are defending the village.”

Ruari looked over his shoulder to the warriors who began climbing ladders to the top of the rear gate preparing to defend when the enemy made it there.

“How long ago was a missive sent to yer brother?”

“As soon as my talk with the Mackenzie ended two days ago. They should be headed here. I am just not sure how long it will take. They must cross a river to come.”

A boom was followed by the sound of cracking wood. The Mackenzies were using a catapult or large battering ram in an attempt to break in the gates. Screams filled the air as the archers continued their assault on both sides. More men fell into the courtyard as a second boom sounded.

When Ruari and the laird entered the great room, a group of women rushed to them. Lady Fraser stood tall, Esme by her side, their terror-filled gazes flew to him.

“Did ye bring men?” Esme asked. “We are not going to be able to keep them at bay for long.”

Ruari went to her and, without thinking, brought her against his side. “Aye, I did, but only a few. I did not expect to arrive to a battle.”

The laird motioned to two young guards to come closer. “Take the women. Ye must all escape. Get away through the passageway into the woods. There is a wagon there, I will see that a horse is brought. Head north and to the east.”

The two young men did their best to look brave as they began herding the servant women and Lady Fraser away.

“Come, Esme, hurry!” Lady Fraser screamed. But Esme shook her head. “I will not leave father here alone. I will remain.”

“Ye should go,” both Ruari and the laird said.

Esme pushed away from Ruari and went to her father. “I am good with the bow, allow me to fight. We need every able body to do so.”

“Go!” Laird Fraser motioned to the young men and women. “I will keep her safe,” he said to his wife and then rushed to the stairs. “I must see what is going on.”

A hysterical Lady Fraser was dragged away and, soon, only Ruari and Esme remained, alone.

Esme studied his face and took in the bruising. “I knew ye would never leave of yer own accord. I would like hear what happened, but first I must fetch my bow and arrows.”

“Go up with yer father. Ye will have clean shots from there and remain out of danger. I must see what my men are doing.”

Ruari brought her against him for a short moment and covered her mouth with his. Ignoring the demand from his mind and body to keep her close, he pushed away. “Go.”

The ringing of metal against metal alerted Ruari that the gate had been breached. Fraser warriors, even with the help of his fifty men would not last long. There were too many streaming in through the gates.

Fraser guards remained atop the walls, every single one drawing out bow and arrows. The Ross archers joined the attack.

It was a good tactic for the outnumbered clan. It was impressive to see how many invaders were sliced down immediately by arrows even when holding up their shields.

Ruari looked up to the top of the keep and there were rows of archers that included Esme and her father. Arrows flew with deadly precision, like he’d never seen.

From the second-story windows, more men appeared, also with bow and arrows and began shooting into the courtyard. Ruari walked close to the building and then climbed to the rear wall.

Sword drawn, Ruari entered the fight. It was well known that Mackenzies relied on their numbers and were not expert swordsmen. It was evident by how quickly he was able to cut a path toward his men.