Page 55 of A Flawed Scotsman

The more he searched, the stronger the urge to follow the guard who’d left. Where was his wife? He asked several maids, and none had seen Esme. After searching the kitchen and side garden, he raced back to Esme’s brother who gave him a questioning look.

“Esme is missing.”

No other words were necessary. Keithen let out a loud whistle and several guards came running. “Search the entire grounds. Find my sister.”

More guards joined them as they rushed to the stables. Ruari called out to a head guardsman. “We need ten men to come with us. Close the gates and secure every entrance. Be vigilant in case this is a tactic by the Mackenzie to distract us so they can attack.”

The guards dispersed to their posts with practiced precision.

Quickly mounted, Ruari and Keithen’s horses galloped through the gates which were immediately closed behind them.

People raced away toward the village, some jumping on wagons after being warned to find shelter.

An overwhelming fear consumed him. Picturing how broken and near death she’d been just short weeks ago fueled fury like he’d never known. His wife was in danger, her life threatened, and he would never forgive himself if something happened to her.

In that moment, he became consumed with urgency that he had to catch the men because if they dared to hurt Esme, he would not rest until every single person responsible lay dead.

In the distance, the guard appeared. He turned upon hearing them and urged his mount to go faster.

“He is guilty of something,” Keithen said as they gave chase.

By the way the guard guided his horse to run faster, he was an accomplished horseman. However, desperation would lead him to make a mistake.

When Keithen slowed, Ruari turned to look at him then noticed the man had pulled a bow from across his back. With precision, Keithen loosed the arrow that flew directly into the fugitive’s side. The man fell to the ground, the horse continuing on without a rider.

They caught up to find the guard moaning and writhing on the ground.

Ruari barely set feet on the ground when he rushed to the man and yanked him up off the ground. “Where is she?”

The red-faced man winced and attempted to reach for the arrow. “Help me.”

Instead of letting him go, Ruari shook him violently making his victim cry out in pain. “Where is my wife?”

When the man screamed, he realized Keithen had pushed the arrow through. “Ye best speak. I doubt Ruari will let ye live otherwise.”

Young and barely able to withstand pain, Ruari realized the man was not an experienced warrior. He narrowed his gaze and pinned the now whimpering idiot. “I will run ye through with my sword over and again. I know exactly where to do it that will cause the most pain and not kill ye.” He loosened his grip and the man fell to the ground. Then pulling his sword, he held it to the guard’s throat. “I will only ask once more.”

“Murray’s farm. We did not mean to harm her. It was an unintentional…” he continued babbling, but Ruari didn’t care to hear any excuses.

He stood over the hapless man and glared down at him. “If something happened to my wife, ye will die.”

They had no choice but to leave the injured idiot there. Ruari considered killing him but did not wish to lose another second, which could mean Esme’s demise.

Leaving the man on the ground, they rode off toward where he’d indicated.

It had seemed like many hours had passed but was probably only one as they neared the farm. In the distance, they spotted the horses that had been tied to a fence. One of the horses had a large bundle of branches on its back.

They urged the mounts to go faster than the already fast speed until arriving there. A farmer, who stood in the field, waved at them in a friendly manner.

Obviously, the man was unaware of what had happened. He headed closer to welcome them.

“Interesting day it is turning out to be,” he said by way of greeting. “First my son and then the laird’s.”

They dismounted and Ruari raced to the horse with the bundle, Keithen and the farmer at his heels. With his sharp dagger, he cut at the straps and, moments later, barely caught Esme from falling to the ground.

Pale and limp, she seemed to have fainted. Both he and Keithen quickly untied the restraints around her arms and legs.

“Esme?” Ruari tapped her face. As quick as a rabbit, she punched him in the center of his face.