Page 34 of A Fierce Archer

Finally, they moved forward to the final leg of the trip. The closer they got to Ross Keep, the more Ewan considered what his next step would have to be.

There was always the possibility of returning to Uist. There, Catriona would live in his family’s large keep. They had a full staff that waited on the family. The thought of returning to his father’s realm didn’t sit well with him.

Although not as grand as Malcolm’s home, his family’s keep was impressive and large enough for them to live there comfortably.

“There it is, Dun Airgid,” someone said, pointing to the huge keep on a hillside. Silver Fortress. The name suited it perfectly.

Obviously, the scouts had announced their imminent arrival because the gates were open, and several family members stood at the home’s entrance to welcome them.

Lady Fraser was who the honors were for, but it was nice when his cousins waved at him in greeting.

After entering the courtyard, Ewan guided the carriage driver to the center so that they could allow for the rest of the escort to flank in. The guards waited on horseback until someone assisted the women out of the carriage.

As per tradition, Ewan hurried to the door and opened it. He peered into a wide-eyed Catriona and a smiling Lady Fraser.

“It is best that ye assist Catriona. Take her quickly inside to a small space,” Lady Fraser instructed.

Once Ewan assisted Lady Fraser down, the woman waved him away. Just then, Broden approached. “I will see that Catriona goes inside...”

“See about assisting me,” Lady Fraser interrupted. “Ye are my head guard and will act as my escort.”

A subdued Broden nodded. “Yes, of course. I apologize Lady Fraser.” He took Lady Fraser’s arm and, together, they walked to where Malcolm, Tristan and Esme Ross waited.

Ruari Ross, his cousin, came over and greeted him. Ruari then began to instruct the guards as to where to take the horses and such.

Catriona sat in the carriage not moving. Her wide eyes were looking from one side of the carriage to the other.

“Come, I will ensure ye are safe,” Ewan said and held out his hand. “Take my hand.”

After a moment, she reached out and he pulled her gently forward. Once she descended the stairs, although obviously nervous, she was curious enough to look about.

“It is huge,” she whispered.

“Indeed, it is.”

“Oh, my, what a happy surprise,” Esme Ross said, while hugging her mother and looking to Catriona.

She released her mother and rushed to Catriona and the women hugged tightly. Catriona’s bright eyes met his and she mouthed “thank ye”.

Lady Fraser and Esme flanked Catriona’s sides and, together, they walked into the keep. Lady Fraser motioned for Ewan to follow close by. Although he was glad to remain nearby, he hoped Catriona would not need to be calmed.

Once inside, Esme motioned to a corridor. “Ye will be staying at my and Ruari’s home. But for the next couple of days, we will be here.”

As they walked past a doorway, Esme motioned to it. “That is where Ruari and I sleep.” They stopped and went into a room right next to it. “And ye will stay here.”

“Oh, look at the view.” Catriona hurried to the window that overlooked the side of a steep mountain.

Esme turned to Ewan. “Thank ye so much for convincing her to come. I am beyond grateful.” The woman threw herself against Ewan, hugging him tightly. “Ye have no idea how happy I am at this moment.”

He nodded and looked to Catriona who watched them with an unreadable expression. Upon their gazes meeting, she attempted at a smile, her lips barely inching up.

“Yes, thank ye, Ewan. I am glad to be here.”

“Of course.” He left the room feeling there was so much left unsaid. And yet, there was no reason for him to remain inside.

“Ewan.” Esme followed him out. “I wish to speak to ye later.” After the cryptic statement, Esme rushed back to the room where he guessed the women would spend hours talking and catching up.

“Welcome home,” Tristan Ross said when Ewan entered the great room. His huge cousin gave him a curious look. “What did ye do?”