Page 2 of The Beast

He’d happened upon her in his family parlor, and she’d struck up a conversation. Not a long one, mostly asking that he deliver a letter. She’d also commented on the fact his eyes were two colors and that her brother Evander also had two different colored eyes.

The most curious thing had been when she’d placed a hand on his forearm. The intimacy of the touch nearly had him demand she remove her hand immediately. That strong had been his reaction to her touch.

Morning came too soon. Duncan was roused early by the sounds of the men preparing to continue to the Macdonald keep. He’d slept soundly, tired after two days of preparing for the trip and the unfriendly seas that greeted them.

Once dressed, he helped take down the tents and packed his sack onto a cart that had been brought by the Macdonald’s.

Everyone then mounted horses that had also been brought and they rode for half a day to Keep Macdonald.

Feeling well-rested, he took time to take in the surroundings of North Uist. He’d been on the shore several times but had not come so far inland. There had never been a need for it as most of his dealings had been with ship captains, who remained on the shorelines.

Although still a bit away, the Macdonald keep was visible. The quaint keep was built on high ground, constructed on a hill that was next to a large loch.

The views from the front of the home would allow for the inhabitants to see anyone heading their way. What struck him as interesting was that the entire keep, including the surrounding wall, was whitewashed.

He looked to Stuart. “Why would anyone do that to a building? It stands out for miles.”

Stuart nodded. “Aye, I remember thinking the same when I first visited. The stones found on this isle are of that color, is what was explained to me. I am told the material is very resilient.”

Upon arriving, the gates were already open, so they followed Padraig through them.

They were ushered through the outer courtyard where they dismounted and walked into the inner courtyard, which again was different, Keep Ross only had one courtyard. Then again, the Macdonald’s army was not as large as theirs and they needed the additional protection.

Who Duncan figured to be the eldest brother, Evander Macdonald, and Lady Macdonald greeted them at the door. The woman looked past him to the younger son. Her expression became one of alarm. Eyes widened she searched the group. “Where is Beatrice?”

Lady Aileen Macdonald had reddish-brown hair and bright green eyes. Despite wisps of silver hair appearing at her temples, she remained an attractive woman.

“I will explain once we go inside,” Padraig said with a half-smile. “Ye’re going to be cross.”

The woman’s eyes went to Duncan, they narrowed, but she nodded silently.

“Welcome,” Evander said taking a step forward. “I am Evander Macdonald. I do not believe to have met ye. I have met all of yer brothers. I trust yer travel went well. With the strong winds, we wondered if ye would be waylaid.”

“We almost were,” Duncan said. “Thank ye for sending the men to give us a dry, warm place to sleep. It was much appreciated by my men and myself.”

Instantly Duncan noticed that Evander’s eyes, like his, were of two different colors. Unlike his brown and hazel, Evander’s were brown and blue.

It was interesting, that despite having the feature himself it struck him as odd. For an instant, they locked gazes before looking away. The man was tall, though not quite as tall as him. But then very few men were a head above six feet. Evander had broad shoulders and the same auburn hair color as his mother’s.

“My father awaits ye.” Evander motioned for them to walk inside and they made their way into a great hall where a table was set with food and drink.

Laird Macdonald stood upon seeing them. By the grunts and wobbly motions, it was obvious it took effort. Although not an old man, the affliction that ailed him made him appear older. However, his sharp blue gaze reminded one of his authority.

The laird looked to him and Stuart. “It is always easy to recognize a Ross. Tall and well built,” he stated. “Welcome.”

Once the greetings were completed, they sat at a long table that had been prepared for them. Servants hurried to fill the tankards with sweet-smelling ale and bowls of spiced meat and potatoes were placed in front of them. Bread, cheese, and thinly sliced boar meat on wooden boards, as well as a platter piled high with fruit tarts, rounded out the meal offerings.

Before delving into the food that made his mouth water, Duncan handed the letter from Beatrice to Lady Macdonald.

“Yer daughter would not travel back with us. She stated her wish to spend more time with her sister.”

Lady Macdonald slipped the letter onto her lap. “I will be forced to fetch her myself. I am certainly cross,” she gave Padraig a pointed look. “Ye must come with me when I go.”

“Ye cannot go until after the MacLeod visit,” the laird said patiently. “Lady MacLeod will be expecting to spend time with ye.”

When the laird turned to Duncan, Lady Macdonald made a face. It seemed she was not as enthused about the MacLeod visit as her husband.

“As ye and yer brother are no doubt aware, we have a close alliance with the MacLeods. There’s a friendship between myself and the MacLeod,” Laird Macdonald informed them.