Page 3 of The Lass and the Laird

He would ponder on this more.

Morning came with the aroma of food. He wiped the sleep from his eyes and opened them to find Edan placing a tray of food on a table. The young man moved soundlessly, as if with years of practice. Declan allowed Edan to continue the chores and closed his eyes again.

The boy had been overly excited to learn of his new post. At about ten and five, he proclaimed to be a full-grown man, who'd serve him ‘til his death. The kind of loyalty a laird inspired made him wonder at how his father could have abused the position given to him. The people were eager to please and he would ensure they were all fairly treated.

Later that day, he and Ian, along with his guardsmen, mounted their horses to start the familiarization with his lands and people. Declan sat straight in the saddle and scanned the area.

Fruit groves edged a river that ran through the woods. Deer scampered away and they discovered several boar tracks.

When a rabbit scurried across their trail, Ian shot an arrow at it and missed. "I was not prepared," he explained when the two guards who accompanied them laughed.

Declan chuckled. "We will not want for food, that is obvious. As long as we don't have to depend on Ian for the hunting."

Dugan, one of the guards, narrowed his eyes into the forest. "Are ye confident we should not be prepared to draw swords? Someone approaches."

"Nay. Everyone gets along well here." In spite of his words, a tingle went through his sword arm. Years of training and clan battles did not go away so easily. He had no doubt the other three felt on edge as they waited for the lone rider to approach.

"Ye must be Laird of Moriag." The older man lifted his bushy brows when both Dugan and the other guard's hands went to their swords. "Do not fret, gentlemen. I do not mean your laird any harm."

"Jon Campbell, Laird of Claudaugh." He bowed his head and his dark blue eyes met Declan's. "I knew yer mother. A fine woman. Yer da as well."

From the hardening around Campbell's mouth the man must not have cared for his father. It wasn't surprising. "I am Declan Gordon, as you seem to already know."

"Aye, yer brother told me you were coming. You favor each other as well." Campbell looked across to the water's edge. "My land and yours join here. Your men are welcome to hunt and fish as they wish. We've never kept a hard hand on boundaries."

"Yet here you are to point it out." Declan met the man's eyes, not seeing any type of malice.

"Aye. I am searching for my dog. He was injured during a boar hunt two days past and has not returned home. I fear he must be somewhere in pain. It's silly of me, of course, but he has been a faithful companion for many years and I have grown quite fond of him."

"We will assist you in your search." Declan and his men listened to the older man's descriptions and spent the rest of the afternoon in search of a dog they finally found under a bush. The animal was as ecstatic as Campbell upon being reunited.

The Campbell stood and shook hands with Declan. "I will be pleased to invite you and your men to dine at my keep. You have my allegiance at your simple, but noble, deed." The man's eyes twinkled when he looked down to the dog that sat at his feet holding an injured paw off the ground.

"We gladly accept." Declan patted the beast's head. "I am sure your dog will heal promptly."

Once Campbell heaved the large animal across his horse and rode off, it was time to return home. Declan watched the older man go and looked to Ian. “It's quite different, is it not? The simple task of finding the beast may have sealed an alliance with the Campbells.”

"Aye, quite different." Ian shrugged. "Perhaps he has a daughter you can marry."

"Or you." Declan laughed when Ian scowled.

Ian had not married, claiming to wait for Declan to do so first. The man, in Declan's opinion, much preferred a variety of women to settling with one. Not that he could blame him, as Ian never suffered for lack of interest from the fairer sex. Most of the time, he'd decline offers much to the delight of the other guards, who usually had to settle for second best.

The other guardsmen waited for Ian to give orders. The leader of his guard looked to him. "There's time for them to ride into town and return by supper."

"No need," Declan replied. "Allow them to go and return as they please. As reward for finding the hound."

Ian nodded and instructed the men to do as they wished. The men split in two groups. Three went toward town, the other two toward the loch. Declan studied the departing men. "Why are Dugan and Conor not going to town?"

"I believe they are going to bathe and then battle for a maid's attentions."

"Ah."

"And you?"

"I don't have to battle." Ian snorted at Declan holding back a chuckle and rode off.

The next morning after breaking his fast, Declan decided it was time to see about the surrounding farms and village. He descended the stairs to the great room and found only two of his men in attendance.