The Highlander’s Pirate Bride (Sparks and Tartans #10)

Chapter 22

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

M axwell completed his ablutions with all speed. He donned fresh clothing, combed the fierce tangles out his hair and tied it at his nape in a leather strip and went in search of his sister.

Raven was not there but, in her stead, he found her husband, Arne MacLeod, brother to the Viking Laird of Skye, Haldor Macleod. Maxwell and Arne greeted each other like brothers.

“Dunbar sent word that ye were here,” Arne made a mock punch at Maxwell’s shoulder. “Ye dinnae ken how good it is to see ye alive and looking almost none the worse fer wear…” He scanned Maxwell from head to toe, “… although, lad, I think ye could dae wi’ a bit more meat on yer bones.”

Maxwell grinned, eyeing Arne’s powerful form. “How much meat would be on yer bones if ye’d eaten naught but a skinny rabbit fer the past weeks?”

They joshed each other for a few more moments but then Maxwell grew serious. “I need tae learn what has happened since I was, er, taken on board Sutherland’s birlinn.”

Arne shook his head gravely. “Cousin James sailed to us from Ullapool to bring the news of yer disappearance. He and yer men had searched fer ye fer days. As we discovered later, naebody in the village wished to break silence, they were all too afeared of the wrath of Andrew Sutherland.” He threw up his hands in a gesture of disgust.

“How did they find out where I’d been taken?”

“After offering several juicy bribes to the few peasants that live thereabouts, one of them plucked up the courage to enlighten young Anderson as tae yer whereabouts.”

Maxwell huffed. “I daresay by the time the word reached Barra, I was halfway to Dunrobin.”

“That was exactly what we feared. It was then the laird – furious when he learned of yer capture – decided to sail to Dunrobin to confront the Laird Sutherland and demand yer release. He was ready to pay whatever ransom was demanded or fight tae the death if that was what it took.”

Maxwell groaned. This was news he dreaded. “Jesus! This would have played directly intae Sutherland’s hands. ‘Tis a long story, lad, but I was mistaken fer me braither. It was Everard that Sutherland wished to take as his prisoner.”

Arne shook his head. “He sent word tae us on Skye and we came direct from Dunvegan so that Raven could be here acting as laird in his absence. He sailed his big birlinn and took a company of his best men.”

“Little good that would dae against Sutherland’s might.” Maxwell groaned again and ran his hand through his hair, undoing its neatness. “The man commands a fleet of birlinns and other vessels that make ours seem puny. His men outnumber ours many times over and all of them have sworn blind fealty tae him fer fear of their lives and the lives of their loved ones.”

“But would he nae respect another laird? The Sutherlands have never been the enemies of the MacNeils. Highland hospitality calls fer courtesy tae be paid tae any guest.”

Recalling the brief interlude he’d spent in Sutherland’s company, Maxell uttered a loud “pshaw,” and shook his head. “Sutherland cares naught fer the rules of hospitality. He daes what he wishes and there is nae one person outside of the king who would live long if they defied him.”

“Then all we can dae is pray that Everard is able tae avoid capture and make his way home safe tae the island.”

“Mayhap that is all we can dae, Arne. But I’m nae one to sit by passively and depend on prayer alone. Me belief is that Everard is, indeed, in terrible danger. I cannot sit idly by.”

“What d’ye intend?”

Maxwell shrugged. His mind was sliding over possibilities. He needed to discuss this with Aileen. If anyone knew the ways of Andrew Sutherland and where his weakness would lie, it was Aileen. “I will think on it. Mayhap we can come up with a plan.”

“Aye, as War Chief of the MacNeils, ye are the one best suited tae find a way tae defeat Sutherland. Whatever ye decide, I’ll join wi’ ye.”

“Nay, lad. Ye’ve a wife and family tae consider. If both Everard and meself were tae lose our lives, Raven would become the MacNeil clan chief. She’ll need yer strength beside her.”

Arne shook his head. “This is nae our way, me friend, as well ye ken. We all fight fer what is right and so dae many of our lassies. Raven, is a warrior too. But…” he managed a grin, “She is with child again. In a matter of months there’ll be a wee sister or brother fer our bairn, Thorsten.”

This brought a smile to Maxwell’s lips. “Some bright news among the dark tidings.”

Arne smiled broadly. “Aye, ‘tis indeed.” He reached a hand to Maxwell’s shoulder. “Now, ye must partake of sustenance if ye’re nae tae disappear in front of our eyes. I’ll go with ye tae break our fast in the hall and ye can tell me all yer news. Afterwards, we shall seek me lovely wife, who will also be desperate tae hear yer stories.”

They left the chamber and progressed along the passageway and down the stairs to the hall.

After a fine repast of fish and mussel stew, cheese, bannocks and raspberry jam, honey-cakes and hot mead, Maxwell was ready to meet with his sister in the solar.

In response to Arne’s heavy fist on the door, Raven shouted, “Come in, ye noisy beast.”

Laughing, Arne entered and seized her in a bear-hug, lavishing her cheek with kisses. She made show of pushing him away. “Put me down, ye dinnae ken yer own strength, Arne MacLeod.”

Her cheeks flushed red and her eyes took on a sparkle that warmed Maxwell’s heart. They were so clearly in love.

Once Arne released her, she flung herself at Maxwell.

“Here. Let me look at ye.” She held him at arm’s length, studying him. It was only then he realised Aileen was standing by the chair watching and smiling.

“Ah. Ye’ve met Aileen?”

Raven turned to Aileen and clasped her hands. “She has told me something of yer story. Ye’ve both endured so much, ye must rest a day or two and partake of fine food and wine tae compensate fer the privations ye’ve suffered.” She turned to Arne.

“This is miss Aileen MacAlpin, who accompanied Maxwell on their journey from Dunrobin.”

Aileen dropped a curtsy toward Arne. “I am pleased to make yer acquaintance, milord, and am grateful fer the hospitality shown tae us by ye and yer wife.”

Arne bowed. “The pleasure is mine. Ye have me gratitude fer helping me braither-in-law tae escape from Sutherland’s castle and fer accompanying him on yer arduous journey tae our island.”

It was impossible for Maxwell to hide his grin as he listened to Arne’s thanks and Aileen’s embarrassed answers. If it wasnae fer Aileen I’d nae have been taken tae Dunrobin in the first place.

Raven invited them all to sit and Arne drew up two comfortable tapestry-covered chairs for himself and Maxwell.

At that moment the door flew open and Muriel entered with young Thorsten at her side. She curtseyed to Maxwell and bent to speak to the wean. “D’ye see yer uncle Maxwell?”

“Aye! ‘ello Uncle Maxwell!, he giggled.

Maxwell was at the door in two strides, scooping up his little nephew and spinning him off his tiny feet. “Och, hello little lad!” Thorsten laughed with delight, but when Maxwell handed the wean back to his nursemaid there was the beginning of a wail.

“Come now,” Muriel fussed. “Dinnae cry wee laddie. I’ll take ye tae the kitchen tae see if cook has a sweetmeat fer ye.”

Thorsten’s little face lit up at the mention of sweetmeats and he happily toddled out the door clutching his nursemaid’s hand.

Maxwell chuckled. “He’s growing into a fine wee lad.”

Smiling, Raven turned to Arne. “Has me braither told ye the story of how these two escaped from Dunrobin Castle and made their way across land and sea tae reach the safety of Castle Kiessimul at last?”

Arne shook his head. “He has told me very little. Our chief concern is with the whereabouts of Everard and his men and their mission tae Dunrobin Castle in search of Maxwell.”

Aileen hitched in a sharp breath at Arne’s words, her eyes meeting Maxwell’s in alarm.

He raised a finger, glancing at Raven’s and Arne’s anxious faces. “Dinnae fash, Everard can outmatch wits with Sutherland. I dinnae fear fer him.” Although he spoke with confidence, he was well aware that Sutherland was a cunning and formidable foe. If Everard was, indeed, at Dunrobin Castle, there was much cause for concern.

A servant entered the room with a flagon of ale and four mugs, which Arne took from him and placed on the table, pouring the ale in each of them and handing around the tankards.

“Let us drink tae yer continued good health,” he raised his tankard.

Maxwell got to his feet. “Thank ye, braither. And let us drink tae the safety of our laird.” He raised his mug. “ Slàinte mhath .”

As they sipped the ale, both Aileen and Maxwell related the most salient details of their story, discreetly leaving out all mention of their lovemaking and the closeness that had built between them.

Arne’s face clouded. “Sutherland is clearly a dangerous rogue. From what ye’ve told us, he’ll stop at naught to achieve his ends. And now it seems his ships are sailing in waters close to the Isle of Barra.”

Maxwell combed his fingers through his hair. “I cannae stand by now that I ken what Everard has done. If he has been captured by Sutherland, we must dae everything in our power to release him before it’s too late.” He glanced at Aileen, whose face was white as a seagull’s wing, her hands plucking nervously at her skirt.

“What say ye, milady?”

“I can only agree. If the laird has fallen into the clutches of Andrew Sutherland he is in dire peril.” She looked from Arne to Raven. “Can ye send yer spies tae find out? Me thought is that some of Sutherland’s men are biding close by, mayhap even at Canna. Are there lads who can sail to the Small Isle and make discreet enquiries?”

All three nodded. “Aye. That can be done at once.”

Maxwell was already walking toward the door. “I’ll consult with Ranald Dunbar. There will be men among his troops who can sail tae Canna and back in less than a day.”

Arne hastened after him. “If Everard has been taken prisoner, by tomorrow we will have news of it.”

They headed fer the boathouse where they met with Dunbar. He was quick to name two of his men who could take on the role of fishermen and sail tae the Isle of Canna and back with all speed. After giving the orders, Maxwell went back to the solar to speak with Aileen, who greeted him with an anxious smile.

Not wishing to alarm Raven any more than was necessary, he suggested to Aileen that he could show her the castle.

Raven looked up, a twinkle in her eye. “Of course, ye wish to spend some time together.”

They took the stairs to the battlements, Maxwell leading the way.

It was a fine, sunny day despite the chill wind blowing in from the sea, and in the clear air they had a good view of the entrance to the bay and beyond, to the sea.

“Our men will be on the Island of Canna before nightfall.”

Aileen gave a sigh of approval. “If Sutherland or his men are on the island, it will be nay secret. The men ye’ve sent will need only tae fall intae conversation with any of the island folk tae find out where he is and how many men he has.”

“Aye.” Maxwell scanned the horizon, squinting into the distance. Aileen, by his side did the same, turning her head to obtain a view of the inner harbor as well.

“I see nothing that would hint of trouble.” She pointed to the south at three fishing boats returning to port.

“Wait…” Maxwell pointed in the same southerly direction. “…there’s another boat close to those three, only it’s turning to the east, nae keeping company with the others.”

They hastened down the steps and along the boat-landing to meet with Ranald Dunbar once again.

“Can ye signal tae those three boats entering the bay. I wish tae speak with the men.”

Dunbar sent up a signal flag and before long the men were pulling their boats into the jetty, where Maxwell and Ranald hastened to meet with them.

All three men shook their heads when asked about the fourth boat that had turned away and was sailing east.

“I dinnae ken the lad.” One big lad who gave his name as Simon, scratched his head, looking puzzled.

“Nay. He wasnae wi’ us.” Another older man was very definite that the boat did not belong with them.

“He seemed to be patrolling the coast,” added the third fisherman. “I saw him early on, then lost sight of him after he sailed further round the island. “I didnae take him fer a fisher-lad, although he had that appearance at first. I was near enough at one time to see he had nay net on board.”

Ranald looked at Maxwell, nodding. “Mayhap ‘tis one of Sutherland’s men.”

“Thank ye, lads.” Maxwell gave each of the fishermen coin for their trouble. “If ye see him or another of his kind at any time please let Ranald Dunbar here ken.” He was loath to tell them the man could be a scout and an enemy for fear of causing rumors to spread but he decided it was better that they knew.

“We may have enemies nearby. ‘Tis best tae say little, but mayhap ye could pass the word tae others who sail, tae keep an eye out fer strangers.”

The three men nodded and went on their way, pocketing their coins.

“Seems we are being watched. That will put paid tae our chances of gathering a fleet tae hunt fer Everard without being noticed.”

Aileen grew thoughtful. “’Tis nae surprise. Sutherland will be expecting it.”

As they re-entered the keep, Aileen reached for Maxwell’s hand. “I fear the peace of this sanctuary is under threat.”

Maxwell wound an arm around her waist. “Dinnae fash, Aileen. We dinnae ken thats is so. We must wait until Dunbar’s messengers return before we can say fer certain that Sutherland has pursued us here.”

The fear he could see so clearly in her eyes told him she had no belief in his soothing words.

He leaned in, nuzzling a series of soft kisses in her hair. “Ye are very fetching in yer pretty gown wi’ yer hair flowing free like this.” He took a lock of her hair in his hand and held it to his lips. “Aileen MacAlpin, ye’re a real beauty, and ye’ve been keeping it from me these past weeks.”

She gave a mock punch to his hefty, muscled arm.

“Oof.” He grabbed his arm, howling in mock pain. “Why, ye’re a cruel vixen as well as a sorceress. Didnae ye nae ken yer spell was enough to keep me docile, without ye resorting to such violence?”

She laughed. “Ye, docile? That will be the day when the pigs are flying above the castle.”

He pulled her close. “Then, kiss me, ye wild and wicked enchantress. Fer I’m fair hungering fer ye and I can hardly wait tae take off that gown and see ye naked.”

He laughed again at her cheeks blushing red as they walked along the passageway to the door of her chamber.

She placed a hand on the door-latch. “D’ye wish tae join me, milord?”

Without a word Maxwell unlatched the door, kicked it open and swung her into his arms. Stepping into the chamber, he carried her to the bed in the center of the room. He lowered her slowly, so that her bright mane of hair sprayed across the pillow.

He laughed. “Methinks this is the best place fer all that I wish tae dae tae ye.”