Chapter 18
CHAPTER 18
A nnabelle could clearly see that the inner divisions within the MacDonald clan had caused an avalanche of problems, and Malcolm was clearly the puppeteer, pulling the strings of chaos. It was apparent that he’d aimed to destabilize the power dynamics within the clan, with the ultimate goal of unseating Cam, the current leader of the Donalds and perhaps out of vengeance destroy the entire clan in his wrath over not being chosen as leader.
After a few more minutes of watching Malcolm interact with Maeve, taunting her and making her cry, Jamie silently motioned for Annabelle to crouch low and follow him as they retreated stealthily into the concealing embrace of the woods, away from the camp where Maeve was held captive.
They retraced their steps, each footfall measured and deliberate, avoiding even the faintest rustle of leaves. It was as if the very forest was complicit in their mission, shrouding them in its dark, protective embrace. Jamie led the way, his senses sharp and alert, attuned to every sound and movement in the night.
After what felt like an eternity of heart-pounding silence, they finally reached the haven of their horses.
Jamie's eyes locked onto Annabelle's. "There's too many of them, lass," he said, his voice laced with concern. "You must ride back to the village and alert my men. We need their strength if we're to put an end to this once and for all."
Annabelle, equally resolved, met his gaze with determination. "No, Jamie," she countered. "You should be the one to go. I’m used to doing stakeouts and trailing killers. I'll stay here and keep watch, make sure the bandits don’t slip away. I’m not sure I could get back to the village without getting lost. You know this land much better than I do. You can lead them here much quicker than I could.”
Jamie hesitated, but eventually caved. He couldn’t deny the logic of her words. "Aye, you make sense, lass," he conceded. "But I cannae leave you alone here near those bandits."
"I promise I’ll be fine. I can handle myself," she said. "Now go. You are wasting time."
Jamie looked undecided for another moment before giving her a nod. “If Malcolm and his men move again before I return with my men, leave a trail for me to follow that will mark their path." He looked at her, his concern evident in his eyes.
Annabelle nodded. “I’ll find something, now go. I promise I won’t let them get away from me.”
Jamie pulled her to him and kissed her with such passion that her knees went weak. Their whispered promises hung in the air, as Annabelle wished him a safe and fast journey.
Annabelle ventured silently through the woods, her movements deft and purposeful as she returned to the clearing's edge, her keen eyes fixed upon the distant camp. In the moon's silvery embrace, she became a silent sentinel, unwavering in her resolve to keep watch over their mission. Nestled amidst the velvety embrace of the woodland, Annabelle couldn't help but chuckle softly at the sheer peculiarity of her current stakeout. This was unlike any investigation she had ever embarked upon.
The minutes ticked by, each one bringing her closer to the crucial moment when they would strike, determined to rescue Maeve from the clutches of Malcolm MacDonald and his men.
Amidst the nocturnal symphony of chirping crickets and rustling leaves, Annabelle couldn't help but feel an eerie sense of isolation. The unfamiliar sounds of the woods seemed to come alive, their nocturnal chorus a constant reminder of her solitude. Every rustle in the underbrush or distant hoot of an owl sent shivers down her spine, a reminder of the wild world that enveloped her.
With a quiet resolve, Annabelle spoke to herself in hushed tones, a soothing mantra to ward off the creeping unease that threatened to unravel her composure. "Keep it together," she murmured softly, her voice barely more than a breath on the wind. In the midst of the hauntingly beautiful wilderness, Annabelle's senses sharpened, and her ears caught every word Malcolm MacDonald uttered. The commanding tone he wielded over the bandits in his thrall was intense, his persuasive words telling a dangerous tale of ambition. He promised them riches and power, enticing their loyalty with the allure of a coup against Fort Donald, a scheme to unseat Cam MacDonald from his seat of authority.
He sounded like a mad man, one drunk with power and completely misguided. It seemed he was unaware that as he spoke the Campbell Clan was planning death and ruin to all those who claimed the Donald Clan as their own. He’d unseat Cam sure, but there would be nobody and no fort to rule over if Annabelle and Jamie didn’t rescue Maeve and capture this delusional man.
As he went on pontificating like a James Bond villain, Annabelle couldn't help but be struck by a sense of déjà vu. His domineering presence, his schemes for control, they all seemed hauntingly familiar. In her heart, she knew the source of this disconcerting familiarity - it was reminiscent of Edward, who had been a master manipulator himself.
For a moment, she found herself pondering Edward's fate. Had he been blamed for her disappearance? Was he languishing in a jail cell unable to explain where she was? Or had he simply walked away and found some other poor woman to manipulate? Annabelle hoped that wasn’t the case. Nobody deserved that kind of treatment. She wondered if there was a way to find out. Catherine had said that Dub Sith showed up occasionally, perhaps she could ask him what Edward’s fate was after she disappeared. Then again, did she really care?
With every word Malcolm spoke, Annabelle's resolve deepened. She couldn't allow another tyrant to go unchecked. Her mission was clear: to ensure that Maeve Campbell would not suffer the same fate she once did at the hands of a controlling man.