Chapter 5
CHAPTER FIVE
Kenneth spent a fitful night, tossing and turning, tangling his legs in his bedcovers. Sleep was elusive and when he eventually slept, he was taunted by strange dreams of a pair of luscious blazing eyes and an imperious disdain that cut as sharp as a dirk.
He was up and dressed before dawn, making his way to the barracks. He had to know what Aidan MacLeay was up to. He had to find out what the bastard was plotting and if it was his men who’d attacked Selene’s birlinn.
Once there, he sought out his captain, Angus MacDonald, a young cousin who had proved himself an able warrior.
“I suspect the Laird Macleay of once again wreaking havoc in our territory. Take two of yer lads across tae the mainland and find out what ye can.”
Angus nodded, seemingly eager to carry out his new mission and strode off with a purposeful step. Confident of his men’s courage and determination, Kenneth returned to the keep for his meeting with the Clan Council.
The elders were gathering in the council chamber. A fire was roaring in the hearth and the air was thick with peat smoke and the murmur of men who had weathered far too many storms. Kenneth took his place at the head of the long table.
The chamber filled slowly as the clan’s senior men assembled for the morning’s meeting.
One by one they entered, shaking the rain from their plaids, stamping the storm’s chill from their boots.
Duncan MacDonald, his father’s cousin, oldest of the elders and broad as an ox, bowed his grey head to Kenneth in respectful greeting.
Beside him came Fergus MacInnes, his limp more pronounced in the damp weather, muttered a curse about coastal winds as he clasped Callum’s forearm in welcome.
Younger MacDonald captains followed: Alasdair with his hawkish stare, Torquil with his fox-red beard still damp from the sea air, each man offering a nod or a murmured “m’laird,” as they took their places along the long oak table.
The weight of their presence, seasoned by years of battle and bitter winters, settled over the chamber like a heavy cloak.
Kenneth exchanged a brief glance with Callum.
His trusted advisor was already appraising each arrival with quiet vigilance.
What Kenneth was preparing to tell them was news none of them would relish.
As each of the men present were well aware of the menace Aidan posed, he wasted no time on preamble.
After briefly relating the story of the two ships without colors and the battle in which he and his men had intervened, there was a rumble of questions around the table and knowing nods from many elders.
They understood only too well the vengeance Aidan had sworn after the death of the woman he had loved and had wished to marry and who had been promised to Kenneth.
It had made no difference to Aidan that Kenneth had had no wish to marry the bride his clan and hers demanded should be his wife for the sole purpose of uniting their people.
But when the Lady Eilidh Fraser became ill and, on reaching Duntulm, took to her bed at once only to die a short while later, Aidan laid her death at Kenneth’s door.
Since that tragic incident three years before, Aidan had been a constant threat to the safety of all who dwelled within the castle walls. His ultimate hatred and wrath were directed toward Kenneth.
Tall Alasdair rose to his feet, his broad forehead creased with a deep frown.
“And this English lass ye rescued? What’s tae be done wi’ her?”
Kenneth nodded to the questioner. “I will convey a message tae Laird Halvard of Raasay who she claims as her braither-in-law. If he vouchsafes the lady, I shall see tae it she can be safely transported tae the isle.”
Alasdair took his seat again, seemingly satisfied with Kenneth’s response.
Now, it was old Duncan’s turn to respond.
“So, what will convince ye that this lass is nae spy?
Kenneth gave a short laugh. “I cannae prove she is nae spy.” He acknowledged. “Yet, I cannae prove she is a spy. If it is truth that her ship was on its way with a letter from Laird Halvard, and he verifies this, then I have nay proof and nay reason tae hold the lass as a spy.”
Duncan subsided into his seat, grumbling and shaking his head.
“I ken that we are nae on ideal terms wi’ Laird Halvard, and although it is true that there has been some conflict between his fishermen and ours over the waters of the Sound of Sleat, I cannae condemn the lass as a spy merely because her ship had nay colors.
If Halvard confirms she was bound tae us wi’ a letter and thence tae proceed tae Raasay, where her sister is wife to the Laird, I will accept what she says as truth. ”
“And in the meantime?” Fergus spoke up.
Kenneth shrugged. “In the meantime, the lady is confined tae the castle until this matter has been resolved. I have alerted me guards and should she attempt tae leave the castle, she will be locked in the castle dungeon.”
Around the table there was a ripple of laughter and a nodding of heads. It seemed the Council was well satisfied with Kenneth’s actions.
He got to his feet. “I thank ye all fer yer attendance in such inclement weather and I bring the meeting tae a close.”
The men filed out, on their way to breakfast in the great hall.
Kenneth nodded to Callum who joined him. “I’m fair famished, more than ready tae take me breakfast.”
Selene was seated beside Maureen at the giant refectory table, smiling as the two women chatted animatedly.
She was clad in a simple blue woolen gown with a wrap of a similar color across her shoulders.
A soft pink had returned to her cheeks and her light-blue eyes sparkled.
She looked up, smiled, and took his breath away.
All smiles, the two lasses appeared to be getting along surprisingly well. Selene’s fiery temper, which she wielded so freely on him, was nowhere in sight.
Kenneth frowned and Callum, smirking, murmured, “I fear she likes Maureen better than she daes ye, me laird.”
Kenneth growled, a low warning sound.
Selene glanced over, raising a challenging brow. “Is there something wrong?” she asked pleasantly enough.
He felt heat in his cheeks as her eyes raked over him and he sensed her disapproval. Her blue-grey eyes met his and she held his gaze. Something crackled in the air between them like a lightning flash and a simmering warmth coursed through his veins.
Suddenly it was difficult to draw breath. And, to his chagrin, he felt a twinge in his groin that seemed to have a life of its own.
God help him. He was in trouble.
And trouble had a name. Selene Montgomery.
He looked over at Callum, who seemed to sense his discomfort and hastily changed the subject of their conversation away from the lady.
“The lads have already departed for the Laird Aidan’s territory on the mainland. They’ll keep their heads down when they enter MacLeay lands, but they will talk to the villagers and see what local gossip will reveal.”
Kenneth appreciated Callum’s distraction, yet he was still uncomfortably aware of the Lady Selene seated opposite. Her manners were charming, and she had a graceful elegance about her as she poured tea, and daintily consumed her breakfast.
From time to time, he glanced up at her, and caught snippets of her conversation with his sister.
Maureen appeared to be all ears, attending to Selene’s every word and curious about life in far off England.
When he and Callum finally took their leave, Callum bent his head and addressed both Kenneth’s sister and Selene. “Perhaps ye ladies would care to observe the training ground later, where our lads are sparring and honing their battle skills.”
As they left the hall Callum chuckled. “I saw the way ye were looking wi’ cow eyes at the lady. She is quite lovely, so I dinnae blame ye fer yer fascination.”
Callum had hit a nerve, but Kenneth had no intention of giving him satisfaction.
“Nonsense lad, ye’re havering. I’ve nay interest in the lady.” He offered a rueful laugh. “Yet I dinnae ken yet if I should suspect her of spying. ‘Tis well kent that King George has set his spies among us tae test our loyalty.”
Callum pshawed. “And tae fatten his nobles wi’ our confiscated lands.” He grimaced. The King was none too popular in the Highlands. “But, dinnae fash. Word will come about the lass soon enough from Halvard.”
After a day spent in Maureen’s company Selene was tired. She’d been grateful for Maureen’s chatter and her warm, welcoming manner.
As Callum had suggested, the two women had strayed to watch the sparring in the training ground. Even though they were well armed with their flintlocks, great value was still placed on the warriors’ skill in swordsmanship and archery.
Callum was in charge of a group of young squires and pages demonstrating different sword thrusts and footwork.
The youngsters were all keen and eager, each outdoing the other with their skill.
With Maureen beside her explaining the moves, Selene had enjoyed observing several short fencing bouts taking place.
They were making ready to leave when Kenneth appeared. Selene’s heart skipped a beat as she watched him, observing his powerful shoulders and his height as he towered over the group of younger boys.
Like Callum, he stripped off his jacket and tailored vest leaving a loose linen shirt over his kilt. He pulled off his boots and, like the others, was barefoot. Both men donned thickly padded vests for protection.
The bout between Kenneth and Callum was meant as training so the boys could see what they’d been taught in real-life action. But although it was friendly, Selene held her breath as the two fierce warriors sparred together.
They were well matched, and the fight was fast and furious, with Kenneth having a slight edge over Callum due to his height and obviously superior strength.
Selene found it impossible not to admire Kenneth’s lithe movements and the strength of his arms as he skillfully maneuvered his broadsword.
After the bout, Kenneth sparred with one of the older squires.
The boy fought hard, but he was no match for Kenneth’s strength and skill.
Yet Selene could see how Kenneth held back just a little once or twice, allowing his young opponent to land a blow.
Despite herself, she felt a slight thaw in her heart as she watched his generosity.
Damn it, this barbarian is a man tae be reckoned with.
She glanced at Maureen, who was watching intently.
“Me braither is a fearsome warrior,” she whispered, giving Selene a mischievous grin. “Much admired by the ladies.”
Selene looked around. There were several of the castle maids watching the bout, their gazes transfixed on Kenneth’s every move.
She felt a strange sensation under her ribcage as she observed them watching him.
Was her gaze on him the same as these women’s?
Blatant with admiration and… she gave a slight shudder as the word sprang into her head.
Lust. Yes, these women lusted after him.
“Yet your brother has not taken a wife?”
Maureen shook her head, her eyes clouding over.
“Indeed. He has ne’er wed.”
“Oh?”
“Aye. ‘Tis a sad story?”
Selene held her breath, waiting to see if Maureen would continue to enlighten her. But she was not going to pry.
“’Tis nay secret, Selene, so he cannae complain if I tell it ye.”
Waiting for her to go on, Selene nodded.
“Me braither had nay wish tae marry and was nae in love wi’ any lass.
Yet, as our faither’s power began tae wane there was great concern from the Clan that we might be overrun and lose our lands.
Or, as he’d lost the position he’d held fer many years as Lord of the Isles, the King might intervene and take our lands.
” Tears welled in Maureen’s eyes as she spoke.
“You don’t have to continue, Maureen, if it is difficult for you to speak of the past.”
Maureen shook her head and went on. “It was determined that me braither should marry in order to strengthen our clan and ensure our lands were safe.”
She sighed and one tear trickled down her cheek. “The lass who was called upon tae marry me braither was Eilidh Fraser, the daughter of the laird of Clan Fraser of Philorth.”
“What happened?” asked Selene, her attention now thoroughly captured by the story.
“Eilidh was courted by Aidan MacLeay, who loved her dearly, but her father demanded the alliance with our clan and so she was bade tae wed against her will wi’ Kenneth.
“She set out tae make the long journey from the Lowlands, but she fell ill wi’ fever along the way. She waited and rested at Mallaig before setting out tae sea but she was sore ill. She lived but a day longer once her ship had berthed at Duntulm.” She sniffed.
“That is a truly sad story.” Selene’s thoughts flew back to her own journey and the difficulties she had encountered. Her heart went out to the poor young woman who had suffered such a dire illness on her trip.
Maureen lifted her gaze. The men had finished their bout and were donning their jackets and boots ready to depart.
Selene got to her feet. “Come.” She reached a hand to help Maureen up from her chair and together they left the training yard.
As they walked, Maureen continued their conversation in a low voice.
“’Twas sad fer all of us, but even more fer Aidan MacLeay.”
“Because he’d loved and lost and, even worse, his great love had died?”
“Aye. Then it grew worse. Aidan, in his misery and grief put about the story that she had come here in good health and that Kenneth had murdered her because he didnae fancy her and had nay wish tae marry.”
“Oh, Lord.” Selene said, shocked.
“Aidan is the laird now, and he has sworn vengeance on Kenneth fer what he claims is murder. Even though this happened years ago, his hatred has only grown more bitter. Where he was once a good man, his rage has turned him into something akin tae a madman.”
“And he poses a danger to Kenneth?”
“Aye. I have heard whispers that it was Aidan MacLeay’s men who attacked yer ship. But that is only one of many such attacks he’s perpetrated over the years.”
Selene shuddered, recalling the slaughter. “So, he attacked my ship because we were bound for Duntulm?”
“I think that may be so. But the ship that attacked yer men carried nae colors so it’s nae possible tae ken fer sure.
“Because of the story MacLeay has spread about Kenneth, and because me braither is a great warrior, he is known and feared as the ‘Brute of Sleat.” Maureen gave a sharp little laugh. “Only by those who dinnae ken the true Kenneth MacDonald.”
Selene nodded slowly. She had wondered about the name and how it seemed at odds with the man who had rescued her from the raiders and from the sea.
Maureen dried her tears and they continued on their way. Her sunny nature reasserted itself as she guided Selene around several of the castle apartments, including the library.
Selene tucked away the story she’d heard from Maureen, to consider some other time.