Chapter 26
S andy and Tam slowed as they approached the place where Edmondson’s men should be. This was the spot that the reports had indicated, but Sandy saw no signs of a camp. The woods were thick and dense here, making it impossible to see more than a few yards. How much closer could they go without stumbling right over the men they wanted to surprise?
“I don’t see or hear anything,” Tam whispered, leaning over to Sandy. “Are we in the right place?”
Behind them, all the other horses shifted restlessly. The men said nothing, but Sandy could feel their unease. They all knew these woods well. Like him, they could tell that something did not feel right.
And then a group of men burst out on them, crashing through the trees with feral screams. Sandy’s men all clustered together, desperately trying to form a defensive ring. They’d been ambushed again - and this time by a lot more men! The forest was thick with Edmondson’s mercenaries. There was no chance of slipping between them and escaping again. Besides, Sandy could hardly abandon his men. They would all have to fight.
“Fight for your freedom!” Sandy roared, and the quiet forest erupted into utter chaos. He whirled his sword above his head and urged his horse towards the nearest attacker. All the Gillies Tower men were on horseback, against Edmondson’s men on foot. They must use it to their greatest advantage. Sandy’s horse kicked and trampled like mad while Sandy slashed out with his sword.
Some of the Gillies Tower men had already vanished into the woods. Sandy was thankful for every single one that got away.
A man hacked at Sandy’s leg. Luckily, his horse moved just in time, and it was only a glancing blow, but it still sent him reeling. He couldn’t keep this up for long.
He jerked his head at Tam, who nodded in return even as he cut down another attacker. His friend understood - they had to get home.
More of their men went crashing into the woods, their spooked horses leaping over branches and roots. No one followed them. Instead, more men crowded around Tam and Sandy, who were now the only ones left. It seemed that they had been given specific orders.
“We need to ride for home!” Sandy shouted at Tam. They had no more time for secrecy and games - they needed to get out of here as fast as possible, or it would be too late.
Both of them spurred their horses. Sandy’s horse fought its way towards the woods, kicking and neighing, hooves flying and teeth clashing. Sandy could only hope that the poor beast hadn’t been injured too badly.
Kicking off the last of Edmondson’s men, Sandy and Tam raced into the woods. Panting for breath, their horses leapt fallen trees and streams. Thankfully, they didn’t stumble, but Sandy could barely breathe for terror. One misstep could mean the death of his horse and himself.
Their attackers kept pace with them; it was hard for the horses to gain an advantage on this uneven ground. They needed a flat road and the chance to stretch their legs. Sandy made for the road, still too afraid to ride straight for Gillies Tower. It was all in vain now, he knew, but he still didn’t want to lead these men right up to the doors of his home.
At last, the horses, tired as they were, gave them an edge. They pressed ahead, moving just fast enough to leave Edmondson’s men behind. Sandy and Tam made it to the road, and both sighed in relief. Sweat-flecked and breathing hard, their horses still managed to keep up the punishing pace, clearly grateful for the open road.
As they rode the last distance home and Gillies Tower emerged from the trees ahead of them, Sandy realised Brigid had been right. Edmondson would just keep coming after them until he wore them down. Each time, he had come closer to capturing them. It was like some twisted cat-and-mouse game. Sandy would not put up with it any longer.
It was time for them to face Edmondson head on.