The Lion (Clan Ross of the Hebrides Book 1) by Hildie McQueen (ereader for android .TXT) 📕

“He is angry that we did not keep to an agreement he and Da had made.”

“A plan?”

“Aye, they were to attack the Macdonald and split the lands, livestock, and whatever else they found.”

His brother gave him an incredulous look. “It would never have worked. The Macdonalds are allied to the MacLeod, together they are twice as powerful as us.”

“I do not understand either,” Darach said. “With Cairn missing, I am not sure who else would know how they planned to accomplish this.”

As much as he wanted to ask about Isobel, Darach realized his brother would not know much more than him. He’d barely been gone two days before a messenger had been sent about his capture.

“I’m hungry,” he murmured. “Have anything?”

Duncan yanked some dried meat from a sack and handed him a wineskin. “He didn’t feed ye?”

“They did, but I was not about to eat and be poisoned.”

They rode for a bit, Darach taking in the scenery. “I wonder if the Uisdein is under threat and that is the reason he wanted this agreement. To gain our alliance.”

“It was an idiotic way to go about it,” Duncan replied.

“We must send spies and find out exactly what is happening.”

His brother nodded. After spending many years on ships and traveling, Duncan knew men who would take on such a task. His solemn brother had many secrets that he kept to himself. Darach hoped one day to find out more.

“I wish to spend time with ye Duncan. Caelan as well. Perhaps I can get away from my duties this winter and come to visit for a week or two.”

“Ye are always welcome,” Duncan replied without inflection.

When his stomach growled, Darach chewed the meat and washed it down with wine. “Do ye know anyone who Cairn would confide in?”

“There is a guard who I saw at the tavern with Cairn once. I am not sure why I hadn’t considered that he would probably be who freed him.”

“Which one is it?”

“Young man, I believe his name is Jon or James. Has reddish hair, freckled face.”

Darach knew who Duncan referred to. If it was James McTavish, the guard would be punished. McTavish had a young wife and a wee bairn, just born.

“He must have dangled plenty of coin in front of him. I can’t imagine James McTavish being tempted. Although I suppose a wife and wee one can make a man susceptible.”

“What will ye do?”

“Question him. Find out as much as we can. Toss him in the dungeon for a month.”

Duncan grunted in agreement.

At the thought of a bairn, Darach considered something he needed to do. While imprisoned, he’d thought about the possibility of dying and leaving behind a bairn. He needed to find out the truth.

“I have something to do,” Darach said. “I must speak to Lilia. Return to the keep. Let them know I am well. I will be there before last meal.”

“Is it a good idea?” Duncan asked. “Perhaps ye can go after.”

“This is something I need to find out. I will not be long.”

After a moment, Duncan met his gaze. “Why do ye seek out Lilia?”

“She is with child. If the bairn is mine, I need to know.”

“Very well, aye. Take some men with ye,” Duncan finally relented.

If Lilia was surprised to see him, she didn’t act it. “Ye come alone. Already ye grow bored of her?”

Darach didn’t want to make her angry as he hoped to find out the truth. While at the Uisdein and wondering if he’d live, one of the things he’d wanted to know was if he would have left a child.

“Did a midwife come to see ye?” he asked.

Lilia met his gaze, her lips curving. “Why would one come? It will not be time for a few months yet.” She walked to him and wrapped her arms around his waist then leaned her head on his chest. “I miss ye terribly, my laird.”

“Ye should marry and have yer own family,” Darach said. “I can arrange it.”

When she didn’t reply, Darach hugged her back. The woman had been kind to him and warmed his bed many a night. He didn’t love her. However, he’d grown fond of her and felt responsible to ensure she was protected, even if not carrying his child.

“Lilia, I wish for ye to be provided for.”

“Ye can keep me here, come spend time with me…”

“I cannot.” He lifted her chin so she could look at him. “Is the bairn mine?”

Her gaze fell, and for a long moment, he wondered if she was to reply. “Nay.”

Relief filled him.

“Allow me to help ye, Lilia.”

“No one will have me. I am not the kind of woman a man marries.” When she began to cry, he felt bad for her.

“I will find ye a willing husband, a good man. What of the bairn’s father?”

She shook her head but said nothing.

“Then I will ensure ye are protected.”

He kissed her brow and met her gaze. “Be with care, Lilia.”

By her resigned expression, she was aware he’d never seek her out again.

Chapter Eighteen

At the men returning, Isobel gathered with Lady Mariel, Ella, and Beatrice to welcome Darach back. Already a scout had arrived to announce that everything had gone smoothly. Darach had ridden out of the Uisdein keep relatively unscathed.

The gates opened and the brothers rode in, behind them several guards.

“Thank God,” Lady Mariel said, then looked to Isobel puzzled. “Do ye see Darach?”

Already Isobel had noticed his absence and held her hands to her chest. “Why is he not with them? Could it be the scout was mistaken?”

The brothers dismounted, but only Duncan walked to them. The others darted looks toward the women and seemed reluctant to enter the keep.

“What happened?” Both Isobel and Lady Mariel asked in unison. Lady Mariel grabbed Duncan’s arm. “Tell me, son.”

With an annoyed expression, Duncan met Isobel’s gaze and then pulled his mother against his side. “Darach is fine. He went to the village to see about something. He will be here for last meal.”

“The village?” Lady