"I think so, but he didnae like us before ye came."
"He didnae spend time with ye. That is verra different. There was trouble with his wife, the Lady Anabelle, then there was a lot of work that needed to be done here because his uncle wasnae a verra good laird, and then he was verra, verra ill. Now, that doesnae excuse him for ignoring ye children, but he didnae ignore ye because he didnae want ye or like ye. And he doesnae like ye now just because I got him to pay attention to ye. In truth, he did it all on his own. I didnae do much more than bring ye out of the nursery now and again and talk about ye."
Odo frowned for a moment, then nodded. "He got busy and didnae understand that we needed attention."
"Exactly. Is that all ye wanted to talk about?"
"Will he and my uncles find the bad person and kill him so that Papa and ye will be safe?"
"Aye, Odo, that is their plan. I wish there was some way to make your Papa safe without killing anyone, but I fear it will all end that way. Ye dinnae need to worry. Your father is strong and clever and surrounded by Camerons."
"Which undoubtedly makes Diarmot half mad," said Nanty as he walked up and scowled at them. " 'Tis verra hard to guard people who willnae stay where they are put."
Ilsa allowed herself and Odo to be ushered back into the keep. She did think Nanty overdid the scolding, but bit her tongue to keep from complaining. Telling Nanty he sounded like a fussing old woman would probably not set a good example for Odo. As soon as she could, she kissed Odo good night and fled to her bedchamber. It might be lonely, but Nanty would not follow her in there.
*CHAPTER SEVENTEEN*
The keep at Dubheidland was impressive. Its walls were thick and high, its gates intimidating, and its great hall well furnished. It was also so filled with redheads, Diarmot was astonished that his eyes did not hurt. As he was led to the big head table, Sigimor abruptly introducing every man or youth they passed, Diarmot suspected it would take him many years to be able to remember all the Camerons by name. He could almost be grateful for Somerled, Sigimor's twin. That at least was one man he would clearly recall.
As he sat down and a faintly smiling Somerled served him wine, Diarmot became uncomfortably aware that very few of the looks he was receiving were friendly.
Whatever tale the other brothers had told upon returning from Clachthrom had not won him any friends. He was not sure that whatever Sigimor chose to tell the gathered throng would help change that.
"Did Alexander's wife have the baby?" asked Sigimor as he sat down between Somerled and Diarmot and helped himself to some wine.
"Aye, wee Mairi gave Alexander a son," replied Somerled. "They named the lad James and have gone to show her family the boy. Tis the first male born to that family for quite a while. He may weel be named heir, for there havenae been any other bairns born, either, and it doesnae look as if there will be."
"That will suit our Alexander fine, I suspect, although he didnae marry the lass for gain." Sigimor looked around and scowled at his brothers and cousins.
"Why are ye all looking so fierce?"
"Why have ye brought Ilsa's mon and nay Ilsa?" asked a tall, thin youth with hair very similar to Ilsa's. "S'truth, from what Gilbert told us, I cannae understand why ye havenae gutted him."
"I cannae go about gutting your sister's husbands, Patone," Sigimor said.
"Now, either Gilbert didnae tell the tale weel or ye didnae listen clear. So, clean out your earholes ere I do it for ye, and listen. I am only going to tell the tale once."
It only took a few moments for Diarmot to decide once was more than enough.
Sigimor told no lies, but he softened no truths as he saw them, either. Diarmot did think the man did not need to repeat the fact that he considered his sister's husband's wits sadly rattled as often as he did. By the time Sigimor had finished, however, most of the looks cast his way were a little friendlier.
Some, unfortunately, looked as if they expected him to start drooling.
"We were wondering why we havenae heard from ye," Sigimor said to Somerled.
"I would have thought someone would have discovered something by now."
"Actually, Liam was preparing to go to Clachthrom in a day or two if we didnae hear from ye soon," said Somerled.
"What has he discovered then?"
"I sent Gilbert for him the moment ye were seen. He ought to be here soon, and he can tell ye himself."
"Tis time for a meal. I am surprised he isnae here already. The lad hates to miss a meal."
"He hates to miss something else, too, and he was off getting a wee bit of the other when ye rode in."