The last thing Ronan wished to do was leave Kyla behind, but ensuring her betrothal to Duncan came to a swift end, that the man understood the two of them were mated and he intended on making Kyla his bride, was imperative. He had a great deal to do, would need to act fast. Seeking out her parents as well couldn’t be delayed.
Across the inner courtyard, he walked while a good score of warriors trained. Shirtless and sweaty, they fought partnered up, each strike of their blade landing with accurate precision against their opponent’s. These men were strong, fully prepared for the war which raged across these lands and throughout the Western Isles. Glad he was none would strike a Matheson, only why had Coll and Duncan made that stipulation with their warriors? Something was up, something he intended to get to the bottom of.
“This way.” Hamish led him toward the men’s barracks at the edge of the bailey. “I need to collect a few things afore we leave.”
“I’m afraid I didnae bring a horse since I had to cross the hills. The land is treacherously steep and heavily forested.” A truth. The land was rugged, dangerously so.
“Aye, even our men dinnae take to those hills on horseback. I’ll secure you a horse without issue.” Hamish walked inside the garrison’s front door and Ronan followed, passed dozens of bunked pallets as he strode to the far side.
An unlit fireplace stood at one end of the room and racks of armor gleamed under its flickering light. A young lad of mayhap eight or nine sat on a stool in a brown tunic and breeches. He meticulously cleaned chainmail and weaponry, a large whetstone at his feet and his fingers black with oil.
From within a shelved nook, Hamish snagged a satchel and stuffed a steel-studded coat inside before he hunkered down next to the lad. “I’m returning to Ardan House and taking with me a possible new recruit. Inform the guardsman on duty for me, and let him know I’ll return as soon as possible.”
“Aye, sir.” The lad scrambled to his feet then stumbled to a stop in front of Ronan and bobbed his head, his mop of unruly dark hair flopping forward over his brow. “My laird, welcome home,” he murmured then dashed out the door.
“He thinks you’re Coll, as I first did, and as I imagine a number of the men here will when they catch a decent glimpse of you.” Hamish tipped his head toward the door. “Come. We’ll head through the postern gate to the stables. That way we willnae draw too much unwanted attention to you.”
“How many men guard this stronghold?” With a brisk pace, he weaved around the perimeter of the yard and out the postern gate with Hamish.
“Over a hundred, with another hundred at Duncan’s keep a little farther along the loch, although our hope is to double our numbers at both strongholds.”
“Coll and Duncan prepare well.” He followed the stony walkway around the curtain wall toward the stables which sat at the edge of the forest where the trees butted up against the cliffs. A gangly-legged lad in loosely belted pants brushed down a sleek brown war horse, while two armed warriors mounted their steeds then galloped into the bordering forest.
“They must during this time of war.” Hamish nodded at the stable lad. “I’m in need of two saddled mounts, and be quick about it.”
The lad scurried inside and disappeared within the darkened depths of the stables.
Eyeing him with great curiosity, Hamish leaned against the wide doorway, tapped the heel of one booted foot within the dirt and hummed under his breath. “Interesting.”
“You’ve seen something?”
“That I have.” He touched his head. “Glimpses of you within visions, and enough to tell me that Rand isnae your true name.”
“My need to speak to Duncan is twofold, yet primarily involves Kyla.” The seer definitely held a strong ability.
“’Tis clear to see you hold her trust, unwaveringly so. She is a woman with a tender heart and gentle hand, and there isnae a warrior here who wouldnae lay down his life for hers. I also ‘see’ that you’d be the first one standing in line to do so.”
“Tell him I’m in your mind, have seen and heard all he’s said.”
“You are persistent, my mate.”
“And I always shall be. Give Hamish your trust. He willnae have you tossed into the dungeons.”
With a deep breath, he nodded at Hamish. “What if I told you Kyla speaks to me now? Has formed a merged link of the mind?”
“Then that would mean she’s told you of her fae blood, and if that’s the case then it appears you’ve garnered far more than just her trust.”
“Aye, that is true.” A seagull soared overhead, cackled then dove into the tumbling waters of the loch before heaving back up out of the white-capped surf with a fish flapping from its beak.