“Dunvegan lies directly ahead.” Alan eased onto the bench seat beside him. “I cannae believe we’ve no’ seen any sign of James during our journey. He sailed days ahead of us.”
“Aye, but with MacLeod turning up on our lands afore he could have arrived here, they may have passed each other at sea. We’ll find him.” He glared at his man. “I have no’ yet forgiven you.”
“I noticed.”
“Go sit with my mother and guard her with your life. Upon sighting us, who knows how MacLeod will react.”
“He’ll no’ expect us this soon, if at all.”
Ahead at the edge of the sea-gate, a warning shout hailed from one guardsman to another, echoed up the winding stairs to the warriors above. They must have seen their MacDonald flag flying.
“We have yet to get past their welcoming party.” He strode to the front of the birlinn and called out, “We’ve come at the Chief of MacLeod’s invitation. I’ve brought Mary MacDonald.”
Four of MacDonald’s men waded into the water and gripped the sides of their boat. The head man’s penetrating gaze drilled into him. “Ye’ll need to await confirmation from my chief before being permitted on our land.”
MacLeod stormed down the winding stairs. “Alex MacDonald,” he boomed, his eyes glinting in the moonlight. “I’ve seen enough MacDonalds lately to last me a lifetime.”
Alex grasped the edge of the birlinn and heaved himself into the water. Surging through it, he slogged toward MacLeod. “I handfasted with Anne as agreed and now our feud is done. I sent my brother, James, to inform you.”
“I’ve no’ seen your kin.” His gaze slid over the occupants in the birlinn. “I cannae believe you brought your mother.”
“After the way you stole my wife away, she wished to assure herself Anne was well. As do I.”
Fists clenched, MacLeod huffed. “Annie repudiated your handfast when she agreed to return with me.”
“She may have, but I still honor the vow I spoke.”
“The agreement no longer stands.”
He hadn’t expected MacLeod to relent, but then neither would he. “My mother is cold. She does no’ travel well, and this has been a difficult voyage. You did invite her.”
“I didnae think you’d allow such a trip.”
“She was insistent.” Surely MacLeod would grant them entry. Mother was the key.
“Damn it.” MacLeod stared him down. “Annie will wish to see her. If I allow it then it’s with the understanding your visit here will be short. You’ll no’ get Annie back.”
This was not the time to argue, and he had no intention of continuing their feud when he’d been set the task to end it. He was here. ’Twas the first step. “For my mother’s sake, I thank you for your hospitality, no matter how short it shall be.” Over his shoulder, he called to his men, “All ashore.”
MacLeod’s gaze narrowed, and then he bellowed instructions to his men to bring the birlinn in.
In short order they ascended the stairs and entered the keep. They were directed to the great hall, and his men offered pallets around the hearth.
MacLeod beckoned a maid forward. “Ensure Mistress MacDonald is given a comfortable chamber near Annie’s, along with a bath and a meal.”
“Thank you, my lord.” Mary dipped her head. “’Twas a long and weary journey. I shall enjoy the kindness you offer.” She followed the maid upstairs.
Highland hospitality was a sacred obligation. As MacLeod had not been able to turn them away, so must Alex respect what they’d been granted. He’d have to take great care. “I’ll sleep with my men.”
“Aye, as I expected. ’Tis late. We will speak in the morn, at which point you may hear from Annie her desire to remain. Following it, you will leave.” MacDonald stomped away.
A score of MacLeod’s warriors remained and settled in across from his men. He’d expected naught less and would have set the same precautions in place.
Near the stairwell his mother had ascended, he chose the closest pallet and stood next to it. Anne was close, asleep in one of the upper chambers. He’d come this far and now she lay just beyond his reach. Hell, he needed to see her, to ensure she was well.
“Alex.” Alan clasped his shoulder. “Bide your time. Get some sleep.”
He lay down in the darkened corner and pulled his plaid tight around him.
He was here. A good start.
Tossing from side to side, Anne couldn’t settle. She should be able to having ensured her parents’ letter was taken care of. Alex consumed her—
A hand clamped over her mouth and she bucked against the intruder’s tight hold.
She tried to kick the man who slid between the velvet curtains and rolled in beside her.
“Nay, Anne. Hold still.”
A flicker of firelight tracking through the gap highlighted Alex’s high cheekbones and strong jaw. She clasped his face.
“If I let go, you cannae make a sound.” His gaze roamed over her. “You look well, my sweet.”
She dragged him closer. Alex was here. He was real, and he’d come for her.