Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

“Margaret is furious you got caught, and Hector is determined to slay the king even though at seven, he cannae lift a sword.”


“My son is no different to me at this moment then. I too cannae lift a sword.” He rattled his chains. “Does Calum hold Duart Castle?”

“Aye, and he willnae allow it to fall.” He picked up a grimy pitcher from the floor and poured murky water into a chipped tankard and held it to Lachlan’s chapped lips.

After taking a hearty swallow, Lachlan mumbled, “Donald and Angus MacDonald are in the cells at the end of the corridor. You’ll have to keep your voice down so we’re no’ overheard.”

Nodding, he pulled the linen-wrapped meat he’d pilfered from the great hall out of his pocket. The thick slabs of beef, even though cold, still seasoned the stuffy air. Lachlan took a deep whiff and Colin tore a sliver and fed him. “Eat slowly.”

“Good man,” he mumbled as he ate. “You should visit more often.”

“I’d rather you no’ be here to visit.” At least his chief appeared undefeated.

“I wish that too.”

“How do the talks go between you and the king?”

“He’s being unreasonable, insisting the MacDonalds and I pay hefty fines, which he calls arrears in lieu of duties and crown rents. He also wishes to ascertain our future obedience with the enforcement of certain conditions. Apparently all of us must cease opposing the government and when summoned to Edinburgh, return within twenty days or he and the Privy Council will declare us outlaws and have our lands forfeited. Donald and Angus are furious. And so am I.” His gaze narrowed until the whites remained barely visible. “Now you’re here, ’tis time for me to leave. I will battle the king from my own land where I can stand strong.”

His chief’s request didn’t surprise him, and he’d come fully prepared.

“Arthur is here at the palace with me, while Ian and Murdock wait in the forest. I brought our best.”

“Good.” Lachlan ate another bite of meat and after chewing, continued, “You’ll need to keep an eye on the sentry. There are four of them guarding this tower and they change at midnight and midday. I’m afraid all are loyal to the king, so you’ll get no aid from that quarter, but I’ll be waiting, no matter the hour or day.”

“I’ll return the night of the masquerade, only a few days hence. The ball will offer the perfect diversion for your escape.”

The key clanked and he tucked the cloth that had held the meat back into his pocket. “It appears my time is up.” He grasped Lachlan’s arm. “Virtue mine honor.”

“Aye, Colin. By death or life, I will stand firm.”

The guardsman entered and motioned Colin forward. He left as mocking sniggers echoed from the MacDonalds down the corridor. They would pay for their part in this atrocity, and he’d make certain of it.

At the guards’ station, he collected his weapons then stepped outside into the fresh evening air. Time was running out. He had a chief to free, Annie to find a husband for, and two unidentified men to locate and apprehend. That last threat gnawed furiously inside him. He’d never allow anyone to hurt Annie. She was his to protect, his to care for, and always had been.

In the dark of the night, he jogged across the inner courtyard, eager to return to her even though the hour was late and she’d likely be abed. Outside her door, he stopped as Arthur slid out of the shadowed recess. “How is she?” he asked his man.

“There have been no disturbances, and she remains alone. I can stay for the night if you wish.”

“Nay. I’ll keep guard.”

“What of Lachlan?”

“His discussions with the king go nowhere and he awaits his rescue. Since I’m to meet Ian at The White Dover Inn in the morn, I’ll confirm with him the mission will take place at midnight on the night of the masquerade. I’ll need you to remain here watching over Annie while I ride into the city. She must be kept safe.”

“Aye, I willnae fail you.” Arthur clasped his shoulder. “I fear she’s considering a match with MacDonald. I offered for her.”

“You better damn well no’ have.”

“She thanked me and turned me down. Think on that. I’ll see you in the morn.” Arthur disappeared into the dark.

Arthur was too damn observant. Annie was all he’d thought about of late and his man knew it. Only he had no idea what to do about her. Without a snick of noise, he opened the solid paneled door, snuck inside and slid the bolt home.