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B rian was surprised to see them as they approached.

Jamie, Rory, Shaw, and Brendan went toward the door and didn't wait to be welcomed inside.

Instead they entered and looked around. Brian followed them inside, but Crystal, Elena and Melanie stayed in the doorway.

Courteney gave her a confused look and Crystal wanted to comfort her but knew that she couldn't say anything yet.

"What is going on here?" Courteney asked as she joined them.

Crystal shook her head and gave her a sad smile.

A moment later, Brian strode out of the cottage, heading toward the stables. Rory and Shaw followed him and detained him. "I think it best if you just wait right here," Rory said, holding Brian's arm.

Brian hung his head low. It seemed to Crystal as though he knew he'd been caught.

"You might as well tell us where it is," Shaw said.

Brian said nothing, but his gaze went to the stables.

"Over here, Jamie," Brendan said as he entered the stables. A moment later, he came out with a blade that was long, thin, and pointed at the tip. He handed the blade to Jamie.

"There's traces of blood, and some dark hair around the base, almost the same that would match Billy's," Jamie said.

"What? know that cannot be," Courteney gasped, tears forming in her eyes.

"Aye, lass, I am afraid tis true," Jamie said.

Brian dropped to the ground, put his head in his hands, and started to sob. Crystal was shocked that he'd broken down but then he had always been on the verge of a breaking point it seemed.

"T'was a terrible mistake. I thought it t'was Cameron.

I knew it had to be he that came after my wife.

He was always after her. I would sometimes find him on the road to our home when I would come home early from work.

She had often complained that he followed her about the village and on some occasions had followed her home from the market.

I had planned to move my workshop from the Blacksmith's to here so that I could look after her.

I should have done it sooner. I waited too long and now she's gone.

I wanted him to pay for it. I did not mean to kill Billy. I thought he was Cameron."

"No it cannot be true. You did not do it," Courteney pleaded with him to take it back.

"Aye, tis true, lass," Brian said, his tearful gaze directed at Courteney.

Jamie put his hand on Brian's shoulder to comfort him. "I understand wanting vengeance, Brian. However, tis not for us to decide what is to be done with you. We will have to take you in so that you may stand before the Laird."

"No, please do not arrest him. He is the last family I have. He has been through hell already." Courteney was growing hysterical as she sobbed.

"They are right, Courteney. I agree to face judgment. I will go quietly," Brian said standing up.

"This cannot be happening. what will I do now?" Courteney said.

"Don't worry yourself sick, Courteney. You have been through so much already.

Maybe the Laird will have mercy on Brian," Crystal said.

"Gather your things. We'll take you back to the village.

I appreciate you lending me your cottage, but it is time for you to move back home.

I will either stay at the inn, or finally make my way to the castle. "

"Aye, I suppose you are right. I do not want to stay here alone. I hate being here anyway after what happened to Maeve," Courteney whispered. She went inside and began to tie a bundle together of her things and put on her cloak.

By that time Jamie had arrived at the front of the cottage with the wagon they would use to take Brian to the castle, along with his horse. "Do you think you can ride my horse alone?" he asked, looking at Crystal.

"Yes, as long as it follows Brendan's, and I don't have to worry about it taking off with me."

"You'll do fine, lass." Jamie winked.

Once she was mounted on the horse, she hesitantly held the reins and used her heels to set the horse in motion following the wagon. She rode next to the other ladies, all the way back to the village.