Page 46 of Bride Takes a Charmer
“Is this true, Idris?” Shaw stood rigidly and folded his arms over his chest.
His brother-in-law took his time answering and eventually shook his head. “Nay, I know not what this man thought he heard, but I did not speak ill of ye. Why would I, when ye have been gracious enough to welcome me here?”
Shaw motioned the man away. “Go on and return to the keep.” He waited for Idris to walk away and then stared hard at his soldiers who got his silent message and returned to the training field. “Trey, halt. I wouldst speak with ye a moment.”
Trey turned back and glared. “He speaks falsely, Laird. I heard the man and ye know my hearing is sound.”
“Did anyone else hear him speak ill of me?”
Trey shook his head. “Nay, none were close enough. Idris spoke to one of his followers.”
“He brought followers?” Shaw was unaware that Idris and Corliss had brought men-at-arms with them. He’d have to ask his sister about it.
“I vow, Laird, that I do not accuse him falsely. Idris said that ye were weak and that our clan could easily be defeated and overtaken. That he would see to it that the breaches were remedied. I do not know what he meant by that but I suppose he thinks to insert himself in helping to guard us. He also said that milady is simple-minded and of no value to ye.”
Shaw sighed at his commander’s accusation. He wasn’t overly fond of Idris but the man was married to his sister. He was family, even if indirectly, and deserved some respect. “Maybe he is right. Maybe I am weak and perhaps our clan could be made stronger.”
His soldier scowled with an offended gaze. “Nay, Laird, he is wrong. Ye are not weak and nor is our clan. I asked Idris why he would say such a thing and he offered no excuse. To insult us by saying we can be defeated irked me. He affronted both ye and milady. ’Tis the truth, I wanted to end him.”
“Then go on to the field, Trey, and ensure our men are trained properly and are strong enough to defend us. Make them ready for war and leave Idris be. He is my brother-in-law and I cannot have my soldiers threatening him.” Shaw normally wouldn’t allow such disrespect but he had to be patient with his sister’s husband. In time, Idris would understand the Mackintosh men better. At least, that was his hope.
“I would watch your back, Laird, because I trust him not.”
“Worry not for me. I do not need to watch my back when I’m on my land. There are nearly one hundred soldiers who see to my protection. Go on, get back to training, Trey.”
Trey lowered his head and trudged off toward the field. On his way, he stopped and spoke to Henny, who nodded. Shaw couldn’t hear their discussion but from what he could tell, both men adamantly agreed.
At least Henny and Trey were no longer at odds with each other. At one time and for quite a while, Trey had been upset that Henny chose to attack him and the other soldiers. Now, if anything, his commander’s dislike for his brother-in-law brought forth a truce betwixt him and Henny.
Shaw had lost track of time and hurried back to the keep. As he traipsed along the hallway to the great hall, he heard Luthor teasing Gillian.
“Ye cannot jump as high as I can. Aye, ye be a wee lass.”
His eyes met Sorsha’s when he got to the table. She set aside something she was sewing and rose. “I’m gladdened you are finally here. I was about to send someone to find you. Are you ready for our discussion?”
He nodded but didn’t say anything. Gillian sat near the hearth on the floor and Luthor skipped around the trestle table. He stuck his tongue out and teased Gillian as he passed by.
“Oh, here is Enid now.” Sorsha rounded the table and met the maid halfway. She spoke low and Enid called to Gillian. Then Sorsha moved to stand with Shaw and she grabbed Luthor’s hand as he passed. “Lad, we need to speak with you. Go and sit by the hearth.” He skipped away and sat on the raised stone that butted the width of the hearth. He peered at them questioningly.
She leaned close to Shaw. “Enid will watch Gillian whilst we have our discussion with Luthor. I shall tell her later what has been decided. And, Shaw, do not push him to accept us. We mustn’t cajole him but allow him to consider it. The news will be troubling enough.”
“Aye, it will. Och, the lad might be pleased by our offer.” He approached the hearth and sat in a vacant chair.
Sorsha moved with him but she took Luthor’s hand again and raised him from his spot on the hearthstone. She then sat and settled Luthor on her lap. “Luthor, do you remember that I promised to write to the king’s chamberlain to find out what happened to your parents?”
He nodded. “Aye, Milady.”
“We heard back from him and I am terribly sorry to tell you that your parents were sickened whilst being imprisoned and they perished.” Sorsha set her arm around the lad’s back and rubbed him, offering comfort.
Shaw waited for his reaction but the lad scowled and said nothing. “Do ye know what ‘perished’ means?”
Luthor shook his head but remained silent.
“It means that they died. We are sorry, lad, for your loss.” Shaw leaned forward and waited for the lad’s reaction.
His wee voice was filled with sadness, “Do ye mean they are in heaven now?”
Sorsha leaned her head against Luthor’s. “It does. But they are watching over you from there and I am sure they are happy to see that you are here with us, looking after you. You do like living here, don’t you?”