Page 42 of Fearless Heart
His comrades approached and stood next to him as James marched forward holding the lad by the scruff of his tunic. James flicked his wrist and tossed the youngster to the ground.
“Graeme, the lad tells me the lass we seek is at your lair. Is this true? Say it is not so.”
Heath threw a hand at the lad and helped him stand. “Go and join your brother. Make ready to leave.”
The lad scampered off obviously frightened by James’ conduct. Heath set his hands on his waist and scowled to let his comrade know of his affront. “What the hell, James. That’s no way to treat one so young. Keep your hands off them or else.”
James bellowed a laugh. “Or else what? Think ye I don’t ken what’s going on? You have their sister and I am displeased that you spoke falsely. I thought we were allies.”
Graeme gave him a dismayed glance before he answered James, “We are your ally, James. We didn’t speak an untruth. There is a lass with us, but she’s not the lass you seek. She’s Heath’s betrothed. The lads like to jest. They’re quite troublesome. He probably told ye what you wanted to hear because you terrified the mite.”
James scoffed. “So says you, but the lad said—”
Graeme raised his voice, “I care not what he told you. He’s young and he’s playing a game, one that is verily tiresome.”
James bellowed, his voice echoing in the clearing. “Think you he doesn’t ken his own sister? If you have the lass, you should tell me for I have no time to waste.”
“We have no time to discuss this. The lads await and we must get them home. My … betrothed is not their sister. Come if you wish, James, but we are leaving now.” Heath turned and left the men standing with astound. He walked to his horse with deliberate paced steps to show he wasn’t affected by James’ summation. Heath realized he’d have to convince James that the lad lied. It was the only thing he could to rectify the situation.
Back on the trail to Fraser land, Heath kept watch on Brodin who held Macon on his horse. Miles rode with him, and he wanted to find out exactly what he’d told James. But their surly comrade rode too close and seemed to watch and listen intently to every word they said. On the approach to Fraser land, Heath motioned for them to be watchful, and he slowed his horse to a trot. If the Comyns suspected the Fraser’s involvement in the recovery of the brothers, they’d be waiting to ambush them before they reached the keep. Nothing untoward happened in the short trek to the fortification, which greatly relieved Heath.
The gate was closed when he reached his home. A sentry appeared along the lane, their arms at the ready. His father wasn’t taking any chances with the safety of their clan. Heath wondered if the additional security had to with the Hunter’s situation or if the MacKintoshs raided their lands again.
Once the gate rose, he rode straight for the keep. All entered and he found his father meeting Laird Hunter. Both men rose when they marched into the great hall.
“My lads!” Aylmer drew his sons close. “You’re unharmed. Thank the God above.” He glanced at Heath, his eyes shone with his gratitude.
Heath pulled his father aside. He spoke low, “Have Laird Hunter take the lads home at the soonest. Suggest that James travel with him for their protection.” He quickly told his father about James’ suspicions and his father nodded. It was risky sending James with the Hunters, but he needed to get a head start and reach Lillia before James did. His comrade’s suspicions wouldn’t be squelched easily.
They stood by the hearth, and the lads coddled by his mother. She gave them sweetcakes and kept them busy. But Heath needed her to distract James, and he signaled to her. His mother raised a brow, but a full smile came upon her face.
“Sir Douglas, I am humbled to have you in my home. I’ve heard the most … intriguing tales of your gallantry. Come, walk with me about the hall and tell me of your relations to King Robert. Is he as handsome as they say? As fetching as you?”
The look on James’ face was priceless as his mother gave him no choice but to escort her about the hall. His voice lowered, and he answered his mother’s questions. It was the opportune time to put his plan into action, and hopefully James wasn’t too inattentive to his mother.
Heath called Laird Hunter’s attention. “There’s no word of Lillia? My da said she went missing. If you wish, the king’s guard will search for her.” The guilt of his fabrication and lies so easily spoken from his tongue would plague him, but he had to do what was necessary to keep Lillia safe.
Aylmer’s chin dipped. “I fear the lass is hiding. Och she must ken about … the Comyn’s threat by now. Either that or she truly detests the groom I chose for her. As soon as she returns, she will wed her betrothed regardless of her wonts. It is the only way I can keep her safe.”
Heath’s father took pity on the man. “Worry not, my friend. She’s of sound mind and fares well. You should get your sons home where you can protect them. The king’s guard will search for Lillia. James, will ye escort the Hunters and make certain they reach their land safely? They could do with the added protection what with the Comyn’s threat.”
James scoffed, but he nodded. He had to agree, being put on the mark so to speak, and he wasn’t one to refuse any service. James Douglas followed the Hunters from the keep and as soon as they’d gone, Heath breathed a sigh of relief.
“We should hasten back to the caves,” Liam said.
“Aye, and hide Lillia for James is relentless in his quest to take her to Robert,” Brodin said.
“Heath, have you given thought to our discussion? She needs ye to wed her,” Graeme said.
His father stood grinning at their conversation. “Aye, son, it’ll solve one of the lass’ problems. She cannot wed the man her father chose if she’s married to you. Even if he is my good comrade, I disagree with the man he selected and so does she.”
“You know who he is?” If only the man wasn’t so deplorable. Heath hoped she’d reconsider and marry her betrothed. Then he might put behind him the troubles of late and continue on with his plan to serve God and the order.
“I do ken, but if ye had any heart at all, son, you won’t let her wed him. She’d be in as much peril being forsaken in the northern lands. You might as well give her to the king shackled. Either way, she’ll be spirited away, never to be seen again.” His father’s face turned grim. “She doesn’t deserve that.”
Heath’s chest constricted at his father’s words. He was right. Lillia didn’t deserve to be wedded to a man so far from her family. Nor did she deserve to be spirited away by Robert and held as prisoner. “Da, we must go if we’re to reach the caves before James.”
Graeme stopped at the exit on the way out of the keep, “Make sure Hunter locks down his keep and lands. This is not over. The Comyns and Robert won’t cease their plans because we thwarted them. They will both continue their search of Lillia.”