Page 67 of Fearless Heart

Aylmer threw up his hands. “Christ Almighty Above, this is nonsense. Where is your da? I will speak with him. You are not laird and have no right to make decisions that have nothing to do with you. We shall fix this. Aye, the remedy is easy enough. I could kill you.”

“Laird Hunter, it is because of your friendship with my da that I allowed you entry beyond our gate. Do not test my patience or threaten me. You will settle this matter with me for it has everything to do with Lillia and me. My da is confined to his bedchamber.”

“What’s wrong with him?” He sounded concerned.

“My da’s eyesight is poor. He can barely see now, and he doesn’t want to be a burden to anyone and stays within his chamber. I am tending to his laird duties whilst he rests and my brother recuperates.”

Aylmer’s brows rose. “Roderick returned?”

“He has, but he was injured in mind and body. He’ll need time to mend.”

“I will see your father. We will speak of this matter in private and consider the ramifications. Were you not supposed to join the clergy? Oh, Lord, ye be unfaithful to God.”

Heath would’ve laughed at such a remark, but now was not the time to find his words amusing. He decided his father might prove an ally in the matter of his marriage for he’d praised him for marrying Lillia, and all but celebrated their union. “Very well, I will grant you permission to visit my da, but Lagan will accompany you. You’re not to upset him.”

“He’s my good comrade. Of course I won’t upset him. I only want to ensure myself that he fares well.” Aylmer walked to the steps, but turned. “You wed my lass and undermined her betrothed. I leave it to you to explain that to Angus Sinclair.”

Heath didn’t move until Aylmer disappeared beyond the stairs.Angus Sinclair.Where had he heard that name before? He couldn’t recall, but the name was familiar.

Outside a ruckus ensued and men’s voices rose. Heath needed to settle the matter of Sinclair’s claim of Lillia at the soonest. He stepped out of the keep and found a good many men standing about.

“Is the Sinclair laird here?”

All ceased talking and yelling at his question. A man moved forward.

“Aye, I’m Henry Sinclair, Laird of the Sinclair Clan.”

Heath approached. “I bid you and your clan welcome. I’m Heath Fraser, Laird.” Saying such put a sour taste in his mouth, but given the disposition of his father and brother, he had to step in and fill the role.

“Hunter says the Sinclair’s bride resides here. We’ve come to retrieve her.”

“Aye, she’s here, but she’s no longer the Sinclair bride.”

Henry tilted his head in confusion. “What say ye? Are you going to war with us over a measly woman?”

Heath scowled fiercely to show his affront. “Aye, I will go to war over a measly woman, a lady who is now my own wife. Dare you insult her?”

Mutters and gasps rose and reverberated through the crowd.

Sinclair stepped forward, asserting his affront. “We were promised the Hunter lass.”

“She never agreed to marry your man and to protect her from the king’s enemies and others,” he said, sending a harsh glare to those watching him with bewildered frowns, “I have kept her safe.”

“Where is Aylmer Hunter? I will speak with him.”

“He is unable to join us. Where is the man she was to wed?” Heath thought perhaps he could compensate the man for his inconvenience. The crowd parted and a large burly man marched forward.

Heath’s eyes widened as he viewed the man. He wanted to laugh, not at the man or because he found the man lacking, which he was, but the entire situation turned comical.

“Angus Sinclair.”

“Och, ‘tis you.”

“Aye.” Heath grinned, but hoped he could withstand being close the man for as long as the conversation warranted.

“You’re the man who saved me from the boar. I never forget a face, and I was grateful for your aid that day.”

“Aye.” Heath pulled him aside, even though he was wont to stand a great length from the stench of the man’s odor. The dampness of the snow falling earnestly now and covering the man’s garments only made it worse. It took a bit of will not to gag. Someone really needs to suggest the man bathe, and mayhap burn his garments and get him a fresh tunic. But hell, he wasn’t going to be the one to advise it.