Page 103 of Love Me Forever

“I left the day of his escape. Ian was leaving a day or so after me, but he comes with many, so his journey is slower.”

“Let us return to the safety of the keep. We can talk there.” Royce kept a firm arm around Brianna as they walked, and John remained close at her back. William walked in front of her. With the three men surrounding her, she was safe. Why, then, did she not feel safe?

Tongues began to wag as they walked through the village.

It was obvious that the three men protected her, which meant she needed protection. Several of Royce’s men took up their swords and followed the small group to the keep.

Brianna was shivering and sat down on the first bench upon entering the keep.

Brianna heard Delia give orders for a hot drink to be prepared and hurried to her side.

“Take her up to our bedchamber,” Royce instructed at Delia’s approach.

“Nay,” Brianna said with a firm shake of her head. “I will hear what William has to say.”

Royce did not force her to leave; she had every right to be present.

“How did he escape?” Royce asked, directing William to sit.

John was already pouring tankards of ale for the men, and a servant had placed a steaming cup of herbal brew in front of Brianna. She gratefully cupped her hands around it to still her shivers.

William took a hardy swallow before answering. “He had help.”

“Who? Who would help him?” Brianna asked, thinking it impossible that anyone would be loyal to Arran.

“Ian discovered that Arran paid two men to take up residence within the clan a month or more ago when he obviously made plans to return. He wanted them in place in case he needed assistance and more than likely promised them more money after they helped him secure his freedom.”

“Then there are three?” Royce questioned.

William swallowed another mouthful and his eyes widened when a large platter of food was set in front of him. “Ian does not believe the men he hired remained faithful. He recalls them being lazy and not willing to do their share. Their interest was filling their pockets with coins.”

“This man must seek shelter somewhere,” John said, refilling William’s tankard and his own.

Royce had yet to drink from his.

Brianna offered information that might prove helpful. “Arran’s family had land but lost it in a skirmish. He had spoken often of the keep and how it was left to ruin since the clan who now owned it did not wish to take up residence there.” She shook her head. “I do not know where it is, though he had mentioned it was north of Ian’s land.”

“Ian does not believe he is alone,” William said. “He thinks his men wait for him somewhere.”

Brianna was confused and could not understand why Arran returned. “Why would Arran take the chance and return when he knew he faced punishment?”

“Coins,” Royce said and then took a drink of ale.

Brianna remained confused. “How would he get coins and from whom?”

Royce offered an explanation. “Arran would return, plead his plight, and have the hired men free him, kidnap you, and demand ransom from your brother.”

“Why not have the two men abduct me?”

Royce hesitated and William and John remained silent.

It was obvious they knew the answer, and she did not, and it was obvious that Royce did not wish to tell her.

She waited, sipped her tea, and the realization came to her like a striking blow to the face. “Arran intended to kill me.

“He blames you,” Royce said, his hand going to rest over her trembling one. “In his deranged mind he believes that you thwarted his plans of ruling the clan. That you betrayed him when you befriended Moira, to him the enemy, so now you should suffer for your betrayal.”

“Ian requested that I remain here until his arrival,” William said and reached for a thick slice of brown bread.