Page 71 of Taken By the Vicious Highlander

Damon studied him for a moment before nodding. “Good. And the men? They stayin’ sharp?”

Hamish hesitated for only a breath. “Aye, though some are restless. They hear whispers, rumors that the merchants are stirrin’ against ye.”

Stirrin’ against me? I didnae hear that…

Damon’s jaw tightened. “Let them whisper. We’ll be ready if they do more than that.”

Hamish nodded, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword. “Aye, Me Laird. We’ll be ready.”

Satisfied, Damon urged his horse forward, continuing their route along the border.

“Ye said ye grew up here, Ryder?”

“Aye, since I was a young lad.”

“Ye ken these lands well?”

“I do. I pride meself on it, actually. Taught most of these men all they ken about it.”

“Good man. I can see the way the men respect ye. Ye have done quite well in such a short time. How’s Finley been?”

“He kept a close eye on Lilith and Willow, as he always has, but he kens his place. Volunteers to ride out to these posts often. I rely on the man meself. He taught me everything I ken, ye see?”

“Good man,” Damon repeated, this time meant for Finley.

The breeze caressed his face, and he was instantly reminded of running in Brahanne lands with his brother and parents. How carefree his childhood was. He envied the lad he once was.

“Did ye ever come out here with Willow and Lilith? Was Magnus ever around to explore? Was there any fun?”

“There was rarely any fun. The twins got in trouble with Magnus when they laughed too loudly or left their dolls lyin’ around, or if they spilled anything.”

“Ye cannae be serious.”

“He was eight years older and already hated them. He gave nay grace where young children need it. The girls were forced to grow up too fast.”

“So, nay fun at all?”

“Somefun, where they could have it. They would venture into Branloch often. I said that before. But never anywhere where Magnus might pull out a scope and see them. Never in these parts. Always hidden, as if they dinnae exist.”

Damon tightened his grip on his horse’s reins. “What a tragedy.”

“Aye, Me Laird.”

“For ye as well, lad. Ye were a child back then.”

“Sure, I was, but I didnae kill their maither, nor was I any threat, as I was… Anyway…”

“Aye, I ken. Ye still grew up here—a boy around Magnus’s age.”

“Older, actually.”

“Nay—really?”

“I was six years his senior, but he was the heir, so that gave him at least… oh, eight years on me as well,” Ryder joked.

The two men chuckled.

“Ye are a good man, Ryder. I dinnae ken if I’ve said this yet, and if I have, it hasnae been enough, but thank ye. For lookin’ out for Lilith.”