Page 28 of The Forest Bride

“I brought them aboard. But you will have no chance to use them. You might decide to shoot that justiciar over there.”

She scowled. “I just want my things.”

“They are safe.”

“Thank you,” she said grudgingly. She had no quarrel with Malcolm Lennox, who had been helpful. A brawny man withglossy black hair, a big, easy smile, and dark eyes that seemed to see through her, he gave her a bemused tilt of his head now.

“Aye then. Watch that sheep,” he said, as one walked past bleating. Margaret leaned away. Lennox went back to stand with Campbell.

Now and then Duncan Campbell glanced her way as he talked with Lennox. She lifted her chin and looked away.

Leaning her head against the nearest barrel, she closed her eyes and sought rest while the boat moved over the loch. The rocking motion made her slightly queasy at first, then eased her into sleep.

*

“That lad,” Malcolmsaid, “is a lass. Did you know?”

“Aye.” Duncan was not surprised that Malcolm, a clever sort, saw it too.

“A puzzle, hey.” Lennox gave him a careful glance. “Would you lock up a lass at Brechlinn?”

“Best she be there for now. There is a woman nearby who sometimes comes to help. Perhaps she can stay for a bit.”

“What does that wee bit lass have against Menteith to shoot him?”

“I mean to find out. She says she did not do it deliberately. The arrow was off, she claims.”

“That lass is no poor shot.” Malcolm sat back. “Though if I could stick an arrow in Sir John, I might do it. He has been disruptive to the valiant efforts of good Scotsmen. Some want him out of the way. But she is not that sort, is my guess.”

“Aye,” Duncan said. “I meant to ask earlier—have you any news of, er, misbehaving clergy?”

Malcolm gave him a wicked grin. “The false preachers employed by Bruce, as the English claim? The holy men charged with advocating war, that lot?”

“And said to be behaving worse than ever,” he agreed with a half laugh.

“The English are in fits over these poorly behaved priests. Did you sentence some of them?”

“Aymer de Valence, Edward’s loyal lieutenant, sent them to one of my courts. I released three on bail. They later went through Brechlinn and out to the Isles.”

“Ah. So long as De Valence does not know.”

“I am not inclined to report it. I gave my vow to comply with certain measures of justice, but I will not volunteer what they do not need to know.”

“If we had more naughty priests in need of better justice than Edward would dispense, what would you say?” Malcolm cast him a side glance.

“I can help them.”

“Bruce thought so. You can expect another soon. It is a help, but also dangerous.”

“Brechlinn’s location is an advantage. No one will look there. A small ramshackle castle held by a justiciar who is no trouble at all. Use that as you see fit.”

“A good place to hide a lass who is not a lad, as well.”

“For now, until I understand the circumstances. Malcolm, you came north to look for a girl and her escort. Tell me more.”

Lennox blew out a breath. “Bruce would want you to know. She is his bastard daughter. He has a few by-blow children, and to his credit, cares about each one and protects them well.”

“So I have heard. How old is this lass?”