An anchor splashed into the depths from the nearest cog. A short distance away, crewmen hurled their anchor over the side, and another shot of water erupted from the sea.
Alarm screamed in his gut as the obvious cause for their arrival blared in his mind. With the Bruce sweeping across the Highlands with devastating ferocity, in his desperation, Comyn must have requested aid from the English king.
Mayhap he was wrong, but a sinking feeling in his gut assured him ’twas the only reason that made sense. Aiden grimaced. “I must meet the captain.” Let the lass deduce his answer however she wished. He strode to the door. He must inform Cailin and Rónán. King Robertmust be warned!
Chapter 6
Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting shades of blues, reds, and purple within the solar as Aiden hid a dirk beneath his garb. He nodded to Rónán and Cailin standing opposite him. “As lord of the castle, I will take Sir Pieres and several men with me to meet whoever leads the English force.” He secured another dagger into the side of his boot. “Once I depart, you both will leave. Rónán, once out of sight of the castle, head to the Bruce’s encampment and inform him ofthe situation.”
Rónán nodded.
“Cailin,” Aiden continued, “round back and find cover where you can keep watch over the stronghold. When you see that I have safely arrived at the keep, return, and I will share what I have learned. After, you will ride to King Robertwith a report.”
Rónán slid his thumb across the hilt of his sword. “And if anyone asks wherewe are going?”
Aiden slipped a third dagger onto his belt. “Say you are off to hunt.”
“A sound reason,” Cailin said, leaning his shoulder against the wall. “If the English are staying for any length of time, more food will be needed.”
With a nod, Aiden tugged on his cloak. “Let us hope they willna remain. I despise the thought of being trapped inside this bloody castle playing Lord Balfour to the Sassenach.” He glanced toward Cailin. “If anything goes awry and I am taken prisoner, inform the Bruce.”
The Templar straightened and nodded. “I prayall goes well.”
“I assure you, I await the day we are leagues from here. A life shackled to a lass, however false, is not a part I wish to continue playing.”
“Mayhap,” Rónán conceded, “but if you are to be constrained in marriage, ’tis fortuitous to be bound tosuch a beauty.”
“Beautiful and guiltless. She didna ask to be wed, but was cast into this position, one she accepted with dignity and grace. And,” Aiden added with disgust, “Lord Comyn is a fool to exploit an intelligent and astute woman with such disregard. Obviously, he hasna met Gwendolyn; if he had…” At the surprise flickering in his men’s eyes, he paused.
A smile brushed Cailin’s mouth. “If Lord Comyn had met Lady Gwendolyn, he would have what?”
“At a loss for words, Aiden? Hers is a fate that, upon our arrival, seemed of little concern to you. Yet now, ’tis important?” Mirth flickered in Rónán’s eyes. “I find myself curious to learn the reason.”
His friends broke into laughter, and Aiden shot them both a fierce glare. “Given the severity of the situation, our thoughts should be on the unexpected arrival of the English force, nottawdry banter!”
Theirlaughter faded.
Embarrassment seared his gut. He rubbed the back of his neck, shot his men a wry smile. “We are all tired and the stakes are high.”
Rónán’s shrewd gaze held his. “Lady Gwendolyn is a lass to admire.”
“Aye,”Cailin agreed.
Soft voices sounded from beyond the chamber.
Rónán placed his finger to his lips, crept over, cracked open the door. With a quiet push, he shut the entry, returned. “’Twas naught but knightswalking past.”
“Were you able to see how many ships are in the fleet?” Cailin asked.
“Nay,” Aiden replied, thankful his men hadn’t pressed about his feelings toward Gwendolyn. “By the number of masts I discerned through the fog, ’tis a sizable force. If the ships are filled with soldiers, which I suspect as I saw warriors in the galleys closest to shore, there could be several thousand troops.”
“God’s blade!” Cailin hissed. “A contingent of such enormity marching east would not only divide King Robert’s men but leave his forces without access to reinforcements.”
Aiden grimaced. “Aye. Another reason ’tis imperative to discover the Englishmen’s intent.”
“What will you tell the lass?” Rónán asked.
The intensity, sincerity, and passion that had simmered within her pewter-gray eyes as they’d spoken throughout the night flickered in his mind. However unwanted, they’d forged a fragile bond. Nor could he forget how once the revelers outside her chamber had dispersed, she’d procured fresh sheets while he’d destroyed the bloodstained ones.
