A slow pounding throbbed in his head, and Aiden poured two goblets of wine. He handed one to his friend. “The English force is led by the Dukeof Northbyrn.”
The Templar muttered a curse. “I have heard of him. A nasty lot.”
“Brutal on the battlefield but a shrewd warrior, and a prudent choice to lead a force against the Bruce,” Aiden said. “Last spring he came close to routing King Robert west of here. Our sovereign willna be pleased to learn his nemesis has returned to Scottish soil, more so leading over five thousand well-armed men.”
Cailin’s fingers whitened on his goblet. “Over five thousand. God’s blade, the Brucewill be angry.”
“He will.” Aiden swirled the ruby liquid, took a sip. “Besides being armed with the finest weaponry, the duke bragged that they carry enough supplies to build several trebuchets.”
His friend’s face paled. “How did he respond to the supposed instructions from Comyn to remain at the castle until he arrives?”
“He was livid. But”—amusement lifted Aiden’s lips—“the plan we discussed earlier worked well. I was able to convince his grace that Lord Comyn must confirm the Bruce’s position, as well as investigate rumors of Welsh archers joining the king’s forces before he makes any plans to attack.”
“Superb.” Cailin paused. “What have you told Lady Gwendolyn concerning the English?”
“That once Comyn has completed his inquiry on the Bruce’s activities, he would travel here to meet with them.”
“Andher reaction?”
“Surprise, as you might expect, which shifted to concern when I explained that the Duke of Northbyrn and his nobles would be residing at Latharn Castle until Comyn’s arrival.”
Cailin lifted his goblet in a toast. “In the meantime, an attack will come, except ’twill be the Bruce storming this stronghold.” He lowered the cup. “What will happen to the lass?”
“Before the assault, I will ensure she and those loyal to her are hidden to keep them safe.”
Cailin grunted. “Is there such a place when a castle is under siege?”
A twisting wrenched Aiden’s gut. In the heat of battle, even the best laid plans could go awry. “With the size of this fortress, I am confident secret passageways exist for such situations.” He prayed he was right.
“How are you going to convince the lass to divulge such information?” Calin asked.
The slow pounding in Aiden’s head built. “A challenge, to be sure.” He downed the remainder of his wine, set the goblet on the table with an exasperated hiss. “Mayhap ’tis prudent to beseech the king to consider another tactic.”
Cailin frowned. “Such as?”
Aiden rubbed his thumb against his temple, irritated by his concern for her. Blast it, what happened to Gwendolyn was never supposed to matter. He stilled as an idea came to mind. “Our initial plan to collect information on the strongholdstill stands.”
His friend gave a slow nod.
“However, against the duke’s sizable force, instead of allowing the English to remain here, I will wait a sennight, then craft a supposed missive from Comyn, requesting their presence. ’Twill lure the men away and prevent the English from using the stronghold as a defense, and Latharn Castle, along with her people, will be spared.”
Calin nodded. “A logical solution.” He downed the remaining drink, set his empty goblet on the table. “I will pass your recommendations to King Robert. Once our sovereign has decided on a strategy, I will return with further direction.”
A heavy weight settled in Aiden’s chest as he glanced toward the window. He walked there, unhinged the panes, shoved. Sunlight illuminated the land, the shimmer of golden rays glistening upon the breakers as far as he could see.
On a sigh, he turned. “Leave now, my friend. You will need every hour of daylight.”
“Aye,”Cailin replied.
Aiden clasped his hand. “Godspeed.”
The Templar strode across the chamber, pausing at the door. “Take care of the lass. She is, after all, your wife.” With a chuckle, he slipped into the corridor.
Shouts and the clash of blades from arms practice echoed from the bailey.
Aiden glanced at the combatants. His plans to manipulate the duke and his men was critical to King Robert’s intention to unite Scotland. Nor did he take lightly that Gwendolyn was an unknowing pawn in this deadly game.
Hooves clattered from below.
