The grooms looked up and grinned as they led the ponies back to the stable.
Edmund turned to Annora who was looking askance at him.
“How can ye be so calm as tae think of extra oats fer the ponies, when ye’ve only moments ago been in pursuit of a blackguard who could have murdered us on the road.” Her hands were shaking.
He put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Ne’er fear, wee lass. Ye forget I’ve served me time on the battlefield. I’ve nay fear of confronting a thief or a bandit. Me concern was fer the two of ye.”
As they walked across the courtyard to the keep, Annora glanced over her shoulder once or twice, her face shuttered and fearful.
Edmund tightened his arm on her shoulder and pulled her close.
“Dinnae fear, lass, whatever I may have seen out there in the woods, it will nae bother ye. We are safe within the castle walls. Dinnae fash, there is naught that can harm ye here.”
Despite his comforting words, Annora shivered. “I cannae help but be afeared, after what has befallen me since I left me home. I still have dreams that wake me in the dead of night where I feel the pull of cruel arms taking me down into the depths of the sea.”
This was news to Edmund. “I didnae ken this was so, Annora.” He gave a sharp laugh. “I’m good at sleeping the sleep of the dead once me eyes are closed and I’ve nae wakened tae yer distress. It comes from me life as a warrior and needing tae fall asleep anywhere – whether that be atop rocky terrain or among ice and snow. “
She glanced up at him and shook her head. “I didnae expect ye tae waken and soothe me. I’m nae a wean who needs their nursemaid tae see them through night terrors.”
“Aye, that is so, lass. Yet if ye share me bed I wish tae offer ye comfort when the night is filled wi’ fears.”
Now, however, the most pressing question was the identity of the stranger he’d pursued. The man had escaped, yet Edmund held on to the certainty that, whoever had lurked there, was still not far from the castle. Or, at worst, was someone from within these castle walls.
After supper he would seek out Tormod and talk with him.
Once he’d washed and changed from his riding britches into his kilt, Edmund left Annora in their shared bedchamber to wash and change her clothes for supper and went in search of Lionel. He had much he wished to discuss.
He found him once again in the armory arranging with the weapons master for the sharpening of one of his broadswords and one of Edmund’s, as well as a collection of dirks belonging to them both. He was also purchasing a quantity of new arrows from the fletcher.
His friend looked up with a grin when Edmund strode into the room.
“Good lad, I am pleased tae see ye’re taking action tae ensure we’re properly equipped during our stay at Scorrybreac.”
“Aye. Nay matter how friendly the company, it is wise tae keep our weapons and our wits sharp.”
After a further short consultation with the weapons master and the fletcher, the two men left the armory and mounted the stairs leading to the battlements.
Once they were out of earshot of the two guards stationed there, Edmund related the details of the incident that had occurred outside the castle walls.
“D’ye have any idea of who the stranger might have been? From what ye’re saying he didnae mean well or he’d nae have fled when ye discovered him.”
“Those are me precise thoughts. It occurs tae me there may be some who dinnae wish me tae take on the lairdship and might be tempted tae take steps tae remove me.”
“That is, indeed, a fierce proposition.” Lionel nodded thoughtfully, lending Edmund a knowing look. “On the other hand, ‘tis nae ye who might be needing tae watch their back, but the Lady Annora.”
“How so?”
“Dinnae forget her father is the laird of the Munros. He carries a reputation as a man who bears grudges and lets naebody who goes against him remain unpunished.”
Edmund combed his fingers through his hair. “I’d nae given thought tae the possibility that it was Annora who could be in danger.”
Lionel shook his head. “What if her faither is seeking her with the intention of punishing her fer her transgression. I daresay her flight has cost him dear. Her behavior would have lost him an alliance with a powerful Englishman.”
“Och. Indeed. I had pushed those thoughts out of me head. So busy was I wi’ thoughts of the lairdship and discovering me heritage in this place that I’d nae paid enough attention tae other possibilities.”
They looked out from the battlement into the dark velvet of the night, a misty moon shining over the sea below. Gathering clouds mean that few stars twinkled in the heavens. Something Edmund considered an omen. Gathering clouds extinguishing the brightness of stars was not a good sign.
“I shall have tae be more mindful of Annora’s plight. Ye’re quite correct, of course. Her faither is a traitor tae our king and is kent as a man who would sell his soul tae gain more power and influence from the English. He will be sorely tried by his wayward daughter’s betrayal and will mayhap seek revenge.”
