“They followed orders,” Hew said in their defense.
“Then it is you who deserves the punishment.”
Hew stood speechless for a moment and Rhys could see that he was weighing his options of which there were none. He had no choice but to submit to the Dragon, but Rhys had learned through the years that few men made wise choices.
“I will suffer no punishment for protecting my daughter, nor will my men for following orders.”
“You renege on our agreement?” Rhys snapped and did not give Hew a chance to respond. “Listen well, McDolan, you gave me your word and I will see that you keep it. When I summons you, you will not hesitate to come to me and do as I command.” He was quick to silence Hew when he went to speak, his strong voice resonating throughout the camp. “Not a word. I am not finished.”
Hew felt the fiery anger that spewed from the Dragon’s mouth and a tremble ran through him.
“You and your warriors will do as I order, Hew McDolan, or I will send my ghost warriors after you and only you. You will not see them coming, though you will feel the blade as one warrior slices your throat. Your clan will then be mine to rule.”
Hew had no choice but to say, “I gave my word, and I shall keep it.”
“Wise decision.”
“Will you see that my daughter is returned to me?”
“You struck a bargain and gave your word on it. Your daughter now belongs to me.”
“But you are already wed. What will you do with her?”
“Whatever I wish,” Rhys said and walked away from the man.
“But—”
“But what?” Rhys shouted as he swerved around to face Hew again. “Do you think me a fool?I return your daughter and you wed her to a powerful chieftain who could prove troublesome to me. I think not. She is mine now. You gave her to me. I will decide her fate. I would suggest you make a more permanent camp between here and Macinnes land, for once Greer McLaud finds out you had his brother killed...you will need protection.”
“How will he find out unless told?” Hew said with an accusing tone.
“The Highlands see and hear everything. Greer will eventually hear and seek his revenge.” Rhys shrugged. “If you prefer to face Greer with your warriors alone, so be it.”
“I will make camp where you say.” Hew nodded firmly, several of his warriors nodding along with him. “What of Rab?”
“You killed him; you bury him, for if Greer ever sees what you did to him, he will do far worse to you than you did to Rab. We are done here.” With those words, Rhys’ warriors disappeared, and he and Pitt went to their horses.
Hew called out to Rhys once he and Pitt had mounted their horses. “I will send word of where and when I settle camp.”
“It is not necessary. I will know your every move.” Rhys turned his horse and rode out of camp, Pitt riding alongside him.
* **
“Lass,”Henry called to Nessa as he stood. “You are right, Lady Heather needs to rest in her chambers. I am sure the Dragon would not object.”
“Finally, you have some sense,” Nessa said, hurrying over to the table.
Henry did not argue with the insolent lass, he was too concerned with Lady Heather. She had not budged since resting her head on her arms.
Nessa laid a gentle hand on Heather’s shoulder. “My lady, you will rest more comfortably in your bed.” Nessa grew upset when she got no response. She shook Heather’s shoulder gently. “My lady.”
Rhys entered the Great Hall just then and seeing the scene in front of him, shouted out, “Henry what goes on here?”
It was Nessa who answered. “I will tell you what goes on here, my lord. Lady Heather was tired and he,” —Nessa jabbed a finger in Henry’s direction— “would not let her go to her chamber to rest.”
“Henry was obeying my order,” Rhys snapped.
“We were about to get Lady Heather to her bedchambers, but she does not want to wake up,” Henry said.
