Chapter 14
Darack frowned. Why on earth would Alec want to talk to him?
"Ewan says there is no need for you to grant his wish," his cousin said.
"I'm interested in seeing what he has to say. If 'tis more threats…" Darack shook his head.
"I'm going with you," Mairiana said.
"Nay." Darack kissed the back of her hand. "The dungeon is no place for a lady."
"I have been into the dungeon at Rornoch."
"No doubt he wants to spout off more threats, lies and vulgar name calling. I don't want you near him."
"Mayhap he wants to apologize," she suggested.
"Come now, Mairiana," Darack said doubtfully. "He is not the sort. I'll tell you everything he says. And I'll only stay down there for a few minutes."
"I fear he will try to hurt you again," Mairiana said, grasping his hand tightly. Her worried eyes pleaded with him.
"He's locked up behind bars."
"I will wait for you just outside. Promise you will hurry."
"Very well. I'll ask a guard to stand with you."
Once Darack was certain one of his trusted cousins guarded Mairiana at the dungeon's entrance, he descended the stone steps with three of the Grant guards, two of them carrying torches to light the dismal space. All of the Lindsays where imprisoned here in three cells, with the exception of the chief. Ewan had assigned two guards to Chief Lindsay lest he try to break the others out.
Darack stopped before the cell which Alec occupied with four of his men. "What is it you want?" Darack asked.
Alec wrapped his dirty fingers around the iron bars and peered out at him. "I ken why you did this. You want my bride for yourself, you bastard," he growled.
Just as he'd suspected. "I didn't come down here to argue or exchange insults. I thought you might want to apologize."
"Apologize?" Alec demanded. "Ha! You are the one who owes me an apology for stealing my bride."
"We've already discussed this. You're wasting my time." Darack turned to go back up the steps when a loud clang sounded. He turned back to see that Alec had shoved the cell door open and leapt out. His four cellmates followed, attacked the guards and grabbed for their weapons. One torch went flying to the stone floor, while the other torch lit one of the Lindsays on fire. He screamed and rolled upon the floor.
Darack drew his dirk and focused on Alec, stalking toward him. Thank the saints he had not allowed Mairiana down here. How the devil had the cell door gotten unlocked?
Though Darack's former strength might not have yet returned, he'd be damned if he let Alec best him.
In Alec's hand, a dagger blade flashed, headed toward Darack's chest. Where had he gotten a weapon?
Lashing out with his dirk, Darack knocked it aside.
Alec howled and jumped back. Though it was too dim to see much, Darack must have cut his hand. Still, no blade dropped. The blackguard was still armed.
"If Mairiana won't have me, she won't have you either!" Alec sprang toward him again.
Darack kicked him in the stomach, knocking him to the floor.
"What's going on down there?" a man called from above.
"Send more men!" one of the guards yelled while fighting.
"Darack!" Mairiana shouted down the steps. "Are you all right?"
