Cyrus entered, a scowl of dark fury on his face.
She ran a quick glance over him and, thankfully, didn't see any blood. "Are you hurt?"
"Nay." He paused beside her. "Dalacroy's men were hiding in the bushes. Lying in wait to ambush anyone they caught outside the walls."
Fear twisting inside her, she shook her head. "Saints. Was anyone else hurt?"
"Nay. We dispatched two of them, but one fled back to the blackguard."
"Do you think he will retaliate?"
"Likely. We have to be ready."
"I've sent for Mistress Almsly. She'll take the arrow out of James's leg."
"She's a skilled healer."
Elspeth glanced around, looking for Fraser. "Where is your brother? And your other two guards?"
Cyrus shook his head, his dark eyes filled with angst. "No one's seen them. Apparently they didn't make it back to Rebbinglen. We know not if they're dead or captured."
Her stomach knotted with worry for them. "I pray that has not happened."
Cyrus nodded. "James and Sean only brought two additional guards with them because they didn't know about the trouble we've had."
"I feel terrible that all this has happened because of me."
"'Tis not your fault a madman is on the loose. People like him have to be stopped. He's using his power and influence to take advantage of anyone he can." Cyrus glanced toward the stairs. "There's the healer. I'll go check on James." He strode across the hall.
"M'lady?" a female voice called out behind her.
Elspeth turned to find her lady's maid trudging toward her.
"Bernice!" Elspeth met her in the middle of the hall." How are you? Were you injured in that ambush?"
"Nay. Naught but a bruised knee." Her eyes still wide and her face pale, Bernice attempted a curtsy but almost dropped to the floor.
Elspeth caught her arm, keeping her upright. "Careful."
"Pray pardon, m'lady." Her voice quavered. "I'm still a bit weak in the knees."
"'Tis completely understandable. Come and rest." Elspeth led her toward a chair.
Bernice sat, letting out a loud breath. "When I looked out the coach window and saw the knave in the bushes aiming with a bow and arrow, I dove to the floor."
Elspeth took a seat beside her and patted her hand. "Thank the saints you weren't struck."
"Aye, 'twas a frightful tussle. But glad I am to be home again, m'lady. How are you? I was worried sick when they said the coach had overturned with you in it on the morn you left."
"I'm well. But, as I'm sure you saw, the laird's guard was shot with an arrow."
"Aye." Bernice glanced around. "Was he the only one injured? I couldn't see everything that was happening."
"I believe so." Elspeth was glad no one had been killed in that ambush, but she blamed herself for the guard being wounded right outside her home. But even more worrying… where was Fraser?
∞∞∞
Chewing a tasty bite of beef, Henry, the Earl of Dalacroy, watched his head guard, Waldrop, rush between the trestle tables and across the great hall of Wingate Castle toward him.
