"Aye, she cleverly created them. 'Twill not be safe for anyone to be here once Dalacroy returns. He might be angry enough to kill everyone."
"Might I suggest we take them to Greymont Castle, m'laird?" Vance inquired. "'Tis about five miles south of here. I'll drive the coach and Burns can drive the wagon."
That idea riveted Cyrus's attention. "Are the walls fortified?"
"Aye."
"Good. Should be safe enough for my injured guards. Tell all the servants to either go back to their families or to Greymont with you."
Vance nodded.
"Are you going to Rebbinglen for reinforcements?" Fraser asked.
When Cyrus imagined Elspeth in the madman's clutches, fear for her life speared his vitals. "Nay. I'm going to rescue Lady Grey." He slipped on his baldric and sheathed his borrowed sword.
"Alone? Are you mad?" Fraser scowled.
"I'll not be using my normal fire-and-sword method of attack this time. I'll be stealthy." Already keenly aware that the two dirk sheaths on his belt were empty, Cyrus planned to search the defeated foes in the courtyard for two of the foot-long blades.
"'Tis not amusing, brother. You can't defeat a whole army by yourself."
"I'll disguise myself and slip inside."
Fraser blew out an annoyed breath. "I ken you fancy her, but she's not worth your life. Send Reid and Norval to Castle Rebbinglen, then wait until the rest of the MacKenzies and MacKays arrive. If they leave tonight, they can ride fast and send a small army back by tomorrow evening."
"I cannot wait." Impatient to get onto the road and ride after Elspeth, Cyrus grabbed the bow and quiver of arrows from the corner. "If Dalacroy doesn't discover that the deeds are forgeries, he may kill her directly after she signs them." Cyrus turned to Vance. "Where is Wingate Castle?"
The older man pointed east. "Follow the main road and ride through the center of town. The castle is about a mile on the other side. You'll see the tall, dull-colored towers." Vance's bushy silver brows furrowed. "We pray that you'll bring our lady home safely."
"I intend to. I appreciate you and Burns taking my brother and my injured men to safety."
"Reid, you stay with Fraser and guard him. Once you get to Greymont Castle, make certain all the gates and portcullis are locked securely."
"Aye, Chief!"
"I'll send Norval to Rebbinglen." Cyrus hastened toward the exit.
"Cyrus!" Fraser yelled. "'Tis madness going out there alone!"
Ignoring him, Cyrus hurried down the steps into the courtyard where Norval was guarding the two prisoners who yet lived. After confiscating two dirks from the men's scabbards, Cyrus studied the largest enemy guard, the blond who still hadn't awakened. "Help me get his clothes off. I need them for my disguise."
"Disguise?" Norval eyed him critically. "Where are you headed?"
"Wingate Castle. I need you to ride to Rebbinglen for reinforcements. Reid, Vance, and the groom are going to take Fraser, the injured guards, and the servants to Greymont Castle."
Norval helped him remove the outer clothing and armor from the knocked out guard, leaving him in his linen shirt.
"M'laird, with all due respect, you need at least one guard with you," Norval grumbled.
"Nay, I can slip in much easier if 'tis just me." Cyrus surveyed the horses that Dalacroy's guards had arrived on earlier. Roaming free in the courtyard, they were already saddled and one of them would be far less conspicuous if he had to abandon it near Wingate.
He chose the tallest and sleekest. No doubt the black gelding would be fast. After tossing the spare set of clothing over the front of the saddle, he mounted. "Make haste to Castle Rebbinglen."
Norval frowned. "In truth, you need protection."
"Nay. Bring the rest of the MacKenzies back here. The MacKays, too, if they're willing. We're depending on you. Without them, 'twill be difficult to defeat Dalacroy."
Looking disturbed and irritable, Norval nodded. "As you wish, then. Godspeed, Chief. I pray you'll be safe."
