Having already figured that out, Gavin shrugged. "What does it matter?"
"Who did?"
"Mayhap the Almighty sent her to quash Wilona's evil."
Alpin laughed.
"God knows I was unjustly cursed."
"Were you?" Skepticism colored Alpin's words.
"Aye. You well ken you and your cronies attacked Torr, Brodie, and me in the wood. We had a right to defend ourselves. 'Twas a fair fight when Silas MacRae died in that skirmish. If nay for you and your greed, he would've been safe at home. Aye?"
Alpin's face reddened, and his teasing smirk disappeared. "'Twas your blade that killed him! Silas was like a brother to me. And like Lady MacRae, I intend to have my revenge."
Gavin had no fear of the maggot and his paltry threats. "Why have you not visited before now? You've had a year to seek revenge."
Alpin shrugged. "Had nay need to as of yet."
"I thought you coveted this keep. Why have you nay tried to take it?" Gavin provoked, hoping the whoreson would reveal his and Wilona's plan.
"Patience is a virtue. I will have it in due time."
"Is this what Wilona told you?"
Alpin sneered.
"Your eyes glint with greed."
Alpin ran his gaze over the walls and broken window. "'Tis nay greed, but sadness. You're letting the place fall to ruin."
Gavin ground his teeth. The bastard kenned the clan left after the loathsome spell took effect. Along with his two guards and servants, Gavin had maintained the castle as best he could, but no stonemasons would venture here.
Alpin sighed. "'Twill cost me a king's ransom to have it repaired once I am chief."
Rage crawled beneath Gavin's skin. "You will never be chief."
His cousin grinned. "How is Uncle Lunn?"
Gavin took that as a threat, and his fury blazed hotter. "I'll never forgive you for what you've caused him to go through."
"Me? 'Twas nay me who murdered a chief."
"You tried to murder your own uncle."
Alpin arose. "Nonsense. Uncle Lunn and I have always been close. I would like to visit him."
Gavin withdrew the sword and blocked his path to the stairwell. "You will stay away from my father, you blackguard."
Alpin's two guards sprang into action, rushing forward wielding blades, but Alpin put up his hand, halting them in place, then withdrew his weapon. "I'll deal with him. Guard them. You two…" He motioned to Finch and Ewan. "Move these tables and benches aside."
With his hands still bound in front, Finch helped Ewan move the tables without toppling the candelabras.
Alpin raised his sword to the side, ready to attack. "Is it true Uncle Lunn is a raving lunatic?"
"Mayhap 'tis me who is the lunatic." Advancing, Gavin thrust his blade toward the knave's neck.
∞∞∞
