Hum and Drum's eyes widened, but they made no move to stop them. Their main concern now was protecting Alpin, who stood between them, looking uncertain and in pain.
Once Finch was free, Ewan strode to the bottom of the steps. He knew what to do—keep Dani from entering.
"You'll each find a sword hanging inside the stairwell." Earlier, Gavin had placed them there on hooks just before he'd entered in preparation for this moment.
Crowing like a proud rooster, Ewan retrieved the weapons and tossed one to Finch.
"'Tis time for you to take your leave." Gavin glared at his despicable cousin.
Alpin still held his own sword in the guard stance. "Or mayhap 'tis time for you to leave this earth."
Gavin gave a dark chuckle. "Do you think you can send me to my maker?"
One side of Alpin's mouth quirked upward, and he narrowed his eyes. "We're evenly matched."
"Are you certain?"
Finch on his left side and Ewan on his right, Gavin moved forward and struck out toward Alpin. He scuttled backward, tripped over a bench, then sprawled to the floor. Gavin took advantage of the opening, slicing his sword across Alpin's lower leg, but 'twas a shallow cut. Hum thrust his blade at Gavin, but he blocked it and brought his sword up to nick his thigh.
Alpin struggled to his feet, and all three fled out the exit door and down the steps.
"Come back!" Gavin raced after them, Ewan and Finch behind him. "We'll settle this now!"
The three cowards vaulted onto their mounts, kicked them into a gallop, and disappeared into the night.
"Bastards!" Gavin growled, then turned back to Ewan and Finch. "Are you both all right?"
"Aye," Ewan said. "But I wish we could've fought longer and trounced them!"
Gavin nodded, for he wished to put an end to this family feud.
"Pray pardon, m'laird," Finch said. "I never meant to get taken hostage."
"I'm certain you were outnumbered. Did you reach MacElrath holdings?"
"Nay."
"No matter. Father John is recovering well. Are you injured?"
"Nay. I got a few wee scrapes and bruises when they captured me."
Crocker entered from the kitchen stairwell, bearing a tray of ale tankards. Thirsty, Gavin grabbed one and thanked Crocker.
"The chief is a married man now," Ewan announced, holding his tankard aloft in a toast.
Finch grinned. "My heartiest good wishes, m'laird.Sláinte."
"Sláinte." Gavin guzzled a long swallow, then left his tankard on the table. "Have supper and get some rest, Finch."
The guard bowed as Gavin headed up the stairs.
In one way, Gavin was glad he hadn't been given a prime opportunity to kill his cousin, for 'twould devastate his beloved aunt. Besides, Gavin had never killed a clan member, even a traitorous one, and he didn't want to now. But he might be forced to if Alpin didn't back down.
As lads, he and Alpin had gotten on fine, though they had never been the best of friends. They had often practiced swordplay together. As they had grown toward adulthood, Alpin had grown bitter and jealous of Gavin more each year.
Upstairs, he strode down the corridor, wanting to talk to Dani. For a certainty, she should stay away from Alpin. No telling what the viper would do. 'Twas why he'd ordered her back to his bedchamber. Though lovely, luscious, and intriguing, the wayward lass wouldn't listen to a word he said or obey him, thoughobeyhad been in the marriage vows. Mayhap she hadn't noticed that. She always wanted to make her own decisions, some of which were daft and dangerous.
Gavin tried to open his bedchamber door but found it barred. Good, she'd followed his orders at last. Would she open the door unclothed, as he'd asked?
