"Jarvis, is it?" Neacal asked. "Go on then, Jarvis. Which clan are you from?"
"Don't do it, you bastard!" the other prisoner yelled.
"Leave me be, Angus!" Jarvis squawked, glaring at his clansman.
"Well, which clan is it you come from?" Neacal asked.
"MacRankin," Jarvis blurted.
Though 'twas a simple answer, hearing that name was like a sharp kick to Neacal's gut. The MacRankin chief was the one who'd tortured him two years prior. Neacal glared at the man, scrutinizing his face in the dimness. He didn't remember him from his association with the clan. Had Sleat told him to say that? Sleat most likely knew of the whole situation.
"Why should I believe you?" Neacal demanded.
"I have nay reason to lie. I want out of here. I have a wife and a wee son, only a few months old."
"Since you're a traitor, their lives will be in danger, you dolt!" Angus grumbled.
"Why were you with Sleat and what is his plan?"
"The MacRankin joined forces with Sleat. I don't ken why. Some sort of deal they worked out."
"Are you talking about the chief? Titus?"
"Aye."
Neacal couldn't believe it. "What does he want with me?"
Jarvis remained silent a long moment.
"Come now. Don't stop singing."
"Revenge."
"What for?" Damn the man. MacRankin already had his revenge. Neacal hadn't even lain with Lady Aislinn. He had kissed her a couple of times but 'twas not worth the torture he got.
"His betrothed. She threw herself from the tower and he said 'twas your fault."
"What?" God's blood. Aislinn had killed herself? Neacal grabbed hold of one of the bars to steady himself. That could not be his fault, could it? "Mayhap Titus pushed her from the tower, or had one of his guards do it."
Jarvis simply stared at him. Both of them knew how malicious and soulless the MacRankin chief was.
"So… now he wants to kill me? Is that it?" Neacal asked.
"Aye. 'Tis what he said."
"And what does Sleat want?"
"He wanted this clan and castle for his son but… he's dead now."
"Exactly."
"He'll be back."
"I'm certain of it. More revenge, aye?"
Jarvis nodded.
"Who met with Sleat in Acharacle and gave him the key to the postern gate?"
