Chapter Fourteen
In the torch-lit bailey, Neacal motioned to his sword bearer and war leader, Matthew, then waited for him near the thick stone wall so they could talk privately.
"I'm glad you've returned, chief," Matthew said. "I sent out two parties of a half dozen men each, searching for you."
"I thank you, but there was no need. Are they supposed to return soon?"
"Aye, tomorrow."
"Good. We'll need all the men we can get for the upcoming battle."
Matthew frowned. "Is Sleat on his way?"
"I have no inkling about him. 'Tis Blackburn MacCromar and his men."
"Who's that? We've never had conflict with them before."
Neacal glanced toward the kitchen doorway where Anna had disappeared. "The man who thinks he is married to Mistress Douglas."
"Thinks?" Matthew looked thoroughly confused now.
"Aye, 'tis an illegal marriage. MacCromar forced her to marry him against her will." Neacal explained the whole situation as quickly as possible. "If he gets his hands on her, he'll beat her and abuse her as he has done in the past."
Matthew's assessing eyes searched his, then he nodded. "We've added several soldiers over the past few weeks, and Colin brought dozens with him."
"Aye." Neacal was not concerned now that Colin had his back. "What about Parlan, Roy and the other three clan traitors? Have you discovered more?"
"Nay. When you disappeared, I thought they had something to do with it, so I locked them in the dungeon."
"I'm glad. When Blackburn shows up, I'll need to trust all the men fighting beside me."
Matthew nodded. "I don't know if I rounded up all the traitors or if there are more. But I figured we couldn't risk them running around free."
"'Tis something we'll have to figure out as we go along. If you hadn't already locked them up, I would be forced to now, anyway."
"What if this MacCromar chief should inform the king you've taken his wife hostage?"
A new spark of anger lit within Neacal. "Then I shall send a missive to the king, telling him the truth. Or pay him a visit." Neacal would not be deterred in this. Brutes like Blackburn had to be stopped. And he was just the man to do it. "Inform the men. Make sure all our weapons are repaired, sharpened and ready."
"Aye, chief." Matthew gave a decisive nod and strode away, while Neacal headed toward the entry steps.
He was glad he'd gotten Anna behind these castle walls where he and his clan could protect her properly. Even though he missed having her by his side now, he hoped she would eat and go to bed early. She needed the rest. As for him, he had a lot to do before he could retire for the night, and even when he did, he doubted he would be able to sleep. Too much was at stake and he had to deal with these problems head on. He thought of his father often, hoping Da would help guide him in making the right decisions.
After entering the great hall, Neacal proceeded across the crowded room to the high table where the three visiting chiefs, along with their wives and daughters, sat finishing their supper and sipping ale. Most of the conversations around him quieted.
"A good eve to you." Neacal nodded to his guests, wanting to get this over with as soon as possible. His gaze scanned those seated around the table. "Ladies, I apologize for my disheveled appearance and for interrupting your meal, but I need to meet with your chiefs in the library forthwith."
The women stared in wide-eyed shock, taking in his muddy clothing, while the men frowned.
"Now?" Hamilton asked.
"Aye. As soon as you're finished with your meal. I'll await you there." Neacal proceeded to the library and added peat to the fire. He wished he'd had time to bathe and change his clothing, but what he had to say to them was far more important. And it wouldn't take long.
Once the three men filed into the library, Neacal closed the door and motioned for them to sit.
"Where have you been the past few days?" Observing him with speculation, the ginger-haired Chief MacGill took a seat at the table.
Neacal held no fondness for the man and wished he had already vacated the place. "I had some unforeseen business to attend to. I'm sorry I was unable to be here. Before my absence, I enjoyed your company—all of you—but now we're expecting trouble, perhaps even battle. For the safety of your ladies and your retinues, I have to ask you to return to your homes."
