"Nonsense. I owed your father a favor from many years back."
"You're a good man," Neacal said. "I can see why my father considered you a genuine friend."
"Well, I believe in doing the right thing. Do you truly think the ladies will be in danger?"
"We intend to stop the MacCromars before they breach the walls. With the help of your clan and the Camerons, I trust we'll be successful."
MacRury nodded. "I'm glad to hear it. Can you at least give me a hint as to what this is about?"
Neacal didn't want to tell him, but if the man was going to assist him, he deserved to know. "How do you feel about men who abuse women?"
"I detest them. Why?" MacRury growled.
"How do you feel about a man who would force a woman to marry him against her will by holding a dagger to her sister's throat?"
MacRury's face reddened. "He deserves a dungeon… or death. He is no man of honor, that's a certainty."
"That's the conflict. And the abused woman in question is a guest here at the castle, Anna Douglas."
"Are you related to her?"
"Nay. I've made her cause my own. She's a good woman, an honorable lady, and she deserves to be protected."
"Of course. Any woman deserves protection."
Neacal nodded. "I'm glad we see eye to eye. She has no male relatives still living willing to help her, and Blackburn MacCromar murdered her first husband. I intend to help her."
"You're much like your father, lad. 'Tis very admirable of you."
"I thank you." Neacal gave a brief bow. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go speak to my foster brother, Colin Cameron, about a plan of action."
"I'll send my men south on a swift galley in the morn." MacRury shook his hand as they exited the room.
"I appreciate your help more than you could know." Neacal just hoped the reinforcements arrived in time.
On his way through the great hall, Neacal asked the housekeeper to send the kitchen maids with supper for him and Colin to the solar. He needed to talk to him and didn't wish any eavesdroppers.
He had told Colin a few things during the ride, but nothing detailed with Anna and so many of his soldiers listening.
Once he'd asked Colin to come in from the courtyard where the men were preparing for battle and the maids had served their supper, they sat down at the small table.
"What is your plan in dealing with Blackburn MacCromar?" Colin asked between bites.
"I'm going to kill the bastard," Neacal said in no uncertain terms.
"Ah. Don't you feel you're being a bit too lenient?" his friend asked drily.
Neacal smirked. "Aye. He deserves torture worse than I suffered, but I'll spare him." Neacal chewed and swallowed a bite of the venison. "I have no doubt he'll show up here."
"What if he wants to negotiate?"
"Negotiation happens when there is a hostage. Anna is here of her own free will and I won't hand her over to him. Of a certainty, she won't choose to go with him. I expect that he'll grow hostile and attack once I tell himnay. 'Haps we should await him along the cliffs."
"'Twould give us the advantage. He won't ken how many men are lurking in the wood. He might become cocky and attack. Then we thrash his garrison."
"Hamilton and MacGill are leaving, but MacRury is going to stay and help us. He even said he would send for more of his men in the morn."
Colin frowned. "Don't tell me you agreed to marry his daughter."
