Rebbie shook his head. "You have your family to think about. Not only are there outlaws about, but also a pack of wolves we had a run-in with last night."
"Take two guards with you, then. At least allow me to help you that much. Once I get everyone toDraughon, Lachlan and I will return with a large garrison."
Rebbie liked the sound of that. "Very well. And I thank you."
"Where is this castle you're headed to?"
"About twenty miles northwest." Rebbie pointed. "Tummel Castle. Lachlan kens where it is. He visited with me one time."
Alasdair nodded and, once he'd assigned two brawny, well-armed guards namedMacDadeandMacKinneyto accompany Rebbie and Calla, they said their farewells and rode in opposite directions.
That was one disadvantage of freedom, Rebbie knew—not having several guards or a garrison when he needed one. His guards were all back at Castle Rebbinglen. He'd never been able to sit still or stay in one place very long. He'd always enjoyed traveling, seeing new places, and being embroiled in whatever conflicts or adventures he came upon, including now with Calla. Though 'twas a serious and dangerous situation, he still enjoyed bringing her into the Highlands.
Indeed, he relished the feel of her at his back and her arms around his waist, but he still felt as if he knew little about her. Though she'd answered his questions, she was not as forthcoming with information as he would like. What was she hiding and why did she not trust him? Surely she knew by now he wasn't going to tell the world they'd spent one scorching night together betwixt the sheets.
Saints!He couldn't think of that night without craving another one exactly like it. His fingers itched to stroke over every inch of her smooth, delicate skin. The kiss he'd stolen last night had only sharpened his craving for more, but they probably shouldn't indulge, as she'd said. At least, not until he was free from the shackles of betrothal his father had placed upon him.
The two guards,MacDadeandMacKinney, rode behind them and they made good time, growing closer and closer to Tummel Castle as the sun descended in the vibrant orange and gold western sky.
When the smallharledtower, pinkish-beige in color, surrounded by a massive stone wall, came into view, he exhaled a relieved breath. Finally, he could make sure Calla was safe.
"Here we are," he told her.
"Thank heavens," she murmured. "I'm exhausted from all the riding."
A thick forest lay several yards behind the castle, and a loch gleamed down the hill in front of it. Beyond, crofts and whitewashed cottages dotted the edge of the loch. In the distance, toward the north, the Cairngorms stood tall.
At the closed portcullis, Rebbie drew up. "Open the gates!" he called out toward the guard tower.
A nearly bald head poked out. The man frowned, then the rest of his round body emerged. "Who are you?" he asked in Gaelic.
"RobertMacInnis, the Earl of Rebbinglen. I own this castle."
The guard squinted, frowning, then trotted as fast as his short legs would carry him toward the keep.
"Where are you going?" Rebbie demanded. "Open the gate."
"I will return forthwith," the man called back.
Rebbie snorted and rolled his eyes. Damnation, he was tired and hungry, and he knew Calla was as well. He'd heard her stomach growling.
"Does he not know you?" Calla asked.
"Nay. I've never seen the man before. No doubt someone new the steward has hired." But he supposed 'twas a good thing they didn't let just anyone enter.
Moments later the guard returned with another man.
"And who might you be?" asked the newcomer, wearing a belted plaid, a fine doublet and new boots. Not a guard. He wasn'tMacGill, the steward, either. The man's insolence grated onRebbie'stemper.
"As I've already told the guard, I am RobertMacInnis, the Earl of Rebbinglen. I own this heap of rocks. Now, open the gate."
The man stiffened and frowned. "I havenayproof you are who you say you are."
Annoyance burned over Rebbie and he ground his teeth. "Who are you? Where isMacGill, the steward?"
"MacGilldied last year, may God rest his soul."
"What? I wasn't informed." Rebbie hadn't known the man well, but he'd truly liked and respected him. He'd done a fine job.
