Page 285 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Nay,” Talbot replied. “I do not want to deviate from the plan. We will arrive at Castle Glenbarr together. When Edward’s army sees that they are outnumbered three to one, there is a chance they will retreat.”

“Ye are still intent on not killing them?” He gave Talbot no chance to reply. “They will only return with more men.”

“I will not slaughter my countrymen for obeying their king’s command.”

“Ye had best prepare to slaughter them, for they may no’ retreat,” Seward said.

Anger shot to the surface. “Aye,” he said. If that happened, he would deal with Edward. “Take your men and circle around behind Lochland,” he told Seward. “But do nothing unless you hear us attack.”

“I suppose I must obey ye, Lord Baliman.” Seward’s amused tone took the sting from the words. He called an order for his men to follow, and steered his horse to the right to circle back.

Talbot sent a hundred of his men back around the other side. Then he turned the remaining five hundred men, faced the oncoming riders, and waited.

Minutes later, a lit torch appeared on the road in the distance. The approaching riders Talbot didn’t slow, but Talbot knew they had to have seen the torch held by the man to his right. The thunder of horses’ hooves soon reached his ears. The men neared, then slowed and finally stopped fifty feet away. Lochland rode forward alone and halted in front of Talbot.

“I am pleased ye had the sense no’ to attack me,” Lochland said.

“What do you want?” Talbot demanded.

“I understand ye have English visitors,” Lochland said. “A few of my men are anxious to meet them.”

“I will not trade favors, Lochland,” Talbot said.

“Aye, eventually ye will, but I am no’ asking it of you.”

“Why do this?” Talbot demanded.

“Edward might be a good arbitrator, but he has no right to force any of us to our knees.”

“Do you forget that I am English?” Talbot said.

“Nay, just as Edward hasna’ forgotten that ye are a Highlander.”

The earl was right. Edward was all too aware of his Scottish connection, which Talbot suspected had a part in Edward’s plan to murder him. How much did Lochland know?

“What makes you think Edward sent his men to force me to do anything?”

Lochland laughed. “Edward does no’ send five hundred men to Scotland to ask for anything.”

That was also true.

“You will do as I command,” Talbot said. “If the men-at-arms retreat peacefully, I will allow them to return to England.”

A moment of silence passed before Lochland said, “What will ye do if they return in greater numbers?”

“Kill them.”

* * *

Rhoslyn once again stood in the north tower watching through the window when the door behind her opened. She whirled and startled to see Lady Taresa enter. Behind her came Mistress Muira.

Rhoslyn hurried forward. “My lady, what are ye doing here? St. Claire, is he with you?” She hadn’t seen them arrive.

Taresa clasped her hand. “No, child. He is not with me. He told me of your secret entrance and Derek brought me.”

“Ye should no’ have come,” Rhoslyn said. “I am surprised St. Claire allowed it.”

She laughed. “He has no power to command me. Though he did try. When I told him I was coming and he could not stop me, he instructed Sir Derek on how to enter through the secret passageway. It was necessary I come.”