Page 51 of Highland Storm

“The man is wounded and his hands bound,” Orrick reminded him. “He can’t defend himself.”

“Leave him be, Hawke,” said Caleb. “It’s no’ worth it.”

“It is to me. I will no’ be blamed for a feud between the clans any longer. I tell ye, I intend to prove ye did it and my name will finally be cleared after all this time. Someone get me my horse.”

“Yer horse has been saddled for hours,” said Logan, walking out of a stable with his horse ready to go.

“Where are ye goin’?” asked Hawke.

“We’re comin’ with ye.” Ethan appeared from yet another stall.

“Nay, that wasna the plan.”

“Well, we canna let ye get yerself killed without at least tryin’ to save ye.” Caleb grabbed the reins of his horse, too.

“Now wait a moment,” said Hawke with a raised hand.

“I bathed and no longer stink so they willna smell me comin’,” said Caleb with a smile.

“Who’s goin’ to guard the prisoner?”

“I’ll stay here with Lennox,” said Orrick, overhearing them and figuring out what they were going to do. “Please, be careful. I don’t want to have to give the news to your father that you’ve perished.”

“That’s no’ goin’ to happen,” said Hawke. “Let’s go.”

“Wait. What about Phoebe? Who’s guardin’ her?” asked Ethan.

“Blethers, that’s right,” said Hawke, running a weary hand through his tangled hair. He didn’t want to have to post a guard at Phoebe’s door. Not after the intimate time they’d spent together. Still, she had proven time and again that she couldn’t be trusted. Mayhap he’d better not take the chance.

“Stableboy,” he called to the boy watching the horses.

“Aye?” The boy rushed over.

“Keep guard at the first door above stairs in the tavern and do no’ let the girl leave. Stay there until I return.” He tossed the boy a coin.

“Aye, I will.” The boy hurried out of the stable.

“Do no’ ye mean if ye return?” asked Ethan.

“Ye’re always a pessimist,” complained Hawke.

“I saw a huge raven sitting atop the stable today. I think that means someone is goin’ to die.”

“Ye’re also much too superstitious,” said Hawke, pulling himself into the saddle. “Now let’s go.”

They rode through the dark toward Crookston Castle, but Hawke couldn’t stop thinking about Phoebe. He also wondered if he should have brought Lennox along in case he got caught and needed the trade. Then again, this might be better. He had every hope of sneaking in and freeing his grandfather and getting out again before first light. And with his friends along now, he might just be able to do it.

“So, where’s the postern gate?” asked Logan, as the castle came into view and they slowed their horses.

“I – I’m no’ sure,” said Hawke. “But it canna be that hard to find.”

“Didna ye get the information out of Phoebe like ye planned?” asked Ethan.

“Nay.”

“I thought ye said ye could do it,” added Caleb.

“I . . . was distracted.”