Page 65 of The Highlander’s Kilted Affair

Benedict looked up at the ceiling. “What about the servants’ quarters?” he said, referring to the upper floor of the castle.

“I cannae imagine she would be up there,” Audor said doubtfully.

“I couldnae imagine her nae being at the chapel tae marry me this morning, and yet, she wasnae there. I’m nae leaving a room unsearched,” Benedict retorted.

Audor nodded with an expression of understanding, and the brothers climbed the narrow staircase and followed the same search in each room. Less than twenty minutes later, they met at the end of the corridor, both of them looking perturbed.

“Come. Maybe one o’ the others have found her,” Audor said, with hope in his voice.

They hurried back down stairs to where they had left the others, but they could see no one. They were about to venture into the great hall when Killian rounded the corridor. His face was like thunder, and tightly held in his grasp was a dark-haired maid.

“What the devil is going on?” Audor demanded.

“She was found trying tae sneak out o’ the castle with a bag o’ her belongings,” Killian growled.

At that moment, Yvaine and Donald came hurrying around the corner.

“Please, me laird,” the maid whimpered. “He has me son.”

“Who has yer son?” Benedict barked.

“Laird Keith,” she blurted. “I had tae dae it, dinnae ye see? They were going tae kill him.”

“What did ye dae? Where have they taken her?” Benedict barked.

Audor took a step forward, gesturing to Benedict to remain calm. It was easy for him to say. It wasn’t the love of his life that might be murdered at any second. If she was still alive at all.

“We’ll get yer son back,” Audor said calmly. “But first, ye have tae tell us what happened?”

The maid then relayed how she and her son, Sammy, had been on the way back from the village the day after the attack, when men had run from the trees and grabbed them.

“They dragged us ontae their horses and then took us to a house. When we got there, a huge man was inside. He took hold o’ Sammy and pressed a dirk tae his throat.” A sob escaped from her as she hurriedly continued. “He told me he was Laird Keith. He also said that if I didnae dae as he asked, he’d slice Sammy up slowly, and send me the pieces.”

The maid then burst out crying.

Audor gave Benedict a stern gaze, and looked back to the maid.

“What did ye have tae dae?” he asked.

Sniffling and trying to control herself she said, “He gave me a bottle. He didnae tell me what was in it, but he said it wouldnae kill Lady Sinclair. He said it would only make her sleep. After I’d given it to her, I was tae open the door tae the hidden tunnel.”

“How did he ken about the tunnel?” Benedict demanded.

The maid looked at him sheepishly.

“Ye told him,” Benedict growled.

“He had me son,” she cried defensively. “I’m sorry, me laird. Truly, I am. But what was I supposed tae dae?”

“Where is this house?” Donald demanded from behind her.

The maid spun and looked mortified when she saw Evelyn’s father.

“I can draw ye a map. It isnae far. They havenae been gone long. I’m sure the laird will still be there,” she babbled.

Audor looked at Killian, and barked, “Gather the soldiers. Tell them tae meet us at the gate in fifteen minutes.”

“What about Sammy?” the maid cried.

“We’ll find yer son, and we’ll bring him back tae ye. After that,” Audor growled, “I’ll decide what I’m going tae dae with ye.”

As one of the guards grabbed the maid and took her away, Yvaine stepped forward. “I’m coming with ye.”

“Indeed, ye are nae,” Donald bellowed. “I already have one daughter lost. I’ll certainly nae mak’ it two.”

“But, Faither⁠—”

“Ye will be needed here, Yvaine,” Benedict said. “When we return, Evelyn will need ye.”

Without another word, Benedict swiftly strode passed Yvaine and headed to his bedchamber. He had to change. He had to dress fer battle.