Page 33 of Seduction in a Kilt

All eyes turned to Liam. “Well, ’tis only a hunch, but I think ’tis likely that Carson is behind these attacks. Gael wants Ivy back, so Carson is usin’ that as an excuse tae push him along a path of destruction, tae goad ye intae startin’ a war.”

Knox nodded in agreement. “So, Ivy was tellin’ the truth. Her braither is only interested in usin’ her tae control Gael.”

Once more, Liam felt anger towards Ivy’s devious brother. “Aye, she hates him and Gael. ’Tis why she ran. From what she’s told me, Carson is ruthless enough tae use anyone tae get what he wants, friends or nae. And if Gael starts a war with ye, Carson willnae be held responsible, even though he’s behind it all,” he explained.

“A war would weaken us, making it easier fer Carson tae step in and take over the clan,” Magnus put in.

“And the price of peace with Gael will be Ivy,” Knox put in, his brows drawn. “Either way, Carson gets what he wants.”

One of the older advisors asked to speak, and Knox granted him permission.

“Years ago,” the elderly man began, standing up, “I served Carson’s faither. He was a good man but was killed in his bed next tae his wife. Carson was only eighteen when he became the laird, and he didnae seem overly upset over his parents’ murders. There was a lot of suspicion around that at the time, and the culprits were never found. But Carson made sure the matter was never fully investigated.”

“Christ! Ye mean he could have had a hand in his own parents’ murders?” Knox asked, sounding appalled.

The old councilor nodded and sat down. “Suspicions, aye, melaird, but Carson shut anyone down who dared tae even suggest investigatin’. There’s nae proof of anythin’.”

“That’s exactly the kind of thing I’m talkin’ about,” Liam interjected, shocked by the revelation. Ivy was right: the man truly was a monster.

Knox’s voice cut through his thoughts. “Ivy is just as much a pawn in her braither’s schemes as the villagers are. And Gael too, more than likely, though the fool disnae realize it.”

“There must be another way out of this without using Ivy,” Liam put in, vowing silently to protect her.

Knox shot him a keen look. “I ken ye wantae protect her, Liam. ’Tis

obvious ye care about her.”

Liam bristled at that. “There’s naethin’ between me and her. But she’s innocent in all this. I just cannae stand the thought of sending a defenseless lass back tae that poisonous viper tae be used in one of his bids fer power.”

“I’ve seen her fight. She’s nae defenseless,” Knox pointed out.

“Ye ken what I mean. She can hardly go head tae head with him with a sword, can she?”

Knox said, “Aye, none of us like the idea. But at the same time, I cannae just let her go.”

“Well, we should go visit these villages Gael’s attacked and see what we can find out,” Magnus said. It was agreed that Liam would ride out with him and Knox that day.

“There’s one other important matter we need tae discuss afore ye go, melaird,” another advisor piped up. The annual stage hunt is due in a few days, but in the current circumstances, is it wise tae go ahead with it?” the man asked.

“I dinnae wantae send the message tae MacAlister and Hamilton that we Stewarts are runnin’ scared,” Knox declared after some discussion.

“And what about the cèilidh afterwards? After the hunt, we all enjoy a good party,” someone else chimed in hopefully.

“Aye, and with these attacks on the villages, the smallfolk could likely dae with a wee bit of cheer,” another suggested.

Knox made an immediate decision. “If we’re gonnae have the hunt, then let’s have the cèilidh too. If the hunt’s a success, and we kill the stag and bring it home, that’ll be enough good luck tae last us all year. Fer all we ken, we could end up comin’ out of this damned feud stronger than before!”

That earned a ripple of appreciative applause and murmurs of approval from the rest. Knox ended the meeting then.

“I’m anxious fer us tae get out there in the field and see what we can find out about what’s goin’ on. I need tae make sure the villagers are looked after too. Some of them have lost everythin’. I need tae take care of them and bury the dead with respect,” he told Liam and Magnus as the council dispersed. “I suggest we meet at the stables in two hours, ready tae ride out. All right?”

“Aye, I’ll be ready.” Liam agreed with a nod. He took his leave and headed back to the chamber to see if Ivy was there or if she had gone to help Effie as she had mentioned she might. He had not, so far, told her anything about what had been happening behind the scenes. Now, he wanted to tell her everything. She has a right tae ken where she stands. ‘Tis her life, after all.