Page 42 of A Fearless Rebel

It was ridiculous that anyone would fault a man for protecting his clan. “The bastards deserved death and much more for what they did to Catriona. I did not kill Laird Mackenzie. Although, he deserved it, too.”

The room was silent as everyone digested Keithen’s reply. Or lack thereof.

Broden met Keithen’s gaze. “I am not sure Alastair Mackenzie is brave enough to declare war on us. However, I would not put it past him to send men to capture ye. I suggest ye remain in the keep for now.”

“I will not hide from them,” Keithen growled. “Let them bring their men and try it. What proof does he have it was me?”

“Ye have been seen on Mackenzie lands more than once. This last time when ye were with Ewan, they presumed it meant our clan was behind goading the MacDonnell to attack them,” his father explained. “I do applaud the MacDonnell. He lost a lot of people when the late Laird Mackenzie attacked his villages.”

“There is much to consider in all of this,” Ewan Ross said with a grin. “Rumors of masked men, invisible archers in trees. Several lairds’ vengeance on the Mackenzies. I must say, I am glad I came here.”

Keithen gave the man a flat look. “Ye find entertainment in strange places.”

“I believe the new Laird Mackenzie is as mad as his father. We should proceed with caution,” Broden interjected.

“Mad or not, if Alastair is anything like his father, he will act without care for what happens to his men,” Laird Fraser replied. “I agree with Broden, Son. All of ye should remain in the keep for the time being. We will send scouts to find out what is truly happening.”

The changes could actually work in his favor, Keithen considered. Although, if he ever wanted to kill the man with the birthmark, it would mean being patient. It was highly possible the bastard would be sent to hunt him down.

“Have ye seen him? This masked person?” his father asked.

Keithen shrugged. “Actually, I have. Twice. I think whoever it is has the answer to who, exactly, killed Laird Mackenzie. The man rides like the wind and is swift with sword.”

“Perhaps, I should go on a hunting expedition of my own,” Ewan said with a grin. “My curiosity has been piqued.”

Laird Fraser shook his head. “For now, everyone must remain in the keep. Other than patrols to the nearby villages and farms to ensure all is well, the rest of guardsmen will remain here. Call those from the village,” he said to Broden. “I must speak to everyone at once.”

If Clan Mackenzie declared war on Clan Fraser, they were evenly matched. Keithen wasn’t worried about the possibility, although he did not cherish how it would affect his mother and the other women in the keep.

He walked toward the courtyard with his father, who headed to the guards’ housing area. “We should send Mother, Catriona and the other women across the river to our relatives’ keep.”

“Not a word of this to yer mother. I will speak to her and ensure I explain it in a way that will not be upsetting. I’ll suggest a trip to visit our family.”

“Mother will know why ye send her away. She will fret, I am sure. But nonetheless, it would be better than her remaining here under threat of attack.”

Both the Fraser and Ross guardsmen were lined up when they approached. One hundred men who would give their lives to protect their clan, heavily muscled and toned from constant sword practice, presented a formidable image.

His father straightened and silently assessed the men. “Today, we received word that the Mackenzie blames us in part for the attack by the MacDonnell.” The men didn’t respond and kept their gazes locked on his father.

“I will always be truthful to ye,” his father continued. “I have not spoken to the MacDonnell, nor did I have anything to do with the attack, justified as it was.”

The guards snickered at the truth of the last words.

When his father held his hand up, they went quiet.

“They also accuse us of killing the late laird.”

At that statement, the men all looked to each other without speaking. But then, once again, they returned their attention to their laird.

“If any of ye did it, ye must inform me at once.”

For a long moment, everyone waited, but none came forward. His father then paced before them, from one end of the line of men to the other.

Every so often, he stopped and spoke in low tones to several guardsmen. One man held out his hand and they shook at whatever his father had said. Keithen hoped to one day be as respected as his father was.

“I thank all of ye for yer willingness to defend our people. We have grown stronger as a clan because of it.” He let out a breath. “I do know that we must remain vigilant now as the accusations can bring an attack.”

When his father motioned to them, Broden and Ewan divided the guard into three groups. Broden’s men would be patrolling the surrounding lands, Ewan’s archers would protect from the wall and also be sent out with patrols. The third group, Keithen’s men, would remain in the keep and protect it from attack.