Page 9 of A Fearless Rebel

At noting his father standing next to the hearth speaking with an older member of the council, Keithen neared. “A messenger from the Mackenzie has arrived.”

His father looked around him. “Where is he?”

“At the entrance. I wasn’t sure about him entering with Mother and Catriona here in the great room.”

His father nodded in understanding. His gaze moved to where the women sat, seeming to be chatting about inconsequential topics. Like the rest of the family, his father had a soft spot for Catriona.

Just then, the women stood. Keithen hurried over, noticing immediately that Catriona looked away. “Where are ye going, Mother?”

“To the gardens, for a wee walk,” his mother replied with a smile. They would have to go straight out the front door to where the messenger was waiting.

Keithen nodded and hurried to get the man and move him away from their path.

He emerged and motioned the messenger to come with him to the kitchen entrance. Thankfully, the man followed without hesitation. Once inside the keep, he guided the man across the great room and to his father’s study.

When they passed the front entrance where the messenger had just been waiting, the man looked to Keithen in question.

“I would ask, but I suppose ye will not tell me why I was granted a tour of the keep.”

Keithen ignored him.

They entered the study, but his father was not there. Keithen knew it was done purposely to give the messenger a sense that his visit was not seen as important. This was done in hopes that the messenger would let the Mackenzie know that he was not seen right away.

A maid entered and stood by the doorway to await any order for food or drink. Keithen looked to the young woman, who looked nervous.

The messenger slid a glance to the woman as well and for a just a split second there was a flicker of either recognition or admiration in the man’s eyes.

“Gilly, bring our guest something to eat and ale.”

“I prefer to give my message and leave,” the messenger said.

“Very well,” Keithen said and nodded at the maid. “Thank ye, Gilly, ye may go.”

“I’d like ale,” the messenger then said, seeming to realize Gilly would not return otherwise.

When the maid left to seek the beverage, Keithen met the man’s gaze. “Were ye there when my mother and the other woman were taken to Mackenzie Keep by force?”

The messenger looked at him for a long moment seeming to try to find a way to respond. “Aye, I saw them.”

“Did ye have anything to do with the attack on the younger woman?”

“I do not have to reply to yer inquisition, but I will. I do not take women by force.” The man’s face turned to stone, letting Keithen know he’d not answer any further questions.

At that point, his father entered and walked to stand at the front of the room. He didn’t pay the messenger much heed.

The laird didn’t speak, other than to greet Gilly when she returned with the ale, placed it on the table, and hurried out, not once looking at the messenger.

“What brings ye?” his father finally asked.

The messenger proffered a rolled parchment. “My laird asks that I return with haste with a reply.”

His father accepted the parchment and motioned for the man to sit. “I will return momentarily. Remain here.”

Keithen followed his father out to the courtyard where another guard was dispatched to find the councilmen and bring them. “Father, how long are ye going to leave that man in yer study?”

His father lifted and lowered a shoulder. The courtyard was bustling with activity. It was early in the day and there were chores to be completed. The clan prepared for a harvest festival that would take place in a few days. They would roast pigs, have music and celebrate the end of the harvesting. It was one of the last times people would travel from afar to participate since the winter weather would make it very hard.

A woman hurried by with a bucket in each hand, a toddler struggling to keep up. Keithen went to her and took one of the buckets. “Why are ye carrying so much?”