Page 1 of The Beast

Chapter One

North Uist Sea

Late Summer 1601

The wind blew hard, tossing the bìrlinn sideways and Duncan Ross was glad he was not prone to sea sickness. The bìrlinn rose and fell, as a tall wave hit, and the crew scrambled to adjust the sails.

His clothing soaked through, Duncan clung to a large mast while yanking at ropes, attempting with the other men to keep some sort of control over the boat.

“Bloody hell,” his brother Stuart stared out to the waters, as if he could pacify the wind with but a glare. “Hopefully we will not drown today.”

Duncan pointed toward the west. “I see the North Uist shore now. We should arrive unscathed.”

“And sopping wet,” Stuart grumbled. “I am not amused.”

As of late, his brother had been complaining non-stop, which was why their eldest brother, Laird Ross, had insisted he go with Duncan to visit the Macdonald on North Uist. His brother’s hazel gaze roamed over the waves, dark hair flying about his head making him look like an angry pirate. A pirate that hated being on water.

Normally the travel by bìrlinn from South Uist took an entire day, if leaving first thing in the morning, they would usually arrive by late evening. Not this day. Despite leaving early in the morning, it was now pitch black and well into the night.

They’d have to sleep in the bìrlinn and await daylight to make their way to Keep Macdonald. It would be an uncomfortable night, to say the least. They would have to change into dry clothes and make a fire to dry the ones they currently wore.

Upon arriving ashore, they were met by guardsmen who informed Duncan they were expected. Duncan was relieved to see that the Macdonald men had a huge bonfire going, along with warmed blankets and tents erected for them to sleep in.

Grateful for the kindness, Duncan and his crew hurried to undress and drape the wet clothing near the fire to dry. Thankfully, he’d packed his plaid, so he wrapped himself in the dry garment and joined the others for a simple meal of roasted meat and bread, which tasted pleasing to his empty stomach.

A young man with dark brown hair and just as dark eyes, neared and sat next to Duncan. “I am Padraig Macdonald, second son of Laird Macdonald,” he said by way of introduction.

His gaze moved from Duncan to Stuart. “I remember ye,” he said to Stuart. “It has not been too long since we last saw each other.”

Stuart nodded. “Aye, the last time our mothers met.” He motioned to Duncan. “My brother, Duncan. He is second born as well.”

“How does yer father fare?” Duncan asked, knowing the Macdonald had been stricken by a crippling affliction.

“He is well,” Padraig said with a smile. “His lack of proper mobility does not prevent him from keeping my brother, Evander, and I in line.”

It was evident the young warrior loved his father deeply and Duncan found it hard to understand. His father had been one of the cruelest people he’d ever known, which was stating something as he’d encountered many a horrible person.

“I look forward to our meeting tomorrow,” Duncan added.

Padraig got to his feet and glared around the group, seeming to realize something. “Where the hell is my sister? Did something happen to her? Why is she not here?” He shot out the questions, not waiting for a reply.

Stuart looked to Duncan. “Did we forget Miss Beatrice?”

“Nay,” Duncan replied. “Yer sister refused to come with us. She sent a letter to yer mother asking permission to remain longer.”

Padraig blew out a breath, not seeming happy at all. “Impetuous as always. She should have been brought by force.”

When neither Ross said anything, Padraig continued, “My parents will be very disappointed in Beatrice not returning. She has already extended her stay once.”

Unsure what to say, Duncan chose to not comment. Stuart, however, was not so inclined.

“It seems she and Isobel are very close. I believe they are having a hard time accepting that they will be separated now. Miss Beatrice has also grown attached to our sister, Ella, as well.”

With a chuckle, Padraig shook his head. “My sisters are both opposites and very much alike. Isobel tends to act the protector; however, it is Beatrice who has the protective nature of a wild beast when their young are threatened.”

Duncan pictured the diminutive woman and could not imagine her furious. She was friendly and from the very short time he’d been around her, kind. Unlike most, who gave him wide berth, Beatrice had conversed with him in what he could only describe as a personal manner usually only shown by his family.

Admittedly, he was part of her circle now, being her sister was married to his brother, Darach. It was still strange to him that she’d not acted the least bit put off by him, her friendliness had caught him by surprise.