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“I really dinna ken where it is right now, and I am sorry, Alastair.”
“It’s all right, Fia. It was yer crown. If ye didna trust me and wanted to hide it to keep it secure, ye had a right. Now, please go back to the keep. I have business to attend to.”
“Nay! Dinna leave without me, Alastair,” she called out as he and his men rode away. Her heart ached. The Grants were a fierce clan and outnumbered Alastair and his men. If they approached the Grants at their castle to fight, there was no chance of winning, let alone coming back alive. She had to do something to help him, and she had to think fast.
Niven rode by next, followed by a covered supply wagon being pulled by one horse.
“Niven, take me with ye,” she said.
“Nay, Fia. Alastair wants ye to stay here.” Niven rode on.
She stood staring after him as Caitlin ran up to join her.
“Fia, what are ye doin’?” asked Caitlin.
“I need to help Alastair. I canna let them leave without me.”
“What are ye goin’ to do?”
Fia spied the back of the cover of the supply wagon flapping in the breeze. This was her only chance, and she had to take it. Aye, she would risk it all for Alastair and Caitlin and the good of Clan MacPherson.
“I’m goin’ with them, Caitlin. And I will keep my promise to ye that yer faither will return, no matter what I have to do to make it happen.” Fia darted after the wagon with Cerberus running and nipping at her heels. She jumped onto the back and slipped under the canvas, hoping this wasn’t going to be the biggest mistake of her life.
* * *
“We’ll stop hereto refresh the horses,” Alastair called out three hours later as they neared Grant Castle.
“My laird, Cerberus is barkin’ again and willna leave the food and supply cart alone,” Niven told him.
“Bid the devil, why didna that blame hound stay back at the castle? He is only goin’ to cause trouble.”
“I’m no’ sure, my laird. Did ye want me to tie him up?”
“No need. I’ll do it myself.” Alastair headed to the back of the wagon where Cerberus was nipping at the canvas flap and barking. “Leave it,” he called out, almost wishing Fia were here to calm the dog. She had a way with Cerberus that demanded respect. He admired her for not only her expertise with animals but also her patience. Patience was something he was short on at the moment.
“My laird,” said Rhodric, heading him off. “Why didna ye bring the girl along? She was our only means of gettin’ yer faither released.”
“I decided against it,” he said, knowing there would be repercussions because of his decision. For three long years, they had waited for something that would tempt the Grants, and they finally had it. A daughter of not only a legendary bastard that they were already aligned with, but a granddaughter of the late English king was something they wouldn’t be able to turn down. If naught else, the Grants could get a pretty ransom from King Richard for the return of his cousin.
However, after spending several sleepless nights thinking about it, Alastair decided he could not offer up Fia like a sacrificial lamb, even if it meant he would risk not having his father returned.
Something about her touched his heart, and he couldn’t put her in the path of danger. He would give his life to protect her instead.
“Aye, what’s this all about?” snorted Brohain, coming to join them. “Without a trade, approachin’ the Grants on their own land will be nothin’ short of a massacre. What were ye thinkin’, Alastair?”
The dog continued to bark and pull at the tarp. When Alastair walked over to stop it, he saw inside the wagon, and his heart dropped.
“Fia,” he said, surprised to see her there.
“There’s the girl,” said Rhodric. “Guid. Now we have a chance.”
“Go see to the horses,” Alastair told the men. “Tell the others to sharpen their weapons. We’re no’ ten minutes’ ride from Grant Castle. Let’s get this over with so we can head back home.”
“Aye, my laird,” said Brohain. He glared at Fia. “Guid thing ye showed up. I woulda came and hauled ye here myself if I had to.”
“Go!” commanded Alastair, sending them all away. “And bid the devil, Cerberus, stop yer infernal barkin’.” Alastair could barely think straight because of all the noise.
“Here, Cerberus, go chew on this.” Fia gave the dog a piece of dried meat from inside the cart, sending Cerberus away happy.
