Highland Challenge (Highland Generations Book 1) Read online

  For the next hour, she pretended to concentrate on her needlework, but her mind raced with possible ways to escape. James was a cunning opponent and she was no match for his brute strength. He outweighed her by at least double, not to mention, he was her friend. She hated to defy him or do anything that would see him reprimanded for failure to obey Andrew’s orders, but Elise’s life was in jeopardy, and that had to come first.

  Her gaze darted around the room, searching for something she might use as a weapon, then focused on a table by the window on which sat a jug of ale, a platter of food, and a small canvas pouch. She rose and casually sauntered toward it.

  “What are you up to?” James narrowed his gaze.

  “I have been sitting so long, I needed to stretch,” she lied, then peered out into the bailey before going to the table. “Besides, with you guarding the door, what could I possibly be up to?”

  James grunted when paused at the table with her back to him. “Now, what are you doing?”

  She glanced over her shoulder in his direction. “I suddenly find myself thirsty, so am going to get some ale,” she cooed sweetly. “Has anyone ever told you how untrusting you are?” She filled a mug, then raised it to her lips and took a sip.

  “I have good reason to be suspicious of your actions,” James said.

  Ignoring his remark, she continued to stare at the table. “Moira brought up this trencher of cheese, bannocks, and fruit earlier, but I wasna hungry. It is a shame to see it go to waste.” She said. “Would you like some? And mayhap a tankard of ale?”

  It was a well-known fact that James was not one to turn down food or drink, so she quickly retrieved another mug from the shelf, along with the herbs she’d gathered to help her father sleep. If she could get James to take some, it might give her time enough to get away.

  While keeping her back to him and momentarily blocking his view, she added a pinch of the powder to his drink, tucked the sack in a leather pouch hanging at her waist, then picked up the tray of food and carried both toward him. “You must be famished.”

  James pointed at the trencher and then at Mareal. “You need to eat. I am told that since your da died, you havena eaten enough to keep a wee bird alive.” He tried to hand it back to her, but she waved him off with a sweep of her hand.

  “I really am na hungry, but if you insist, I will try a wee bite.” She picked up a small wedge of cheese and popped it into her mouth, then took a piece of bannock. “This will be more than enough, please enjoy the rest.” She backed away, but not before handing him the mug of ale. “And this will quench your thirst.” Wanting to avoid suspicion, she retrieved her own mug and took another sip.

  After making short work of the food, James downed the contents of the mug in one large gulp, then dragged the back of his hand across his lips. “I must admit, I was getting hungry. I missed the evening meal.”

  After placing the empty trencher on the table, she returned to the bed and picked up her sewing. If her plan worked, the powder should take effect quickly and she could make her getaway. Both Andrew and James would be furious when they found out she was gone, but if turning herself over to Kayden might save Elise’s life, she had no choice.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The element of surprise was necessary if they hoped to save Elise. Concerned that the longer she was missing, the less likely they were to find her alive, Andrew led the rescue party with stealth and speed across the rugged terrain leading to the castle of Lord Billingsworth. As they entered the forest and neared the clearing where they discovered the slain MacCurtry warriors, the men became uneasy. They refused to enter what they now considered a sacred area where they believed the souls of the dead lingered until they received a proper burial.

  Cutting through the clearing was the quickest way to reach their enemy’s stronghold, but Andrew respected their reverence for the area. Aware Highlanders were an extremely superstitious lot, he chose a different secluded place in which to dismount.

  Seamus approached Andrew. “Will we attack under the cloak of darkness while most in the castle are asleep, or wait till morn?”

  “There are advantages and problems with both.” Andrew scratched his head as he surveyed the forest around them. There was a lot to consider before he made a move. Despite his confidence and leadership skills on a battlefield, rescuing his cousin in unfamiliar territory, and from an enemy’s castle was entirely different. “By sneaking into the keep at night, we are more likely to catch them off guard and fewer men will die. But I have never set foot inside afore now, so finding Elise without first checking things out might prove difficult, if na impossible.”

  “You make good points,” Seamus said. “And escaping in the dark will be most difficult. However, if we wait until morn and launch a full attack on the stronghold, many will die, and there is no guarantee we will be successful in breaching the gates.”

  “There are no guarantees in battle.” While anxious to find his cousin as swiftly as possible and see her back to MacCurtry Castle, Andrew knew he’d be foolish to rush in headlong without a sound plan. He hoped to locate and liberate her with as little bloodshed as possible. He recalled the final conversations he had with his father and uncle before they left for Fraser castle. He promised to take care of Elise and bring her back safely. If anything happened to her, he could never show his face at home again. Not that he would want to.

  The thought of Elise in Kayden’s hands gutted him. If taken by mistake, there was no telling what the bastard might have done to her when he discovered the error. He shuddered when thoughts of her possible torture and death crossed his mind. If taken on purpose, the bastard likely had her hidden away and heavily guarded. He was just relieved Mareal was back at the castle and he only had to worry about locating and protecting his cousin.

  “Are you or any of the other men familiar with the inside of the keep?” Andrew asked Seamus. “The more I know about it, the easier it will be for me to decide on a plan of attack.”

  Seamus stroked his chin, while pondering Andrew’s question. “I have never been inside, but William MacFae used to be a guard in the castle until about a year ago. He had a falling out with Kayden and Lord MacCurtry allowed him to join our ranks.”

  “Can he be trusted?” This was the first time Andrew heard mention of the man’s name, and right now, aside from Seamus, he didn’t know who he could trust.

  “He wouldna be here if I had any doubts,” Seamus said.

  “I dinna know him. And if he once swore allegiance to Kayden, no one can blame me for asking. This is my cousin’s life we are speaking about, and I willna take any chances with her safety.”

  “William and his brother came from a village north of Ayrshire. Looking to make names for themselves and earn some coin, they hired on with Kayden.” Seamus gave his head a rough shake. “They had no idea what they had gotten themselves into, or the sort of demented fiend he was until it was too late. William blames Kayden for his younger brother’s death, and nothing would give him more pleasure than to see the bugger’s head on a pike.”

  “And Lord MacCurtry hired him on after he left Kayden?” Andrew asked.

  “Aye, and he quickly proved himself worthy of the laird’s trust and was made one of his personal guards. He trusted him with his life and that of his daughter,” Seamus replied. “I too would trust him with my life.”

  After giving his choices careful consideration, Andrew made his decision. “Bring MacFae to me at once, and select several of the men to scour the area for enemy scouts or guards that might be lurking about outside the curtain wall.”

  While Seamus went to do his bidding, Andrew contemplated the best way to save Elise. If William could sneak into the castle unnoticed and return with information as to where they were hiding her, deciding his next move would be much easier. He just prayed she was alive and unharmed.

  “You asked to see me, Lord Fraser?” A strapping warrior with flaming red hair and built like a mountain of solid muscle approached.


  “You must be William MacFae?” Now that he got a better look at him, Andrew recalled seeing him around the keep.

  “Aye.” William bowed. “At your service, m’lord.”

  “Seamus tells me you know your way around the Billingsworth stronghold. He also said you once swore fealty to Kayden MacCurtry, but that bond no longer exists.” Andrew broadened his stance and fingered the hilt of his sword, awaiting the answer.

  “We all make mistakes we regret, and swearing allegiance to that whoreson was mine. Nothing would make me happier than to see him rot in hell where he belongs,” William snarled, his tone taut with hate.

  “It takes a wise man to admit he erred and to do what he can to set the wrong to right,” Andrew said. “I am sorry to hear about your brother’s death. I have several siblings and many cousins I care deeply for, and would do anything to protect them. As you are aware, Kayden absconded with my cousin Elise and I want her back.”

  William dropped to one knee before Andrew and bowed his head. “In addition to the faith Laird MacCurtry had in you, Seamus told us you are good and decent. I grew to have great admiration for both men, and if they feel you are worthy of our loyalty and respect, you have mine.”

  “I appreciate that.” Andrew tapped William’s shoulder. “Stand and tell me if you are willing to help get my cousin back.”

  After lumbering to his feet and brushing the leaves and dirt from his clothes, William answered. “Just tell me what you want me to do.”

  “Since you have been in the castle and know your way around, I was hoping you might be able to sneak in and see if you can learn where Elise is being held, and the best way to get her out alive.”

  “Nearly two summers have passed since I left, but am sure naught has changed.” William lowered his voice and leaned in closer to Andrew. “If caught lurking about, I’ve no doubt most would turn me over to Kayden. But I do have a couple of close friends who still reside in the keep. I can call on them for assistance.” He squatted, picked up a stick, then began to sketch an outline of the castle in the dirt.

  While he was not certain involving anyone else in their plans was prudent, Andrew really had no choice but to trust William’s judgement and hope for the best. He crouched beside the man and studied the map of the keep. “Where would you enter?”

  “The stronghold is always heavily guarded, but even more men are present when expecting an attack. Or in this case, a retaliatory assault. There are however two places that are not as protected as the rest.” William pointed to the back of the structure. “There is a steep ravine directly behind the castle and it is highly unlikely an enemy will launch an assault from there, so they concentrate the bulk of the fortification on the front and flanks. Like most castles, there is an escape tunnel that leads into the woods at the edge of the cliff, and I could enter there. Or there is a door leading into the storage room off the kitchen. The dungeon where they might have your cousin is here, and the tower where they might also house prisoners is here.” He pointed to each spot in turn.

  The basic set up of most castles was similar, but it did not make it any easier to gain entrance and go unnoticed. Andrew rose. “I am na keen on eliciting help from someone living in the castle, but understand your concerns about getting spotted. There will be a heightened sense of awareness given they could be attacked at any time.” Andrew scrubbed his hand across his chin. “However, we canna waste time guessing what if, and just hope your friends willna betray you.”

  “They are both trustworthy and pose no threat.” William stood. “One of them is a lass I fell in love with and still adore. Her father is one of Kayden’s righthand men,” he said. “We continue to meet in secret, and plan to marry someday. However, until she can muster the courage to leave her parents, she remains in the castle. I wish we could wed, but until we do, she keeps me informed of Kayden’s activities, and will do anything for me.” He thumped a balled fist on his chest. “The other is one of the guards. I saved his life on the battlefield twice and he swears his unending devotion to me.”

  “I will leave which entrance you use and who you choose to confide in up to you,” Andrew said. “We do na have time to spare so you must go now and report back to me as soon as possible.” He extended his arm to William as an offer of friendship. “Godspeed, and keep your head on a swivel. I am counting on you, so dinna go getting yourself captured or killed.”

  William clasped Andrew’s wrist and gave it a shake. “I will return as swiftly as I can. Hopefully with good news about your cousin and a means by which to rescue her.” He released Andrew’s arm and trotted off, disappearing into the woods.

  Andrew blew out a heavy sigh and clawed his fingers through his hair. He hoped he made the right decision about sending William, but saw no other choice.

  “Look what we found lurking about in the shadows outside the castle wall.” Two of the men Seamus sent out to search the area returned, dragging a man between them.

  Andrew stiffened and marched toward them. He grabbed the man’s hair and snapped his head back. “Who are you and why were you skulking about in the forest? Are you a spy for Kayden MacCurtry?”

  Judging by the man’s disheveled appearance, the bruises on his face, and trickles of blood dripping from his nose and mouth, he put up a fight before capture. “I asked you a question,” Andrew hissed. “What is your name.”

  After sucking in a deep breath, the man replied through gritted teeth. “Callum Forbes.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Careful to remain in the shadows, Mareal slid from the saddle, then slapped her palfrey on the rear—the startled horse racing back toward MacCurtry Castle in a full gallop. Once she surrendered herself to Kayden, she’d have no need of it, and she wanted to know the beloved animal was safe.

  By now, the herbs she slipped into James’s drink would likely have worn off, but she knew a shortcut through the woods and had already reached the Billingsworth stronghold, so it was too late for him to stop her from doing what she deemed necessary to help Elise. She felt badly about duping her protector, but when Andrew refused to let her accompany him, and the missive arrived from Kayden, offering an exchange, she found herself left with no other choice.

  As she inched toward the portcullis, her chest tightened and her heart hammered so loudly, she was certain the guards would hear her coming. There was still time to change her mind, and return home before anyone knew she had left. But she was the target of Kayden’s hatred, not Elise, and was determined to see this through.

  Most people would consider her attempt to deal with her cousin alone a foolish and careless act, including Andrew. He would be furious when he found out she disobeyed his order to remain in her chamber. Unfortunately, James might have to endure most of his ire for allowing her to escape. There was a good chance her cousin lied and would not allow either of them to leave the castle, but she could never live with herself if she didn’t try and Elise died in her stead. Four of her father’s men already perished, and she hoped to avoid any more senseless loss of life on her behalf.

  “Halt! Show yourself or die,” A man shouted from atop the curtain wall.

  Assuming he saw the horse running away or heard her in the bushes, she sucked in a sharp breath before stepping into view. “I am Mareal MacCurtry and have come to see my cousin Kayden.”

  Before she could utter another word, she found herself surrounded by a dozen armed warriors. How so many could appear so quickly shocked her, but she figured her cousin was expecting a retaliatory strike from Andrew, so was prepared.

  “Lord Kayden will be most pleased to learn you are here,” one of the men said as he seized her upper arm. “Come along.” He tugged hard in his attempt to drag her toward the open portcullis now yawning before them, but she dug in her heels.

  “Unhand me at once. I came this far on my own and am capable of walking the rest of the way without assistance.” She glared at the man, refusing to move until he released her.

  “She is a feisty wench. Thrawn
like his lordship. It must be a MacCurtry trait,” another of the guards said, then tossed back his head and laughed.

  Ignoring the buffoon’s comments, she addressed the other warriors. “Take me to Kayden.”

  The first man moved aside and motioned with a flick of his hand. “This way. Lord Kayden will reward us well when we turn you over.”

  “Then what are you waiting for? Get out of my way.” Determined to put on a brave front, she refused to give them the satisfaction of knowing how the idea of facing her cousin terrified her. Elise needed her, so she focused on the reason she was here, rather than on what felt like an iron band of fear crushing her chest.

  Flanked by warriors, Mareal entered the bailey and trudged toward the castle. As they reached the steps leading into the keep, the large wooden doors opened, and two dark figures emerged, their faces illuminated by the moonlight.

  “What goes on here?” Kayden demanded.

  “We found her outside the castle, m’lord, and were bringing her to you,” a guard explained. “She claims to be Lady Mareal.”

  “I see my missive arrived. Nice of you to come, cousin.” A sinister sneer darkened Kayden’s face as he jeered down at her, then shifted his attention to his men. “Did you search the perimeter of the castle? Was there any sign of Andrew Fraser and his men?”

  “Nay, m’lord. She was alone.” One of the warriors assured him.

  “Did you check to see if she is armed?” Kayden asked.

  “Armed, m’lord?” The warrior scratched his head. “She is a lass, and gave herself over willingly.”

  “She is no ordinary woman, and canna be trusted. She never leaves the keep unarmed,” Kayden growled. “Check for weapons, now.”

  The man promptly obeyed the order. After patting her down—more thoroughly than Mareal thought necessary—he faced Kayden. “She has no weapons, m’lord.”

  “Leave us,” Kayden dismissed his men. “You have done well, and I will summon you back when I need you. I wish to speak with my cousin alone.”