Mist Warrior (49 page)

“
Welcome to Brackenburgh, Liam. I fear I have not seen your laird in
a pair of
month
s
.
”

His shoulders slumped in dejection.

“
Has some mishap befallen the clan?
”
she asked.

“
Nothin' untoward, lass,
”
he replied, his voice sounding more weary than before.
“
But there be things the MacTavish should ken.
”

“
I see,
”
Catriona
said softly, still uncertain if this man spoke truly.
“
You appear as if you had a hard go of it.
”

He shrugged.
“
The journey wasna easy and tryin' tae locate the MacTavish be akin tae trackin' a kelpie.
”

She smiled.
“
Aye. Allow me this, Liam MacTavish, surely you would do well with a good meal and a place to rest.
”

“
Lass, this would be a gift.
”

“
Then please, sir, avail yourself to the welcome of Brackenburgh.
”

He bowed.
“
My gratitude.
”

She nodded to
Greystoke
.
“
Show him to the barracks and allow him to get cleaned up and some hot food. Will you join us for dinner this eve, my lord?
”

“
I would be honored.
”
Liam replied and bowed again.

Greystoke
nodded to one of his men
,
he
escorted Liam away.
Greystoke
and Edmund both approached Catriona.

“
Lady, are you sure this is safe?
”
Edmund asked.

“
We keep him here
,
until Jamie arrives.
”

Greystoke
grinned.
“
If he is who he claims, Jamie will certainly know him.
”

“
Exactly. Until we know for certain
,
we treat
Liam
as a noble guest.
”

“
As you will, lady,
”
Edmund replied with a bow.

****

Jamie arrived two days later, with his usual perfect timing; right as the servants placed the evening meal on the table. He walked in, striding straight for Catriona.

She rose, smiling and he immediately swept her into a strong embrace and spun her around.

“
Och, lassie, how be ye this eve?
”

“
Just fine, Jamie, thank you.
”

He returned her to her feet and handed her a scroll case.
“
Branan, as always, sends his affection,
”
he whispered.

“
How is he?
”

“
He is well although growing most surly in temper. I fear he misses yer pleasant influence. I ken I do, he has been a bear tae deal with.
”

She laughed as Edmund approached and offered his hand.
“
That makes two of them, Jamie,
”
he said, giving her a wink.

“
Edmund!
”
she gasped in mock outrage.

Jamie smiled
,
then sighed softly.
“
Branan wanted me tae ask ye about
Beth.
”

“
Beth?
”

He nodded.
“
Her husband was wounded in our last raid. He battled the fever
,
but I fear the
blood
poison killed him yestereve.
”

“
Oh no,
”
Catriona
said
,
worry cutting through her.
“
Beth and her husband were quite fond of each other.
”

“
Aye, I fear telling her such grievous news.
”

“
Nay,
”
Catriona
said
,
her gaze falling on her friend who sat chatting pleasantly with a merchant.
“
I will tell her tonight
,
when we are away from prying eyes. She will be heartbroken.
”

“
I thank ye, lass,
”
Jamie
said
{e="="Garamond,
then looked at the table.
“
I see I have come at a precipitous time
—
”
Suddenly, he froze, his gaze locked on Liam.

Catriona held her breath,
knowing
this was the moment of truth.

“
Bloody hell,
”
Jamie whispered.
“
Liam, ye sorry cur!
”
He charged.

Catriona's heart lurched.

The two men collided with a roar. It took a moment for Catriona to realize they slapped each other on the back in friendship
,
not in anger.

“
Jamie, ye ugly bastard,
”
Liam said.
“
What witchcraft did ye use tae convince the lassie tae open her door tae ye?
”

Catriona blinked, watching the greeting that began to appear more like a wrestling contest than a welcome. A giggle escaped her, matched by Edmund's laugh. Suddenly
,
she sank into her chair, laughing so hard
,
she had tears in her eyes.

The two men finally stopped trying to bruise each other.
“
What brings ye here, lad?
”
Jamie asked.

“
I have some messages for the MacTavish.
”

Jamie's smile vanished.
“
What's wrong?
”

“
Nothin' serious
,
but the MacTavish should be aware of it.
”

Jamie appeared skeptical
,
but
he
nodded.
“
I shall tell the MacTavish when I deliver his lady's message.
”

Liam frowned in confusion and looked at Catriona.
“
But I thought ye said ye haven't seen him in a
pair of
month
s
.
”

“
I haven't,
”
Catriona said, still laughing.
“
But that doesn't mean I don't hear from him regularly.
”

His jaw dropped as he looked at Jamie, absolutely baffled.

Jamie guffawed and slapped his back.
“
She foxed ye.
”

“
Aye,
”
Liam said, blinking owlishly, then he shook his head.
“
I doona understand.
”

“
'Tis caution, Liam,
”
Jamie said.
“
The lassie ken I was commin' and if ye were who ye claimed, I'd ken of ye.
”

“
That way,
”
Catriona added.
“
I could be sure this wasn't one of Strickland's plots.
”

“
I see,
”
Liam replied.
“
We have heard little and our clan is worried over our laird, considerin' what happen tae his da and all. May I travel with ye tomorrow?
”

Jamie shook his head.
“
I'm afraid not, laddie
.
I have strict orders tae proceed alone. If the sentries see anyone with me, the
y
will shoot with nary a question. I'm sure ye doona wish tae have that hairy arse of yers prickled with arrows.
”

“
Aye.
”

“
I will tell the MacTavish ye are here. If he sends for ye, then ye can pass safely.
”

Liam nodded
,
but Catriona grew concerned over his troubled expression.

“
Now,
”
Jamie said, pulling Liam
towards the table.
“
Tell me of the clan. Does sweet Aislynn still pine for me?
”

Liam rolled his eyes.
“
More like savors the fresh air without the taint of yer sweaty hide.
”

Catriona smiled and returned to her food, listening to the rough banter that covered a strong friendship as the two spoke. She held the scroll case in her lap, knowing this evening she would have to reply to Branan's letter and inform him of recent happenings.
“
I just wish I could tell you in person,
”
she whispered to herself.