His Bonnie Bride by Hannah Howell (the beginning after the end read novel .TXT) 📕

"Curse it. We are so few. Weel, luck may be with us and help will arrive in time," Tavis said, expressing the hope of every soul still alive within the walls of Caraidland.

* * * * *

Lord Eldon scowled into the darkness in the direction of the besieged Caraidland.

He had not liked sending young Hadden out to reconnoiter, but there had been no better choice for the job. Whether by skill or sheer luck, Hadden had the ability to come within spitting distance of the enemy, watch and leave unseen. Lord Eldon was more worried about what sort of news the young man would bring back. When his nephew finally rode into camp Lord Eldon nearly yanked him from the saddle in his eagerness to hear the news. Whether it was good or bad, he needed to know, and know immediately.

"How goes it at Caraidland?" he asked his nephew as they sat around a campfire sipping mulled cider.

"They are putting up a gallant fight considering they are only at half their strength. I would prefer not to admire the MacLagans, but I can do naught else at this time. Hugh makes no rushes, no attempt to storm the keep. 'Tis a slow picking off of the Scots he is working for."

"Do you think he is succeeding in that strategy?" asked Lord Foster.

"Aye, there were women upon the battlements taking the night watch."

"Which means MacLagan has no men to replace the holes made, none to take the place of the weary so that they might rest.

All his force is upon the walls." Eldon shook his head. "Without men they could have to fall back to the keep itself, lose the outer bailey."

Hadden nodded. "Spread too thin and the wall could be scaled. Hugh may try just that on the morrow." He took a long drink before announcing, "I saw Storm."

"Upon the walls?" asked Eldon, not truly surprised. "They have not given her o'er to Hugh?"

"Nay, and I think you need not worry that they will. While I watched, Hugh approached to parlay. Seems an attempt was made to go for aid, but the man was caught. Hugh wished to trade the man for Storm."

Eldon's brows quirked high upon his forehead. "MacLagan refused the trade?"

"Aye. Hugh was rather taken aback for, you see, his prisoner was MacLagan's heir, Tavis MacLagan himself."

Among Hadden's audience only Lord Eldon did not gape, though it was hard for him not to. "That lad said they were fond of her, but this goes beyond all hope. Mayhaps that explains her place upon the walls."

" 'Tis possible for they put her forward to make plain to Hugh that she cared little for the fate of her—" Hadden stopped abruptly as he realized what he was about to say to Eldon.

"Lover," Eldon completed, the word hissed from between tightly clenched teeth. "I am aware of the place my daughter holds at Caraidland. How did this Tavis take to the refusal of the ransom?"

" 'Twas plain he approved fully of his father's refusal. Raised his bound hands in agreement. Hugh had the man on a leash. Storm sent Hugh into a rage with her refusal to come out in exchange."

"Convinced him she was not concerned o'er Tavis MacLagan's fate, did she?"

"Aye, Andrew." Hadden grinned. "She did look glorious, straddling the parapet with her hair down and blowing free. Tavis scolded her for wearing no stockings and she said she hoped to put Hugh's troops to riot." He was relieved to see that even Eldon laughed. "Hugh said he would see her crawl and she said, 'Only away from ye.' "

"How did she convince Hugh that she cared not what fate Tavis MacLagan met?" Eldon asked.

Hadden was reluctant to tell just how; however, his uncle's gaze pressed him to. "She convinced him she had a replacement already. Kissed one of the other sons afore all, with the Scots cheering her on. Sent Sir Hugh into a near blind rage, it did. Stormed off to his camp and Lady Mary."

"Did you see aught of my dear wife?" Eldon turned his frustrated rage upon the one he saw as the cause of all his daughter's troubles.

"Aye. She had set up a large tent and, well ..." Hadden shrugged and blushed.

"Is whoring away the hours," Eldon said succinctly. "There is no need to mince words, lad. What of their men?"

"It was hard to see. Sir Hugh has a sizable force. It seems Lady Mary has bought herself one as well. I recognized some of your old guard. A quarter, mayhaps a third, could come o'er to us. You are their liege lord still, and I cannot believe all of them enjoy what has replaced you for a time."

"Let us hope 'tis a third, for we are few. Get some rest, lad. You did well."

As the younger men rose, Andrew paused to ask, "About Storm? Have ye thought on her and Tavis MacLagan?"

"Little else, son. Hadden's news shows that they protect her from Sir Hugh, who would do far more than dishonor her. What is her virtue compared to her life? Was she not left without protectors? A ransom refused makes all the rules of hostage-holding invalid. I have decided to go by what she says or does."

Andrew frowned in slight confusion. "Meaning?"

"Meaning I will do naught an it is her wish. She has lived with these people many long months and a close watch upon her being all that distinguished her as a prisoner, not a clan member. An I took up sword against the MacLagans, it could hurt her more than anything they have done. If she cries for vengeance, she shall have it; otherwise, I begin to think I will take her back to Hagaleah and let it all be forgotten. By shielding her from Hugh they have granted her a life in exchange for her virtue. To me, her father who loves her, 'tis a fair enough exchange."

"I would also rather have her alive than