Highland Barbarian Part 25

His eyes narrowed.

"This fortress is nearly impenetrable. But to a.s.sure the safety of those inside, I leave a dozen men capable of withstanding any attack."

At his words of rea.s.surance she took in a long, steadying breath.

"Where do you go?"

"We ride to the Borders."

"Then you must take me home."

He saw the eagerness in her eyes and wished he did not have to be the one to dash her hopes.

"Nay, my lady. We ride on a mission of revenge."

Her heart sank once more.

"Gareth MacKenzie."

"Aye." He draped the cloak across his shoulders at a rakish angle and pulled himself into the saddle.

"When the MacKenzie is dead I will return you to your people."

"And if you die instead?"

"Would that please you, my lady?"

When she remained silent he gave her a rare, heart- stopping smile.

"If I oblige you by being killed, I would suppose the MacKenzie would come for you. That is," he said with a sweep of his plumed hat, 'if he still desires to align your two clans."

"He will come for me," she called.

But Brice did not hear her words above the clatter of hooves. Or if he did, he chose not to answer.

"Jamie," he called to the lad who watched their preparations from the doorway.

"I leave the lady Meredith in your care until I return."

The boy's cheeks flamed until they matched the color of his hair.

"Aye, Brice. I'll see to her."

With shouts of eagerness the men whipped their horses into a run.

Within minutes they had disappeared into the surrounding forest.

Meredith sat by the window watching the path of a shooting star. How strange life was. So often, when she got what she had wished for, it turned out to be not at all what she wanted.

She had wished for Brice to leave her alone long enough so that she could slip into the forest and make her way back home. But now that Brice had finally left her, she was unable to leave. Someone now lurked in the forest beyond Kinloch House who wished her even greater harm than could befall her at the hands of Brice.

And so she sat, alone and lonely.

Lonely? She did not miss Brice Campbell, she told herself firmly. How could she miss the quick temper, the cold, dark looks? Why would she care about the absence of the low, taunting voice, the occasional burst of teasing laughter?

At a knock on the door she looked up. Jamie MacDonald stood poised in the doorway. At his feet were several of Brice's hounds.

"Come in, Jamie," she called.

He took a step in and glanced about uneasily. He had never had occasion to enter a lady's room before. The hounds, following his lead, proceeded cautiously.

"I--wanted to see if you needed anything, my lady." His Adam's apple bobbed up and down with each halting word.

Meredith smiled.

"How kind of you, Jamie. I was just sitting here feeling lonely. I would treasure your company for a little while."

She indicated a chair pulled before the fire.

"Sit awhile."

He crossed the room and perched on the edge like a bird ready for flight. The hounds circled the room before settling at his feet.

"What do you do while Brice and the others are away?" she asked.

"I help in the stables, and sometimes go with the men who keep watch along the trails."

"What do they keep watch for?"

"Surprise visitors," he said with a trace of a smile.

Meredith was reminded of another's smile.

"Do you miss Brice Campbell when he is away?"

"Aye. Kinloch House is never quiet when Brice is in residence. But when he goes away, it is as if everyone lies sleeping, waiting for Brice to awaken them."

What an oddly accurate description, she thought.

"And the hounds? Do they switch loyalties when their master is away?"

Jamie reached a hand to the head of one of the dogs. Instantly the dog sat up and rested his chin on the boy's knee, staring sorrowfully into his eyes.

"Nay. The hounds follow me and allow me to pet them. But they leave no doubt as to their loyalty. They love only Brice Campbell. As do I," he added fiercely.

Meredith was moved by his simple statement.

"Cara told me how you came to live here. Do you miss your home in the Lowlands?"