Highlander Most Wanted (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #2)(14)

Bowen offered his arm to Brodie and Aiden in turn, clasping hands in a warrior’s shake and show of respect. Then he nodded at Teague.

“Let us speak now to the McHugh people so they’ll know their fate.”

The four men turned to face the assembled clansmen, and Bowen took in the tense undercurrent that rippled through the air.

“Patrick McHugh now has a bounty on his head,” Bowen said loudly, inciting a cascade of shocked gasps and a torrent of whispers.

“Any who ride or ally with Patrick McHugh also have a bounty. He committed a great sin against the Montgomery and the Armstrong clans. He will not go unpunished.”

“What will happen to us, sir?” a young lad blurted from the crowd.

Bowen let out his breath in a long puff. “As of today, this keep and all that is contained within belongs to the Montgomery clan.”

There were murmurs, protests, angry outbursts, and, from some, amusement.

“There’s nothing to claim!” one of the men yelled out. “The laird took everything of value save a few head of sheep and the older workhorses that aren’t able to ride long distances.”

Bowen held up his hands. “Be silent until I am finished.”

The angry buzz quieted.

“Now, as I said, the keep, the lands, the sheep, and the workhorses … They all belong to Graeme Montgomery and I, as his brother, am his steward and will oversee the running of this keep until such time as he decides on the matter.”

He paused a moment and swept his gaze over the crowd.

“You can accept it or don’t accept it. ’Tis solely up to you. You can stay or not stay. ’Tis your decision. But know this. If you decide to stay, under no circumstances will rebellion or disrespect be tolerated. You’ll continue to work this keep and do your duties as before. My brother is journeying to Montgomery Keep for supplies and food so that we can adequately care for ourselves.”

There were instant murmurs of surprise and shock. Many shook their heads in bewildered disbelief. Had they expected to be turned away or slaughtered on the spot? Perhaps ’tis what would have happened if Ian or Patrick were in this situation. Perhaps it was what the McHugh people had come to expect from the men who led them.

“But who are we, sir?” a woman called out, her expression solemn.

Bowen frowned. “I do not understand your question, mistress.”

“We are McHughs, led by the McHugh laird. Whether it be a proud leadership or not is not what is in question. Regardless of the circumstances that led us to where we are this day, we’re all McHughs. Now we’re told that we belong to the Montgomery clan and that a Montgomery laird will assume leadership of us. What does that make us? Are we still McHughs, or are we forced to be Montgomerys?”

Several others joined in, taking up the question until a raucous furor swept through the courtyard. Again Bowen held up his hands, and this time Brodie stepped forward with a roar that silenced everyone on the spot.

“Thanks,” Bowen said dryly as the big man took a step back, a fierce, intimidating scowl on his face.

Having Brodie Armstrong here with him might not be a bad thing at all. The man could intimidate even the fiercest warrior with his booming voice and dark scowl.

“ ’Tis no worry of mine what you call yourself,” Bowen said, when calm had once more been restored. “If the McHugh name is one you’re proud to wear and is something you want to preserve for your children, then ’tis your right to do so.”

“In time, will Graeme Montgomery allow us to elect our own laird? One that bears our name?” one of the older McHugh men asked.

“I cannot speak as to what my brother will decide,” Bowen said. “Right now, I am your laird and ’tis me you’ll obey or suffer the consequences. Later, Graeme may well decide on a McHugh to be laird of this clan, but ’tis too early to be thinking of such things.”

There were a few grumbles from the crowd, but most of the clansmen nodded and Bowen heard murmurs of “ ’Tis fair enough.”

Bowen squared his shoulders in preparation for a busy afternoon.

“I’ll be coming around to each of you to discuss your current tasks and your role in this clan. I have no desire to upend your lives any more than necessary. My task was to avenge my laird’s wife, and now that Patrick McHugh has removed himself from this keep I see no reason for his clan to suffer for his sins.”

Again there were looks of surprise and appreciation on the faces of the McHughs. It was obvious they’d expected much worse, and, in truth, had Patrick stayed behind, things likely would have been made much worse.

Patrick was a coward of the worst sort, but in this matter he’d spared his clan much grief by slinking away like a dog with his tail betwixt his legs.

As soon as Bowen settled matters with the McHugh clan, there was still the matter of Patrick to deal with. Graeme wouldn’t be satisfied to allow the man to simply escape. Bowen would need to consult with his brother and determine their course. Patrick would need to be hunted and held accountable for his actions. And for the theft of his clan’s riches.

It surprised him that there wasn’t more animosity from the McHugh clan over their laird’s defection. In their place, Bowen would have led the hunt to bring Patrick back to face punishment from his own clansmen.

“Be excused to go about your duties,” Bowen said, waving his hand in dismissal. “I’ll be around to meet individually with you as soon as matters are settled with my brother and our men.”