Highlander Most Wanted (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #2)(15)

Bowen, Teague, Brodie, and Aiden stood back as the McHugh people slowly filtered from the courtyard, their expressions dubious as they considered their fate.

“ ’Tis more than we bargained for,” Teague said in a low voice.

Bowen nodded. “Aye. But we cannot leave them to fend for themselves. It would invite attack from another clan seeking to add to their land and power. As soon as word gets out that Patrick has deserted his clan, the vultures will start circling. ’Tis important that we establish a strong presence here.”

“I will be glad to remain behind with you and help in this matter,” Brodie said, anticipation gleaming in his eyes.

The oldest Armstrong son seemed to savor the challenge, and if Bowen was honest he, too, was keen to exert his authority and leadership here, away from his own keep, where he served his brother.

Not that he wasn’t being dutiful to his brother by serving him in this capacity. Graeme was his laird, and Bowen owed both Graeme and Eveline his absolute loyalty. But this was an opportunity that he looked forward to. No situation here was beyond his abilities or those of his men.

“I’ll be glad to have your aid,” Bowen said with genuine warmth.

It was a new dawn in the history of both the Montgomery and the Armstrong clans. One made possible by the marriage of Graeme and Eveline, a marriage once viewed with hostility and resentment on both sides.

Never before had the clans worked together or even tolerated each other’s presence. And yet now they were allying in the common goal of eliminating the threat to both their clans.

Chapter 8

Bowen listened patiently, Brodie at his side, as two elder McHugh men explained their duties and the holes that had been left by those who’d chosen to leave either with Patrick or after his departure to seek their own way.

It was clear in their voices the disdain felt for both their former laird and for the clansmen who’d departed willingly.

Bowen had toured the keep, speaking with men and women alike as he analyzed their needs as well as what duties needed to be performed.

Not many women had left. A few had gone with their husbands and children, perhaps to seek refuge with kin in other clans. But most had remained, and there would be no issue of having adequate cleaning, clothes washing, and cooking for the clan.

There were also enough younger men who hadn’t yet achieved warrior status within the clan to do the hunting and tend to the remaining livestock. Horses would be needed, because there weren’t enough mounts for working or traveling.

“ ’Tis obvious you have vast knowledge of the workings of the keep,” Bowen said to the two older men.

Peter McHugh puffed out his chest, his pride stoked by the compliment. Hiram nodded. “Aye, we do, Laird.”

It still took Bowen aback to be addressed as Laird. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it, though if he were truthful, it gave him great satisfaction.

“I need good men who know the workings of the keep. I need men who will be loyal to me while working for the good of the clan.”

Peter nodded solemnly. “You’ll find no more loyal men. Our concern is for the clan, not one man. Patrick McHugh turned his back on the clan. For that, he does not deserve our loyalty or our regard.”

Bowen exchanged looks with Brodie, who nodded his agreement to Bowen’s suggestion.

“Then the two of you will be in charge of your clan and you’ll act as my go-between with your kin. ’Tis important that they have a face they are familiar with and that they trust. They’ll not accept or embrace me straightaway. You’ll take my orders to your clan and you’ll ensure that those orders are carried out, as well as bear any concerns or problems that arise directly to me.”

Both men nodded.

“It will be our honor and pleasure, Laird,” Hiram said gravely.

“Laird! Laird!”

Bowen and Brodie swiveled with a frown as the feminine cry of distress reached them.

Taliesan was doing her best to hurry toward them, but she was hampered by her lame leg and nearly stumbled.

Bowen and Brodie both rushed forward, not wanting her to injure herself. It was obvious that she was highly agitated.

Brodie caught her by the arm just in time to prevent her from sprawling forward.

“You need to have a care,” Brodie said, a frown darkening his features.

Ignoring Brodie’s reprimand, Taliesan turned her pleading stare on Bowen.

“You must stop her, Laird. Please, she’s distraught. She has nowhere to go. I dare not imagine what fate will befall her out on her own.”

She wrung her hands, tears clouding her blue eyes.

Bowen held up his hand to stifle the endless babble of words.

“What do you speak of, Taliesan?” he asked. “Who are you talking about, and what has happened?”

“Genevieve,” Taliesan burst out.

Bowen’s lips formed a tight line, and then he sighed. “What has she done?”

“She’s left the keep. On foot. She has nothing. Nowhere to go. No one to care for her.”

Bowen blew out his breath in irritation. “I have no time for feminine tricks and manipulation.”

Taliesan’s eyes burned with sudden anger. “Think you that she’s doing this for attention? To tug at your heartstrings or to gain a boon? Sir, you don’t know Genevieve. You can’t hope to know all that she has suffered. She told no one of her plan. But I saw her as she was departing. There was no life in her eyes. No hope. Nothing but death and despair, and ’tis a sight I hope never to see again. There is nothing for her here and she well knows it, yet there is nothing for her outside this keep, either.”