Fraser 03 - Highland Homecoming (22 page)

Bryce grabbed his brother’s wrists, preventing his departure. “Nay. It is a flesh wound. There are men worse off than me. Just snap the damned thing in half and push it on through.”

Alasdair nodded, broke off the feathered end of the arrow, then turned to Connor and Jayden. “Hold him down while I do this. He has no idea how much it will hurt.”

“I’m not a bairn and I know exactly what it feels like. This isna the first time I have been wounded and won’t likely be the last. Just do it, Alasdair, and stop wasting time. A man could bleed tae death while waiting for you tae help,” Bryce groaned.

Despite Bryce’s protest, Connor and Jayden took their positions, one on either side, and grabbed Bryce’s arms, holding him steady. “Ready when you are,” Connor said and closed his eyes.

Alasdair grabbed the arrow by the shaft. Ignoring his brother’s bucking, cursing, and shouts of pain, he shoved the shaft through in one swift move. “The tip missed the bone by the look of things, but the wound will need tae be cleaned and dressed.”

“Seal it and make haste,” Bryce growled. I dinna want it tae fester.”

“Are you certain?” Jayden asked and swallowed hard.

“Aye, it is the best way tae tend tae a wound like this. I would do it myself, but that might prove difficult,” Bryce replied.

Alasdair recalled the day Bryce arrived at the Bruce’s camp, following the ambush on Loch Ryan, like it was yesterday. When, in fact, over a year had passed. His youngest brother had been injured in a scuffle with the MacDougalls and left for dead. Had Fallon’s uncle not found him, he would not have survived. He remembered the black, puckered wound on Bryce’s chest. “He is right. To seal a wound with a hot blade is the best way.”

“I’ll do it,” Connor said as he slid a dirk from his boot and stuck it into the flames of a nearby cook fire. “You and Jayden will have tae hold him steady.”

Once Bryce’s injury had been tended, Alasdair released his brother and stood. “If you dinna need me, Connor, I must find Robert. He went in search of the MacDougall. My guess is he plans tae give him the chance tae surrender and swear his fealty. Will you stay with Bryce?”

“I’ve had enough torture for one day,” Bryce said through clenched teeth. “I wish tae rest a wee bit and if my brother would be kind enough tae locate some whisky, I would be eternally grateful.” He peered up at Connor and forced a smile.

“You see tae Robert, Alasdair, and I will ferret out the spirits. Jayden, will you stay with Bryce?” Connor rose, then brushed the dirt and leaves from his trews.

“I dinna need a nursemaid,” Bryce grumbled.

“You will do as you’re told. Fallon wouldna forgive me or Connor if we dinna take care of you. Now, be a good laddie and rest.” Alasdair laughed, ruffled his youngest brother’s hair like he would a bairn, then trotted off.

Chapter 24

“Can we talk to you?” Connor asked as he, Jayden, and Bryce approached.

“Aye, Connor, what is on your mind?” Alasdair replied, but instead of looking at his brothers, he continued to wipe the blood from his sword. “You should be resting, Bryce.”

“I’m fine. I’ve been injured far worse in the past,” Bryce replied curtly.

“The battle is over and the MacDougall’s are finished. We have the English on the run so it willna be long afore Scotland has seen the last of them. The warriors who so valiantly defend her soil will soon be able tae go home tae their families.

“Aye.” Alasdair glanced up at his brother. “And your point is?”

“I wondered what your plans are. Will you be returning with us tae Fraser Castle? And if so, are you home tae stay?” Connor shifted his weight from one foot to the other as he awaited his brother’s response.

“Saint’s teeth, Connor, just ask the man and be done with it,” Bryce blurted out. “Are you still pining over Jayden’s sister and do you plan to marry her? You must be anxious tae get her between the sheets.”

Alasdair’s blood began to simmer, but he did his best to remain calm. After the rigors of battle, men were often excitable for hours, some still looking for a fight. However, Bryce was walking a fine line and his patience grew thin.

“How many times must I have tae tell you there is naught between us and never will be? Edina is tae be married, and I havena decided where I will go from here,” Alasdair replied through clenched teeth.

“I still dinna believe you could spend more than a sennight together at her father’s hunt camp and remain celibate.” Bryce wiggled his brows in a suggestive manner. “No true-blooded Fraser man could be alone with a woman for that long and not act on the opportunity many times over. Unless he is a eunuch that is.”

Alasdair jumped to his feet, grabbed Bryce by the throat, and lifted him off the ground. “Hold your wheest! Not every man has rutting on his mind, all the time. Edina is by far the most respectable woman I have ever met. She is not only beautiful, but she is brave and smart.” He continued to squeeze his youngest brother’s neck until he was gasping for air and clawing at his hand.

Connor clutched Alasdair’s wrist. “He’s injured and a fool. Let him go afore you make Fallon a widow.”

Alasdair grunted and released his grip. “He’s lucky I dinna cut out his tongue.”

Bryce rolled on the ground and sucked in several short, sharp breaths. He managed to rise to his knees, but shoved Jayden hand away when he tried to help him up. “Leave me.” He stood, using a nearby tree stump for leverage, then staggered forward, clutching his wounded shoulder. But rather than apologize or retaliate against his older brother, he began to chuckle. “I told you I could get the big ox tae open up. Why he must act like such a stubborn arse is beyond me. It is clear you’re yearning for Edina, so why not marry her and have at it?” he goaded then gave Alasdair a shove.

In spite of his brother’s injury, Alasdair lunged forward, but Connor blocked the way and held him at bay. “You know better than tae pay Bryce any mind when he is prodding you. We gave him some whisky to dull the pain and mayhap we gave him too much.” He glared at Bryce. “Our younger brother may not have a tactful way of making a point, but he is right. If you are in love with the lass, you should fight for her.”

“I’m not in love with anyone,” Alasdair snapped. He turned his back to his brothers, least he give away his true feelings. He ached for Edina with every fiber of his being. Constant thoughts of her were about to drive him mad with longing.

“Jayden said she loves you and not Sutherland. Why not go back and claim her afore it is too late? Speak tae her da and ask for her hand,” Connor continued.

“It is not that simple. I am not worthy of Edina and I’ve done and said many things she may never be able tae forgive. Besides, you’re forgetting, she is the daughter of one of the most powerful lairds in northern Scotland. For that reason, she must marry well and in accordance with her father’s wishes.”

“We’re forgetting naught.” Bryce threw his good arm up in the air. “You’re a Fraser and that should be enough for any lass or her da. A finer husband she willna find. No better clan with which tae form a bond.”

“I’m na a wealthy man. I hold no title or land and have naught tae offer but myself.” He lowered his head and blew out a heavy sigh. “Nay, I willna make her choose between me and duty tae her clan.”

Connor slid his hand over Alasdair’s shoulder and squeezed. “Do you love her?”

“It matters not. She is promised tae a powerful man and the king has sanctioned the marriage in order tae unite the clans. There is naught I can do to stop it.”

“You’re wrong, brother. Speak to Robert and tell him you wish tae ask for Edina’s hand. You’ve served him well and I have no doubt he will consider your request,” Connor said.

“And if that doesna work, I say you steal her away and marry her anyway,” Bryce added.

“Aye and end up losing his head because of his impulsive actions,” Connor interjected. “He must first speak with Robert and then with Laird Sinclair.”

He had no doubt his brothers meant well, but Alasdair wished they would leave him to make his own decisions. “I told you afore, I’ve naught to offer that can rival the alliance or wealth that will come from her joining with Sutherland. Is there naught the two of you could be doing aside from pestering me?”

“An alliance with the Clan Sutherland would prove beneficial, but so would a stronger bond with Clan Fraser.” Connor pointed out. “Laird Sinclair was one of our father’s closest friends and allies. I’d wager he would be pleased tae have you as a son-by-marriage.”

“I’m willing tae speak tae my father on your behalf. I dinna wish tae see my sister marry Sutherland any more than you do. An arranged union might be customary and suitable for most women, but not a free spirit like Edina. She willna be happy living with a man she doesna love,” Jayden said.

“Is no one listening tae me? Sutherland will soon be a laird, I am naught, and I have naught.” Alasdair held out empty hands, then balled them into fists. “Edina is better off with Duncan.”

“If the lack of a title and land is all that stops you from fighting for the lass, I will stand down as laird. I am certain the clan elders would not hesitate tae appoint you in my place. As the oldest living son, it is your birthright after all,” Connor announced.

“I’ll not hear of it. You are a fine chief, Connor.” While the gesture touched his heart and might be a solution to his problem, Alasdair would not allow his brother to make the sacrifice on his behalf. “The clan thrives under your leadership and you have proven yourself a great leader many times over. I willna see that change tae suit my own selfish needs. It was my choice to relinquish the title of laird when asked, but you dinna hesitate tae accept the responsibility.”

“The situation was different then,” Connor argued. “You dinna feel you possessed the qualities necessary tae lead the clan at the time, had no plans or the desire tae settle down in one spot. Marriage and heirs were the last things on your mind. You were driven by anger and the need for revenge. You acted first and asked questions later.”

“What makes you think I am a different man now?”

“Whether you are ready tae admit it or not, you’ve changed in many ways, Alasdair. You have always been a brave warrior. No one would dare challenge that point. I’ve stood beside you in battle more times than I care tae count. The men look up tae you and will follow you without question,” Connor began.

“There is far more tae being a chief than brawn on the battlefield,” Alasdair countered.

“True, but in addition tae those attributes and the alteration in your overall appearance, I’ve seen you with my bairns, have noticed the glimmer in your eyes and the longing on your face when ever Edina’s name is mentioned. And if that were not enough, your patience with Bryce’s constant banter had been that of a saint . . . for the most part anyway.” Connor laughed.

“It does take more than brawn tae lead a clan. It requires, dedication, quick wits, temperance, and a cool head in the face of adversity. You possess all of those qualities and would make a fine laird. What you dinna know, you will learn. I will be proud tae serve under you, as will my sons.” Connor bowed before his brother.

“Think about it, man. This would solve a lot of your problems, and I am confident my sister will forgive you for being a buffoon . . . in time.” Jayden thumped Alasdair on the back. “Best you decide quickly. The hour grows late, and it will be a long hard ride if we wish tae make it back tae Sinclair Castle in time tae prevent the wedding.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Alasdair replied harshly.

“Are you planning another trip?” Robert the Bruce joined them. “Or am I interrupting a private conversation.”

“You are interrupting naught,” Alasdair answered.

“The big ox is in love with Jayden’s sister. He wishes tae ask for her hand, but is too thrawn tae do so,” Bryce blurted out.

Alasdair retaliated with a sharp jab of his elbow into Bryce’s ribs. “Mind your tongue and your own affairs.”

“If what Bryce says is true, why did you not ask for the lassie’s hand when you were at Sinclair Castle?” Robert asked. “Tae be honest, I never thought you would marry, but if the woman is agreeable, it would be a fine match.”

“You have already sanctioned her marriage to Duncan Sutherland,” Connor said as he slid his hand over Alasdair’s shoulder. “Alasdair did not tell the lass about his feelings because he dinna think himself worthy and had naught to offer her. I have since told him I will step down as laird and allow him to take over, but he refused to give it any thought.”

“This does pose a problem.” Robert rubbed his bearded chin and hesitated for a minute before he continued. “What of the lass? Does she share your feelings?”

“I’m certain she does,” Jayden interjected. “She just might not know it yet.”

“You canna speak on Edina’s behalf. Besides, Duncan arrived at your clan’s castle with the intention of honoring the pact made by his father on his behalf. Arranged marriages have been our way for centuries and I have no right tae interfere,” Alasdair snapped.

“My sister loves you, Alasdair. But, like you, she is just too thrawn to declare it. Edina has never been one to grovel or admit weakness. Growing up with four boisterous brothers, she dinna have much choice. If forced tae marry against her will, I pity the poor sot.”

“She sounds hard-headed like someone else we know,” Bryce commented snidely and glared at Alasdair. “If you decide tae marry the lass, it will prove an interesting match tae be sure.”

“I may not have a right tae reveal what is in my sister’s heart, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, Edina doesna wish tae marry Duncan. When last we spoke, she still held out hope he would change his mind. If I know my sister, she will remain optimistic until the bitter end.”

“And you think Duncan is too blind tae see she isna pleased about the union?” Connor asked.

“Edina will do her duty regardless of how she feels. Duncan is a man of honor and dedicated to his clan. He will do what ever it takes to fulfill his obligations. He willna disgrace his father, or defy the king’s decree.” Jayden lowered his eyes and shook his head. “Unless someone steps up and convinces him otherwise, I believe he will go through with the marriage.”

“Then there is no need tae continue this conversation.” Alasdair turned to leave, but his youngest brother grabbed his arm.

“If Robert were to withdraw his consent and sanctioned the union between you and Edina, would you then declare your intent?” Bryce asked.

“I would still have naught tae offer her, so there is no point tae this discussion. Now, if you value your good arm, let go of me.” Alasdair glared at his brother.

Bryce released Alasdair’s arm, then approached the Scottish King. “My brother has been steadfast in his support of the cause. Could you not see fit tae give him land and a title so he can ask for the lass’s hand?”

Jayden stepped forward. “That willna be necessary. Nor will Connor need tae give up his position as chief. I will someday be laird of Clan Sinclair. Our holdings are vast and growing all the time. For one man tae oversee it all is a difficult task, and I am not too proud tae admit I could use some help. Were Edina and Alasdair tae marry, I could have a castle built on the western border of Sinclair land and supply an army large enough tae defend the territory around it.”

“That might be a viable option had you asked tae have one of your brothers assist you, but Alasdair is no relation,” Robert replied. “However, if your da would agree tae the change of husbands, and Duncan was prepared tae step aside, I would consent to the union between Alasdair and Edina.”

“My brothers perished in battle, but if Alasdair married my sister, he would then be my brother-by-marriage. Besides, there are rumors Duncan is still in love with a lass from the Mackenzie clan. Apparently, they had plans tae marry until his father decided otherwise. An alliance between the Mackenzie and Sinclair clans would also prove beneficial to the cause. I am certain if you were tae order it, my father would be agreeable.”

“Why would Edina’s father permit a change of suitors when Sutherland has so much more tae offer? I dinna believe Laird Sinclair will change his mind or break the pact made with Duncan’s da,” Alasdair replied.

“You willna know unless you try, brother. If you truly love Edina, then fight for her hand,” Connor said. “It is time you found happiness. I’ve already told you that I will turn the leadership of the clan over tae you, Jayden has made you a generous offer, and if Robert agrees to sanction your union, the final decision will be yours tae make.”

“You appear tae have my life all figured out, but have omitted one verra important thing,” Alasdair replied.

“What might that be?” Connor frowned.

“Edina. She will be the one tae have the final say who she marries, not me.”

“You see. He already knows what it will be like tae have a wife. As long as they believe you care about what they think, you will live in bliss.” Bryce threw back his head and roared with laughter.