Jake (The Highland Clan Book 4) (8 page)

Once Jake stood next to his sire, he took a deep breath, shaking his head at the beauty. He’d never seen anything like it.

Alex Grant pointed at all the tree stumps in the clearing. “I judged this to be the best vantage point on our land, and there are plenty of trees to handle my anger when I feel the need.” He glanced at his son. “Did I judge well?”

Jake stood next to his father, looking him straight in the eye. “Papa, when did I get to be as tall as you?”

“Och, you’ve been the size of me for a while, lad. What do you think of my clearing?”

Jake whispered, “Brilliant and beautiful, Papa. All this time, you came here?”

His sire nodded, a smug smile on his face. “Aye. I learned long ago that my bark was too loud for your mother, so when I could feel it building inside me, I came out here. It took me a year to find the exact spot, but ever since then, I’ve come here to trim trees.” He nodded toward all the stumps in sight. “I always go back with a smile on my face. This location also has another advantage—it gives me a perfect view of anyone who’s fool enough to try attacking my land. ‘Twas time to invite you along. Your mother wouldn’t allow me when you were a laddie because of the steep drop.”

“I could spend hours here,” Jake commented, almost in a trance as he took in everything about the place.

His sire clasped his shoulder as they stared out over the land, and Alex pointed. “My eyes are not the same anymore. Do you see anyone on the rise?”

Jake glanced beneath them, at the path that wound through the forest, across the stream, and through the meadow where Uncle Robbie and Loki had fought Malcolm Murray. Memories flooded his mind, and all fell into place at once, but then he noticed something. His hand shot out, pointing at a spot in the trees down below. “I think I see several horses there. Aye, ‘tis Ashlyn.”

“Well, then grab an axe. She’ll not be here for another hour, and I need a few more trees felled. I like to keep your mama warm in the winter.”

Jake smiled as he doffed his tunic and grabbed the axe. Choosing a tree on the other side of the clearing, he swung and swung, the only other sounds being the crack of his father’s axe on a tree and the birds in flight over the treetops through the stir of the turning leaves. Hellfire, he had a few more things to learn from his sire yet.

“Papa?” He wiped the sweat from his brow once his first tree fell. “I think we should build a bench or two out here.” Glancing at his father’s powerful body, he wondered if he’d ever have the same strength.

His father stopped for a moment, then broke into a broad grin. “A bench? Nay, your sire is getting too old. I need a chair with a back to it.”

“Papa, you are not that old. We could take the time to relax after we finish our work. And if we leave a few stumps up higher, we’ll have a table.” Jake waited to see if his father would approve of what he was suggesting. “Do you ever come out here with Uncle Robbie or Uncle Brodie?”

“Nay. Neither shares my temper, but ‘tis the best way to release it.” He scanned the area, apparently considering Jake’s proposal. “I like the idea of having an ale or two with my son after we’re done chopping wood.”

“And Jamie, too?”

“Probably not. He would be welcome, but he does not share my temper. I’m afraid you and I are the only ones with it. You have to have it to appreciate this place and its purpose.”

Jake couldn’t stop himself from staring at his father’s creation, taking in the beauty and the quiet of the place. “I feel better already. I’d like to build the chairs. If I get the opportunity, it will take my mind off Aline until she returns.”

His father quirked a brow at him. “You mean if she returns?”

“Aye. She’ll return. I know not her purpose in wanting to go back to that place, but I’ll discover it one way or another.”

“There’s only one other lad who has the same temperament as we do, the type who would both enjoy and understand this place.”

Jake was puzzled, unable to think of anyone at the moment.

“Do not think too hard. I believe he’s almost here, ahead of Ashlyn. We missed him before.” Alex tipped his head toward the path beneath them, closer than the one Ashlyn had been on.

Jake yelled, “Uncle Logan!”

His sire smiled and said, “He’ll fit right in.”

Chapter Nine

Aline stood in front of Hew in his chamber, her eyes downcast, awaiting his decision. As soon as he’d seen her, he’d told Gilroy to show her to his chamber. His eyes blazed with a fury she’d seen before, but she was puzzled by it this time. Had he hoped she’d die? Was he that upset that she had not?

“So you live. Are you not blessed?” Hew paced the floor in front of her. “You were always my favorite, Aline. What have I ever done to you to deserve such a lack of respect? I’ve treated you better than any of my wenches.” He paced and paced, his hands on his hips as he stared at the floor.

She’d seen him like this before. The best thing to do was allow him to pace while he made his decision. Now was not the time to question Hew Gordon. His hand on his hip could lash out and catch her cheek without much effort.

“Do you have aught you wish to say?” He stopped in front of her.

“Aye, forgive me for my error in judgment. I promise to be better.” If he would just accept her apology, life would go easier, but she knew he would not. He’d require more from her.

He crossed his arms in front of him, working his jaw this way and that. “I’m feeling generous today, Aline. I’ll give you one more chance. First, you’ll work the kitchens until I see fit to allow you back into my chamber.”

A snort echoed through the chamber. Hew swung his head around to the person seated on the bed. “Lorna, you’ll keep your thoughts to yourself. I’ll do as I wish with her and with you.”

Lorna dropped her gaze, a hateful expression that had been aimed at Aline. “Aye, my lord.”

His fingers grabbed Aline’s chin to lift her gaze to his. “And if you ever do it again, you’ll be dead before you leave this chamber.”

“Aye, my lord. May I make a request?”

“Nay, you may not. I know what you will ask and that boon will wait until you’ve proven your loyalty. You must first make me truly believe you regret your actions. Then we shall talk.” He turned her face so he could look at both sides. “I’m surprised you survived. You truly made me lose my temper. ‘Twas all your fault. Do you not agree with me?”

“Aye, my lord. ‘Twas all my fault.” Aline clenched her teeth as she told this lie. How she hated this, hated him. She always had to tell him it was
her
fault for getting hit. Mayhap it relieved his guilt. Lorna sat on the bed with a smug look on her face that disappeared every time Hew turned toward her.

“Foolish wench. Gilroy, take her to the kitchens. Tell Cook I want her fingers worked to the bones.” When she turned to leave, he patted her bottom. “Do a good job and mayhap you’ll get back in my good graces. In the meantime, I see Lorna is ready to please me.”

Aline knew what working her fingers to the bone would feel like, but she could survive. She followed Gilroy down to the great hall and out the back door to the kitchens. This keep held them in a separate building to keep the smoke away from the hall.

She waited outside while Gilroy spoke to Cook, Jean, who could be kind at times. Hopeful that Jean would treat her well, she waited impatiently outside, tapping her foot on the ground. Then she stopped because it only served to heighten the pain in the sore muscles down her leg. Recalling the bliss she’d experienced while cared for by Lady Caralyn and Lady Maddie, she wondered if she’d left too soon. The food had been wondrous, the pillows soft, and the water she bathed in had been scented. She’d felt much like a princess. She’d also gained another true friend—Ashlyn.

Her mind could not help but wander to Jake Alexander Grant. A soft sigh gusted through her lips at the memory of him. Jake, the lad with the dark hair, deep blue eyes, and finely chiseled jaw. Jake, the man with the tender touch, the voice that melted her heart, and the smile that pierced her soul. She closed her eyes, willing herself to forget, for she knew the memories would be too painful.

She needed to be strong and practical, not soft.

The door flew open. Gilroy smirked at her, but he left after giving her one final, lascivious wink.

“Enter.” Cedrica, the lass with the evil smile, had a dance in her eyes as she made the command.

Aline never trusted Cedrica, but she had no choice but to heed her. Cook stood at the trestle table, considering the day’s menu. She lifted her head when Aline entered the room and stopped across from her. A sad look crossed her face. “Another one. When will you foolish lassies learn? You must do as you are bidden. ‘Tis that simple. Och, ‘tis the way of the young. Aline, you are here with me for some time, so work hard and mayhap you’ll find your way back to Hew’s good graces.”

Aline said, “I promise to work hard for you, Cook.”

Cook Jean closed her eyes for a long moment, as if overcome by weariness, then opened them and said, “I know, lass. I know what you have at stake, but I cannot go easy on you. I believe you know that.”

Aline nodded, her gaze on the dirt floor.

“Go cut the onions with Effie. Then you’ll be scrubbing the pots once you can see again through the onion vapors.”

Aline moved over to the back table, nodding to Effie, one of the few lassies here whom she considered a friend. Though they had not talked often, whenever they did converse, Effie seemed honest and kind. Effie pushed a pile of onions her way along with a knife. Aline jumped right in to complete the task, ignoring the sharpness of the onions, allowing the tears to flow as if only from the vegetables in front of her.

Effie made loud noise of her work before whispering to Aline, “She’s fine.”

Aline could not stop herself. She had to know more. “Maisie?”

Effie nodded.

And then Aline sobbed, allowing all the tears to wash over her soul, releasing the pent-up worry and fears she’d held inside for so long.

How she wished she could have trusted Jake.

***

Jake couldn’t believe that his uncle Logan could travel right past their clearing without seeing them. His sire had told him it was near impossible, and he’d been right. He followed his father back to the curtain wall on horseback, yelling to his uncle as they drew near.

Surprised to see his two cousins traveling with Logan, he yelled over to them. “Gavin, Gregor! So glad you’re here. We could use your help.”

His sire took the lead on horseback, bringing his horse into a full gallop, the way his young warhorse loved it most. Midnight still lived, but he lived the easy life in the pasture. Many of the times Jake had been at the stables, he’d seen his mama visiting Midnight, feeding him the carrots and apples he loved. His mother had always pampered his sire’s warhorse, before and after battle, promising him more sweets if he’d bring his master home safely. He always had.

Once they had dismounted and exchanged greetings, Logan said three words to Jake’s sire. “In your solar.”

Uncle Logan’s demeanor told all. There was no time to socialize. This was a trip with an important message. Alex spoke to Maddie about food and ale for their guests, and then Jake followed his sire and their visitors to the solar.

“Serious trip, Logan?” Alex asked once the door had been closed behind them.

“Aye. Not urgent, but important. I’ve heard information I do not like. Lily and Kyle were married after our recent trip to Edinburgh. I’ll spare you the details for now, but Cormag Buchan tried to kidnap my niece with the intent of marrying her. He denounced his sire and fashioned a cottage away from all for them to live. Kyle followed, killed Cormag, and brought Lily back to our land. Their marriage took place shortly thereafter.”

“Congratulations on the marriage of your dear niece, but I’d prefer to hear your concerns before we discuss that. From Edinburgh?”

“Aye. King Alexander asked Gwynie and me to visit with the Buchans. Seems Glenn of Buchan is stirring and the king does not have favorable opinions of his intentions. However, Buchan would not allow us on his lands because we are Ramsays, and he still blames us for his heir’s death. He cares not that the lad was killed while attacking my nephew’s wife. Molly did a wee bit of sleuth work while we attempted to gain entry, and the stable lads informed her that the Buchans plan to take revenge, but instead of going after the Ramsays, they seek another first, hoping to gain many more guards in the process. But I must point out that this all transpired
before
Cormag was killed. Glenn must be wild with grief now.”

Jake did not like the implications of this, but he waited to see what his sire thought.

“He’s coming for us,” Alex said.

“Aye, that is my suspicion. We asked around in Edinburgh as well, only to hear the same tidings. The Buchans shall seek revenge deep in the Highlands. Apparently, Davina has pushed her sire into the decision to attack far away. We do not know for certain that you are a target, just that they plan to stage an attack in the heart of the Highlands. But they aim to infiltrate the area first.”

Alex stroked the rough beard on his chin. “My thanks for informing us so quickly.”

A knock sounded at the door and the serving lass brought in bread, cheese, and ale before leaving again.

“Have you seen evidence of any of his guards in your area?” asked Logan, tearing off a chunk of fresh bread, still warm from the oven. “Hellfire, you always do have the best in the kitchens, Grant.” He groaned as he chewed on the savory loaf.

“Nay, not to my knowledge.” Alex reached for the ale, filling his goblet.

“Mayhap we have. Do not forget that Aline said the lad who mistreated her serves a new chief. One she’s never seen,” Jake said. After glancing at his sire, he watched Gavin and Gregor attack the food, recalling what he was like at their ages.

“Gavin, are you ten and five?”

“My son is ten and six. Gregor is ten and five. They wished to see their cousins.” Uncle Logan looked on as the two boys grabbed fistfuls of the food, as if they hadn’t eaten in days. “Looks like we did not hunt enough for you, lads,” he said, laughing.

Alex stared at his nephew, Gregor. “Hellfire, he looks just like my sister Brenna.”

Gregor grinned at his uncle. “Uncle Alex, Roddy and Braden are around, are they not?” he asked, referring to two of his cousins who were of a similar age. “We have not seen them in a while.”

“And God help us when the four of you wild lads get together.” Logan shook his head, looking away. “I think we need more lassies and fewer lads. They’ll kill each other in the lists, Grant.”

Alex’s eyes lit up. “I cannot wait to watch.” Then he returned his gaze to Jake. “What Jake says is true, though I had not given it much thought. My son found a lass left for dead not far from the edge of our land. She says Hew Gordon lives in one keep, but he serves a new chieftain, one she’s never seen. Mayhap ‘tis a guard from the Buchans, moving ahead of his chief.”

Jake had held his tongue long enough. “Papa, when Ashlyn returns with the information we need, can we not go in search of Hew Gordon? In fact, she must have returned by now. May I search her out? The faster we gain information, the sooner I can head to Gordon’s keep.”

Alex chortled. “Nay, remember what we discussed earlier. We must investigate first. Never go into a place flailing. We must know the exact location and the exact number of guards. Never send your men on a death mission, son.”

A knock at the door interrupted them, so Jake responded, pleased to see Ashlyn at the door. “Cousin, welcome back.”

His sire’s booming voice echoed behind him. “Just in time, Ashlyn. Come in and tell us what you’ve learned.” He also turned to Gregor and Gavin. “Lads, go find more food. You both look ravenous. I believe Braden is down below in the great hall.” The two hurried out after bidding good eve to Ashlyn.

Ashlyn shut the door behind them, exchanged greetings with everyone, and then took a seat in a chair near Alex. “My laird, I followed her to the edge of her captor’s land, southwest of ours. She was not there for long before her captor’s guards came for her. I’d like to request to return after giving her the chance to assess the situation. The other information I gathered is that the chief in the second keep stays well hidden. Aline’s on land that was occupied by Hew Gordon’s sire who has been dead for a while, but two keeps and a curtain wall had already been built. They stay separate, according to Aline, but they have an agreement to fight together, if necessary. She said all she has heard is the laird is young and has some connection to Edinburgh.”

Uncle Logan quirked a brow at his sire.

“Who are you thinking?” Jake asked his uncle.

“It fits with what we heard in Edinburgh, but I have no idea who Buchan would have sent here. Cormag and Dugald are both dead, and Davina is with him. Of course, now that Cormag is dead, Buchan has an even stronger motivation to attack. Mayhap Davina has her eyes set on someone, and he was sent ahead as a test.”

Alex stood, placing his hands on the desk. “We need to find out. ‘Tis time for a scouting mission.”

Jake jumped out of his seat, “I’ll go.”

Alex stood back, assessing his firstborn for a moment before nodding slowly. “And who will you take?”

Jake thought for a moment and said, “The best team I can. That would be Jamie, Gavin, Gregor, Roddy, and Braden. Do you know how often we’ve practiced sneaking up on each other in the woods? Gavin and Gregor are great archers, and the rest of us are stronger with our swords.”