Chapter 55

I will be so glad to leave this place, Isobel thought. I have been sick every morning I've been here. I was never sick at Cameron Keep. I can't tolerate this place another day longer. What was worse, she was hungry, but too nauseous to eat. Isobel put together what little she was carrying to the Keep, adding some bread from the kitchen which she wrapped in a kitchen towel to stow with her things.

She walked to the makeshift training grounds to begin another round of lessons. Cyrus McTeague appeared to have practiced his footwork on his own since the improvement from yesterday's end to today's beginning was markedly better. She praised his progress.

"I can't let these striplings get the better of me, Lady McTavish," he said. "I've fought near my whole life and I'll not let them beat me because I bear a new weapon."

"Mr. McTeague, if you insist upon formality, please call me Lady Isobel. I no longer wish any association with the McTavish name. That goes for the rest of you," she added.

"Very well, Lady Isobel," McTeague said.

They continued for another hour when Frang called a halt.

"We're leaving for Cameron Keep in twenty minutes," he shouted. "Bjarkë will call out the names of those going with. Be ready to go in fifteen, then saddle a mount."

Bjarkë started calling out names and those named scattered to grab what they would to take with.

Turning to Cyrus McTeague, Frang whispered, "Keep an eye out for any not named who leave before or after us. If they return afterward, confine them until I return to deal with them. We're looking for spies."

"Aye, Laird. I'll keep close watch on those who leave for no apparent purpose. I know a few must tend to their plots or families, but I know them and what direction they should ride. I'll report anything else to you."

"Bjarkë will be staying. While he'll miss the drinking at the Festival, he's no hand at dancing. He'll continue to work training those remaining behind and I've promised to bring back a bottle of whiskey. I'll bring one for you too, if you wish," said Frang.

"Aye. I don't mind a wee sip on occasion, nor does the wife."

"It pays to keep them happy, doesn't it, McTeague."

"If you want a quiet household."

"Good man. We should be back in four days. We'll send word if anything changes."

Frang went inside to grab his pack, grabbing Isobel's as well and taking them both to the stables. He asked her to remain outside and he'd bring her horse out after saddling her mare, a roan with calm disposition. He quickly saddled both mounts, tying their packs behind the saddles. Leading both horses out, he helped Isobel mount her saddle. The others were filing out of the stables as well, tightening girths, tying their belongings down, calming a skittish animal. It was happening quickly. Swinging into the saddle, Frang looked around to see the others ready.

Putting his heels to horse, he galloped down the road towards the Keep with the others following until out of sight of the house, then turning off onto a little used trail, he led them at a walk. Thirty men, plus Isobel, they moved as silently as a party this large could move, padding on sod or soft ground, avoiding rocks where they could. Two scouts rode ahead a hundred yards, two more trailing by fifty. Going quickly due to lack of cart or wagon, they reached the Keep without incident in three hours.

Frang hailed the guards and they opened the Keep's gates. Ailene came running out to meet them.

"I'm so glad you're back," she said, holding Isobel's horse, "I've missed you so much. Are you hungry? We've got food ready. Did you have any trouble? How's our patient?"

"Hold on," Isobel laughed. "I'm happy to answer your questions if you but give me a moment to answer."

Ailene laughed too. Frang came over to help lift Isobel off the horse.

"Lachlan is fine. You can see for yourself. He came with us. We had no trouble on the way. We were like mice in the church, sneaking across the moors. And, I would love to eat. I'm starving. I didn't eat anything this morning, although I had a bit of bread on the road. Are you satisfied?"

"For now. Come inside and I'll fill your belly. You can tell me how things are going as Lady of the House. Frang, you can join us if you like."

"I'll be there shortly. I wish to discuss some things with Stuart and Thorburn before I eat."

Ailene took Isobel's arm and led her into the kitchen, already chattering like magpies. Frang sought out Stuart, finding him going over the accounts in their father's study.

"My God, Stuart! Please tell me you can help me?"

"With your accounts? You've only had the property for five days. What could have gone wrong so fast?"

"Not with my accounts, brother. With my cock" Frang explained. "Having Isobel so close without touching her is driving me mad. I'm hoping you can arrange some time alone with Ailene. It doesn't even have to be alone. You can be in the room to protect her reputation. I'm fit to explode."

"She's very busy right now, preparing for the festival. The food, her dress; probably Isobel's dress as well. Company will start arriving early tomorrow. I'm not sure that she has any time to spare."

"I'd only need five or ten minutes to relieve the pressure. It wouldn't take much time at all, I swear. Imagine yourself being close to Ailene all the time and unable to do a thing about it."

"I'll speak to her and see what she says," Stuart said, laughing. "I promise nothing."

"Thank you. I'll await your instructions."

Frang left to find Thorburn and get some food.