Chapter 97

Thorburn rode up to Màiri's family cottage around noon. Her parents, Rupert and Bess, and brother, Rob, were preparing to eat and invited Thorburn to eat with them, though they didn't have enough to feed all the men riding with him.

"I have some bad news about Màiri," he said. "You may not want to eat after you hear."

"You found her," Bess asked. "Is she dead then?"

"Aye, though she was barely alive when she was found, late last night. Ailene did all she could to save the poor lass, but to no avail. She passed before dawn this morning. Perhaps it was for the best," Thorburn said. "She'd been badly tortured. Her body and face was mutilated almost beyond recognition. We weren't sure it was her until she regained consciousness and told Ailene who she was."

Bess had her hand over her mouth, tears slowly trailing down her wrinkled, care worn face. "My poor baby girl," she said, choking. Rob stared down at his plate, trying to hold in his pain.

"Who done it to her?" Rupert asked.

"She said Blackthorne," Thorburn replied. "She stopped there seeking employment after she was sent home. When he found out she came from the Keep, he kept her; did all those things to her. I'm sorry. We believe it was because she might have information about us that she was kept and tortured."

"Aye, I know the hatred exists between you Camerons and Blackthorne. It don't surprise me none he would have done it. But it warn't you, it was him. She shouldn't have stolen from you. I don't blame you for letting her go. I know you've tried to get her back, done all you could for my son and us. I hold that bastard responsible."

"I wouldn't have released her from service, but I wasn't there. Ailene didn't know any better. It's one of the things we can't figure out," Thorburn said. "Màiri said before she died that Blackthorne hates the Cameron women even more than the men. She said worse would happen to them than her if they were ever captured. There were no Cameron women before the first of the year when Stuart married Ailene. Why would he hate them so?"

"I don't know the full of it," the father said, "but there was some trouble between Jamison and Blackthorne over some woman long ago. I suspect it's behind the hatred."

"But you don't know what it was?" Thorburn asked.

"Nay, only that it was over some woman," he replied. "Someone else may know the full story, perhaps some old timer in Dervaig."

"I know Màiri is your daughter and you may wish to bury her with other family members, but I'd ask you let us keep the body for now. We're reporting the crime to the magistrate in Dervaig on market day. The injuries she sustained might do a lot to bring Blackthorne to justice. We can bury her afterward if you wish or we'll return her body here. I recommend you don't view the body. I've never seen such horrible injuries."

"I wish it possible to remember her the way I last saw her, but I do her no justice as her father if I don't acknowledge her death. If it be all the same to you, I'll return with you now, note the manner of her death, and pay my last respects."

"Aye, you're welcome to ride with us. Do you have a horse?"

"I had to sell it a few months ago to pay for doctors."

"If you ride with one of my guards, I'll send you back with another horse."

"Thank you, Laird Cameron."

"While you're all here together, I would ask if you'd care to move to the Keep. I know your son still needs medical care. Ailene might be able to help with some direction from the doctor. I'm sure we can use you in some capacity, perhaps mending harness or sharpening weapons."

Rupert glanced at his wife. "We'll discuss it, Laird, and give you an answer at another time. We appreciate your offer. It's most generous."

"We need to get back," Thorburn said. "I don't like being away from the Keep with such a small force anymore. I know Blackthorne will stop at nothing. We need to move."

"Give me a few minutes to gather some things. I'll be with you shortly."

He grabbed a bag and went about the small house getting items, including a dress. It surprised Thorburn until he realized it might be something he wished Màiri to be buried in. His wife sat on her low chair, grieving for her dead daughter, her son holding her close in comfort. Thorburn was sick to see the pain he'd brought to the family.

He spoke softly to the man who would be sharing his mount with Rupert. "Stay near me, Grant. I'll defend this man with my life if need be. I'll not send another dead body home to his family."

"Aye, Lord," Grant acknowledged.

The trip back was conducted mostly in silence, moving swiftly along smaller paths and off the roads. Thorburn no longer trusted the main roads, assuming all of them to and from the Keep were watched with possible ambush points set up. For the most part, Rupert was quiet, lost in his own thoughts. When they arrived at the Keep, Thorburn led him to the chapel. Thorburn waited at the back as he went up to view his daughter's quiet form. He pulled back the cloak and when he saw her ravaged body, his face grew ruddy in anger. He noted every scar, every burn and cut, memorizing every horrible thing done to her, then covered her up again. Rupert bowed his head in silent prayer, crossed himself and headed out the door, nearly stumbling, blinded by tears. He was a broken man, appearing ten years older than when Thorburn first saw him today. He put his hand on Rupert's shoulder and squeezed hard.

"I brung a dress for her and a cross necklace. If your women could dress her, I'd be grateful," Rupert said, head lowered.

"Of course, Rupert. I'm sorry you had to see that."

"No father should ever have to witness what was done to my baby girl. You'll see justice done for my Màiri, Laird?"

"It's my intent. The devil's a danger to all whom I love and hold dear."

"Aye. Never let him get his hands on your women; you hear me?"

"I'll protect them the best I can."

Rupert nodded. "If I could trouble you for the horse, I'll be on my way home again."

"It's late. Are you sure you'd not stay the night?"

"I couldn't leave Bess alone this night of all nights. I must comfort her as best I can, though that be little enough, I'm sure."

"I can send riders with you."

"No one will bother a poor, old, broken down man if he's not in the company of a Cameron, not even Blackthorne. The use of a horse is sufficient, Laird."

"We think the Keep is watched. I'd like to have someone lead you through the woods to the road farther from the Keep. Anyone seen leaving might otherwise be at risk."

"Aye. I can accept that."

Thorburn saw to the provision of a horse with sufficient food for the next few days. One of his canniest woodsman led Rupert into the woods. Thorburn watched him go.

Ailene woke up the next morning to the unmistakable sounds of a woman panting and moaning preparatory to her climax. She glanced at the window and noted the sun had not reached the Eastern sky, though it was lighter. She smiled, happy Isobel had found someone to love who also loved her. She finally knew the joys of a good man who knew well how to please a woman. She thought of going back to sleep briefly, but this would be a busy day and she decided it would be best if she arose now and prepared for it.

Before they retired last night, Frang, Isobel, Bjarkë, and Cyrus McTeague discussed who they could most trust, who they were sure they could not, and everyone else in between. Ailene sat in on the meeting, though she had nothing to contribute, knowing none of the players. They decided there were five people who absolutely had to go. The list of people who could be completely trusted was limited as well. The five new ones who accompanied Ailene, most but not all of the ten who'd come with Bjarkë and Frang. Isobel and Cyrus believed that four others could be safely relied upon. All others went into the "to be watched until proven otherwise" category. Bjarkë and William Craig would be dismissing the five safety risks today. They were speaking to the others they trusted about keeping a close watch on everyone else. Anything, no matter how small was to be reported. Isobel thought Mrs. McGillivrey was as trustworthy as anyone else they had in the house, so Isobel would be asking her to keep an eye on the household staff.