170

"Lord Blackthorne," his butler said, "Ian said he's just received a very important message which he needs to share with you. I'll leave him in your study, sir."

"What time is it?" Blackthorne grumbled. He'd had the most exquisite dream of spending a little quality time with Stuart's wife, Ailene. The butler had interrupted just as he was getting to the good parts. His cock was still quite stiff from his dream.

"Just after one, Lord."

"Very well."

"Would you like help with your robe, sir?"

"No, go back to bed. I'll deal with Ian."

"Yes, sir."

Blackthorne got up and went down to his study. Ian was standing there waiting before his desk.

"What's so damn important Ian, you had to wake me out of a sound sleep?"

"We've just received word from Lady Mackintosh that Lady Ailene is to go out in the meadow collecting plants tomorrow morning. She warns Thorburn will make a massive combing of the woods right after dawn to eliminate any men we have sneaking around, but then she'll feel safe enough to search for her plants. Teárlag feels this is the opportunity to capture her and trade her safety for the Cameron estates as long as we come well after the sweep is complete. Lady Cameron plans to go out around eight and Teárlag thinks well after eight but before nine will be sufficient to catch her out there. She says Ailene will fight hard knowing what will happen if you take her and recommends thirty to forty men to be sure we can capture without killing her. Teárlag believes her treachery will be exposed by Ailene's capture and intends to come here with us. She won't be able to provide any further service to you at the Keep, but as this should end the war with the Cameron's, she hopes to return in triumph."

"What do you think, Ian."

"I think it's worth the risk, Lord Blackthorne. It would end the war the Camerons seem to be preparing to fight before it starts. Unless they're willing to surrender Lady Ailene to you for an indefinite period, I'd imagine they'll cede their property. Young Stuart seems besotted with her and the entire family is close."

"It does seem that way, doesn't it?"

"Aye, Lord. We might even be able to have a bit of fun with her before sending her back. She's quite the beauty."

"She is indeed. I was dreaming about her when you disturbed my slumber. You still plan on taking eighty men?"

"Aye, sir. We'll be no worse off if we don't get her, but infinitely better if we do."

"Go ahead. I'd send a single scout or two before you go riding into the glade to ensure it's not a trap, but I think it's worth it."

"As you say, Lord."

"I might not have to dream about her anymore," Blackthorne said.

Ian turned to leave. "Bring a net with you," Blackthorne added.

"My Lord?"

"Bring a bloody net with you. The little bitch can't fight if you put a net over her, can she?"

"Yes, Lord."

"Get up, your Lordship. It's time to learn those things of importance to the throne," Thorburn said.

Lancaster sat up, blinking his eyes. Except for the lanterns held by Stuart and Frang, the room was pitch black as was the sky outside his window.

"What time is it?" He demanded.

"Two-thirty, your Lordship. It's time to rise up and learn what's happening the king should be aware of."

"Why must I learn it at this ungodly hour?" Lancaster asked sourly.

"Because it's happening now and we don't want to be late. We've even found some clean clothes for you. They're not as fine as yours, but they are dark and I imagine you'll want dark clothes before the night is over. Hurry, there's men waiting on us."

"Why don't you explain yourself before we go any further?"

"We don't have time," Thorburn explained, "so we'll explain on the way. Get dressed. I'll drag you out of here naked if I have to."

Lancaster got up. "If you're wasting my time, I'll make sure you regret it, Cameron."

"And if you waste mine, you might not live long enough to make me regret it. Lives are at stake."

Lancaster took the clothes Stuart was holding out to him and put them on. Thorburn led them all outside where fifty men were waiting on horseback. Four other horses were saddled and waiting for their riders. They all mounted and Thorburn gave the word and the gate was opened, the riders spewing out of the Keep like a flood from a broken dam. Half went left, half went right, yelling and screaming as they went. The four of them went with the group to the left. Soon, there were other screams as a couple more spies were found and ridden over or skewered with sharp swords.

"What's going on?" Lancaster shouted as they galloped through the woods.

"Rat infestation," Thorburn said. "We have to make sure the rats don't see where we go."

Sure enough, after charging half way around the Keep, Thorburn broke off, the three of them following while the soldiers continued around the rest of the Keep. When they were at least a mile away, Thorburn slowed his horse and they began walking it.

"What are we doing out here, Thorburn?" Lancaster asked.

"We're going to effect a rescue of a young lass who's about to be raped and tortured," Thorburn said. "You required more proof before Blackthorne could be investigated and what better proof than a magistrate witnessing the crimes himself."

"You say Blackthorne's got another woman and he's going to torture her. Who is it? Another maid?"

"Nay," Stuart said, "my wife. You can understand why we're anxious to hurry."

"Lady Ailene? I just had supper with her. How did Blackthorne capture her?"

"Rightly speaking," Thorburn said, "he hasn't captured her yet."

"Is this some kind of joke? If it is, it's not very funny."

"No joke, your Lordship. It's hard to understand the enmity Blackthorne has carried for all the Camerons for years. It's reaching a conclusion, which would be better ended by his arrest, than open warfare. Màiri told us before she passed twas Blackthorne responsible for Jamison's death by poison. We know Blackthorne has spies in our household and is doing all he can to ruin us, kill us, or otherwise put us out of his way. We know he's ambushed us, tried to grab our women, though the perpetrators said they were bandits. He had McTavish try to cheat Frang out of Lady Luck with crooked cards. We know he's after our women to force us to relinquish our lands. He tortured Màiri to find out about our defenses."

"How do you know all this?" Lancaster asked.

"Because Teárlag was one of his spies," Stuart replied. "She was promised Blackthorne's hand if she got close to one of us and spied on us."

"Lady Mackintosh? How did you find out she's a spy?"

"She informed us," Stuart said. "She was regularly whipped and passed around to Blackthorne's cronies and servants and realized marriage to Blackthorne wouldn't be the life of pleasure she hoped for when she agreed to spy on us."

"She's helping us now," Thorburn said, "and through her, Blackthorne's been informed via his spy network Lady Ailene will be unguarded on our property sometime this morning. Given his efforts to snatch our women in the past, we assume he'll come after her to achieve his objectives, trading her back in return for our property. His men will be chased back to the Manor, and knowing his proclivities, will likely be taken to Blackthorne's chamber of horrors. We know Blackthorne has a secret entrance to his dungeon through a tunnel from a house in Achnadrish. It's watched, but we've found a way past the sentries. We need to be in the tunnel before dawn and Ailene's taken there or I believe much ill will befall her."

"What's this got to do with the King?" Lancaster asked. "Was that just a story to get me out to the Keep?"

"Nay. I think the King would be very interested in knowing his loyal subjects are being tortured by one of his noblemen, especially those of noble and gentle birth such as Lady Ailene. She was a Lady before her marriage and is now by marriage. One of the penalties the King may impose if Blackthorne is convicted of his crimes would be loss of all his lands and wealth to the crown. Given how rich Blackthorne is, the King's coffers would be mightily swelled by such forfeiture for which he might be agreeably disposed to the man who brought such crimes to his attention. That would be you. I'm certain the King would reward the man who so increased his wealth, don't you?"

Lancaster smiled. "You may be right."

They rode along awhile longer and Lancaster asked, "Why do you think Blackthorne hates you so much?"

"Teárlag said McTavish asked the same thing when he and Blackthorne were plotting together in her presence. Blackthorne said he and Jamison were rivals for Stuart's mother. She chose Jamison and Blackthorne challenged him to a duel. Jamison handily beat him and humiliated Blackthorne, saying he should grow up before challenging a man. Stuart's mother, Beatrix, laughed at his humiliation. We suspect it's the reason he poisoned Jamison, hates us, and despises women."

"Aye. I could see how that might nettle a proud man."

Shortly thereafter, Thorburn came to a stop. "We need to leave the horses here and go by foot the remainder of the way, else the sentries will spot us."

"We're still three miles from Achnadrish," Lancaster complained.

"A little exercise is good for the constitution," Thorburn replied. "We can't speak anymore either except in a whisper, and I suggest to you all to hold your tongues unless I speak first, as only Stuart and I know where the guards are stationed."

Stuart added stonily, "My wife's life is in great danger. If she's harmed in any way due to a misstep or outburst of yours, I'll happily kill you myself."

Lancaster's mouth got dry. He recognized a real threat when he heard it.

Thorburn set out at a rapid pace but slowed as he got closer to the ruined village. He waved them down and crept forward with his scouting glass, looking for any changes since Bjarkë had scouted last night. Seeing none, he found his previous path and led them slowly and carefully down to the outskirts of Achnadrish. Slipping from shadow to shadow, they reached the house hiding the tunnel's entrance. Lancaster was as silent as the rest. Thorburn pulled himself to the roof, pulled the thatch aside, lifted each of the other three beside him and descended into the house. He helped the others drop down so they wouldn't make a sound. Thorburn and Stuart passed out several candles to the others and moved the cabinet to expose the tunnel. Once they were in and the cabinet returned to it's position, Thorburn lit four of the candles and they made their way near the end.

"It's still dark and Ailene shouldn't be taken until near nine," Thorburn whispered. "If you want to sleep a bit, feel free. I brought a little food as well. You can have a bite but no speaking."

They all had a little food, then Lancaster and Frang laid down and closed their eyes. Stuart stayed awake.

"Don't you want a bit of sleep, brother?" Thorburn asked quietly.

"I can't sleep. I'm too worried."

Thorburn laid his hand on Stuart's shoulder and squeezed. "I know."