Jake (The Highland Clan Book 4) (16 page)

“Do not worry about Ashlyn. She’s keeping us informed of any changes. Go. The rest of us will find places in the trees to shoot from in case aught goes wrong.”

Aline whispered, “Have you…”

Uncle Logan nodded and put his finger to his lips to shush her. “She’s fine. Ashlyn has seen her. She’ll be watching on the inside. Now go.”

Off they went, inside the door and down the staircase. Two guards were at the base of the stairs, but Loki and Magnus took care of them without making a sound. Once they arrived in the passageway, Jake took Aline’s hand and crept down the corridor. There were no guards in site, so he knocked three times on the door.

It opened a crack, and a familiar lass’s face appeared in the opening. “Effie, ‘tis me,” Aline said. The door flew open and the two of them rushed inside. The wee lassie he’d seen the day before ran toward Aline. There were tears on her face, but she was mindful of being quiet.

“Aline, I missed you. Take me away. Can we not go now?” Maisie whispered.

Aline kissed her forehead, then picked her up to hug her. “Aye. Promise me you will be quiet, just like when Papa was asleep.” Maisie nodded, clinging to her.

“Who is that?” Her tiny finger pointed to Jake.

“This is Jake. He’s a good lad, you saw him before. He will help us escape.”

They started out the door, but Aline grabbed Effie’s hand. “Many thanks, Effie. Do you wish to go with us?”

Jake waited, holding his hand up to Loki. “A moment.”

Effie shook her head. “Nay. I’ll stay.”

Aline grabbed her friend’s hands in hers. “Come with us. They are a wonderful clan.”

Effie shook her head. “I’ll stay here. Please, just go, Aline.”

“Aline, she has a choice,” Jake said gently. “We cannot force her. We must go.” They were about to step out into the passageway when the sounds of guards came from both directions.

Jake pushed all three lasses toward the wall. “Stay here, keep hidden.” He moved into the passageway and cursed. Six men to three.

Loki pulled his sword out and said, “Perfect odds.”

Magnus laughed. “Just the way I like it.”

Jake jumped into the fray, swinging his sword in a wide arc, taking down the first lad who came at him in a matter of seconds. The three parried with their backs against one another, taking on guard after guard that came after them, an endless parade. The hall rang with a chorus of pained grunts, steel against steel, and bodies thudding to the floor.

He was facing the long passageway, but it was too dark to see if any more guards were coming. The racket was bound to attract attention, so he worked as fast as he could, ignoring the pain in his belly from his previous wounds. Aline finally had Maisie. It was time to get them to safety.

He’d just put his blade through the belly of a third guard when he heard Maisie scream. He turned his head to see Hew Gordon shoving Aline up the stairway. The blackguard had a blade pressed to her throat. He started to follow her but another stepped in his path, putting an end to his following Aline.

“Loki, stop him!” Frustrated that someone had blocked him, he cursed a string of choice words as he fought off two more guards.

“I’m a wee bit busy fighting off three arses right now.”

Magnus spoke up. “I’ve got my hands full with these three. We’ll catch her.”

A few moments later, Uncle Logan came barreling down the staircase and through the door with his sword unsheathed, Gavin and Kenzie behind him.

“He took her. Take over for me and I’ll follow them,” Jake bellowed as he brought his blade across one man’s belly before spinning in the other direction so Uncle Logan could step in for him.

“He took Aline? What about Maisie?”

Kenzie ran into the room and shouted through the melee. “She’s still here with another lass inside the chamber. I’ll protect them.” He pulled his slinger out.

“Good, you do that, Kenzie.” Jake slid past all the battling swordsmen and headed up the staircase.

He’d find the bastard and kill him.

Chapter Eighteen

“Leave me be, Hew,” Aline fought against him, but to no avail. Once they were up the stairs, he’d pulled the dagger from her throat and yanked her behind him. Every guard they came upon, he sent down to the cellar.

“Why, Hew? Why not let me go? I’m naught to you. You were happy with Lorna.”

He turned and gave her a harsh look. “‘Struth is, I do not know. For some reason, I cannot let you go to that Grant lad. You belong with me. ‘Tis the only reason I have.” He shoved her in front of them as they reached the staircase going to the second floor.

“I’ve had enough of MacNiven and his daft ways. He’s leading himself to a suicide, going after The Grant.”

“I thought he was going to Loki Grant’s castle.”

“Nay, ‘twas a ruse to get Grant to send most of his men there. He’s sending his guards to Clan Grant as we speak. There are more on the way joining him.”

Aline closed her eyes, thinking of all the wonderful people left behind at Jake’s home. She’d have to get away to warn Jake so they could protect his sire’s castle. This was all going wrong.

“Hurry up, stop slowing your feet. I’m taking my riches and leaving. I’ll hire new guards once we’re away from here. You and I can slip away easily. I just need my gold.”

As soon as he entered his chamber, Aline froze. The chief was already inside Hew’s chamber, searching it with two of his guards.

“Where is it, Gordon? I want your coin before we leave this place.”

“You bastard!” Hew’s face turned a deep red and his eyes blazed with fury. “You’ll not get my coin. ‘Tis mine, and you have no rights to it.”

“Hellfire, but I do after putting up with all your foolishness.” Ranulf motioned to his guards. “Hold him, and I’ll find it.” Moving around the room, he emptied chests and drawers, throwing clothing and plaids all over the rushes. “I know ‘tis here somewhere, and I’ll find it.”

Hew laughed. “You’ll not. I hid it well.”

MacNiven signaled to one of his men, who grabbed Hew and held a dagger to his throat. Aline wanted to laugh for once, but she stayed flush against the wall, hoping to sneak out the doorway her first chance. Unfortunately, she was on the wrong side of the chamber.

Deciding to try it anyway, she crept closer to the door, but MacNiven stopped her. “Where do you think you’re headed? You probably know where he keeps his coin, so you’ll stay here with us. Where is it?”

Aline shouted as loud as she could. “If I knew, I would tell you. I have no loyalty to the bastard. I just wish to be free.”

MacNiven’s face lit up as if he’d discovered something. He said to the free guard, “Search the floor boards. See if one is loose.”

The other guard pushed everything on the floor aside and knocked about in various places until he found what he was seeking. He lifted the board and pulled out an enormous velvet sack, holding it up for all to see. “I believe I’ve found what you’re looking for, Chief.”

He handed it to MacNiven, who pulled the strings open and looked inside. A broad smile crossed his face. “Let him go. I have what I came for.”

“Bastard! You could leave me some coins.”

MacNiven smiled as he left the chamber behind his guards. “Not a chance. Have a good life!”

As soon as Ranulf left, Hew dragged her over to another part of the chamber. “Fortunately, I am not a trusting man, so I planned for such an event.”

His smug expression told Aline everything. He had another pile of gold somewhere. He twisted her arm, dragging her over to the far side of the room to a spot near the bed. He pulled up a board in the floor and yanked out another bag of gold. It was not as large as the other, but it made Hew’s eyes dance in delight.

He stood and hauled her over to the door.

Jerking against him, she begged, “Hew, let me go. Please, let me go.”

“Nay. If I run into that Grant lad again, you’ll be my bargaining chip. Now let’s go, and stop fighting me.” He bound her hands together with a leather tie and shoved her out the door. “Move. I’ll be directly behind you. If you try to run away, I’ll stick my dagger in your back, then go after your wee sister.”

Where was Maisie now? She hoped Effie had stayed with her. The Grant lads would be sure to keep them both safe. If Aline managed to keep her wits about her, there was a chance she’d come through this, too. She knew Jake would come for her, but her heart hoped it would happen soon. They had to warn Alex Grant about the chief’s plans and how they had been led astray intentionally. She could not bear to learn that anyone had been hurt because of her.

They ran down the passageway and she stumbled several times, but eventually they reached a different staircase. Aline had no idea where this one led, but it was not to the back of the keep. Hew forced her down the stairs ahead of him, though she tripped multiple times because of the pressure on her back. As soon as they stepped outside, the sun caused her gaze to falter, but she searched the area around them. There were guards everywhere, but her gaze settled on one.

Hew shouted, “Curses! God’s teeth, why will you all not leave me be!”

***

Jake had guessed the fool would take the hidden exit Ashlyn had pointed out to Uncle Logan. Others were chasing about, doing the bidding of their chief, but they paid him no mind. It would appear that MacNiven was preparing to go on the attack. It was more important than ever for them to get away before the skirmishes started. After a few minutes of waiting, victory was his—the door moved. He breathed a sigh of relief as soon as the door opened.

Aline was alive.

“Let her go, Gordon,” he said, flourishing his sword in an arc around him. “She’s of no use to you. Can you not see that MacNiven’s men are leaving? You should run off while you still can. My clan will destroy his men and I promise they’ll be coming for you next.”

“Hellfire, but I’ll get away before that happens, and Aline goes with me.” He grabbed her from behind and held his dagger to her throat.

It took all the strength Jake possessed to remove the emotion from his mind and do as his sire and uncles had taught him. Focus on the enemy in front of you. He did not have a clear shot at the moment, but if Aline would just give him the chance, he’d kill the bastard. All he needed was for him to move his dagger just a touch.

Suddenly, a stone whizzed by Jake’s head so close that he ducked. Hew hadn’t heard it, though, and it hit him square in the middle of his forehead, causing him to lurch backwards from the impact. It was just the opening Jake had needed.

But Aline caught him off guard by stomping on Gordon’s foot with her boot and then kneeing him in the ballocks. The fool bent over at the waist, moaning, but he didn’t release her. A few seconds later, he pulled Aline down to the ground and collapsed on top of her, pinning her partially underneath him.

Jake had lost his chance. If he stabbed Hew now, his sword would definitely catch Aline as well. They rolled back and forth on the ground as Aline did her best to get out from under him. Two of Hew’s guards ran out of the castle, both with drawn swords, and headed straight for them.

Jake took his stance against the two guards headed his way. He swung and swung, glad that the men were not the strongest he’d seen.

“Jake!” Aline’s panicky voice reached him.

Gordon must have gotten his breath back from Aline’s well-placed kick, because he’d finally gotten his footing and was dragging Aline toward the gate.

“Aline, stay alive. I’ll come after you.” Jake clenched his teeth, swinging his sword to rid himself of the scum near him.

Fury sent fire though his veins as he turned to see two more headed toward him, swords held overhead. He ducked one and rolled on the ground away from him. The maneuver gave him just enough time to throw his dagger back toward Gordon. A pained bellow told him he’d hit flesh, but his focus was back on his attackers. He deflected one blow after the other, wondering how long he could keep his sword arm strong. Mayhap his mother had been right about his weakness. But then he thought of that brute who’d walked off with Aline. He heard another bellow from Gordon, but couldn’t check to see why. He prayed that Aline could hold on.

He turned his focus back to the men around him, vowing to end this. His mother was wrong. He may be weak, but it would not slow him. Nay, he could dodge and strike forever, if need be. He had to finish these men, and soon.

Taking care of the two, stabbing one in the belly and the other in his sword arm, Jake turned and dashed after Aline. He hadn’t seen Loki or Magnus or any of the others, and he could only pray they were still alive. As he headed across the courtyard, a vibration came through the ground that slowed him for just a second until he realized what it meant.

Horses. A stampede or an entire cavalcade of horses was headed their way. The gates opened and the thundering of hooves echoed even louder, along with a sound that was the sweetest music he’d ever heard.

The Grant war whoop. His sire’s warriors were on their way. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his sire coming through the gates bellowing, his horse rising onto his hind legs.

Gordon turned around at the sight, losing all the color in his skin. He was so distracted, he did not realize Jake was headed straight at him. Aline kicked Hew, then managed to pull a dagger out of her skirt with her bound hands to stab him in his side, just enough for her to break away from his hold. The instant she was free, she ran toward the castle, tugging at the bindings at her wrists. Hellfire, he couldn’t have been more proud of her.

Hew lifted his sword over his head and charged toward Jake, screaming with an unnatural sound. He was pleased to see the fool limped a little, probably from both daggers he had taken, one from Aline, and the other from the one Jake had thrown. Two other guards joined the charge, so Jake took his stance, waiting for them to come to him.

The two from the side got to him first, and he struck the first one across his belly. The second came at him wild-eyed, his sword aimed straight for Jake’s belly. He side-stepped him and the dolt ran past him, missing him completely.

Jake caught sight of his sire out of the corner of his eye, but then their eyes met, and Alex Grant, renowned swordsman, suddenly turned in another direction. There had been a spark of approval in his eyes.

Mo chreach, my sire thinks I can handle this situation.

Fueled with a new purpose, he went at the surviving guard, but then changed his direction at the last minute. He cut Hew Gordon down with one swoop, slicing the spot in his neck that caused the blood to pulsate out in front of him. The rogue crumpled to the ground as Jake made another flourish with his sword that sliced open the leg of the other guard.

He panted, his gaze taking in all around him, noticing that no other guards came at him.

“Jake!”

He turned to see Aline racing toward him, her arms free from her bindings, so he held his arms out to her as she leaped into his embrace.

He swung her around before she clutched his cheeks, panting. “Jake. Are you hurt? You are hale?”

He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight, taking her scent in and thanking the Lord she was safe. “I’m fine.” He kissed her lips, then set her down. “Come, we’ll find Maisie.”

“But look at all that goes on here. ‘Tis chaotic.”

“Aye, ‘tis my sire and the Grant warriors, and if my da is inside, there are hundreds more outside the gates battling. He’ll take care of everything. We need to search for your sister.” He took her hand in his and led the way inside, wary of the battle around them.

They moved around to the back entrance to the cellar, and found Loki cleaning his sword. Magnus was not far.

“Loki, Ranulf sent his men to Jake’s sire’s keep. You must tell Uncle Logan,” Aline tore over to where Loki was standing, tugging Jake behind her. “Hew told me so.”

Loki smirked. “My uncles outsmarted him. We knew ‘twas his plan. We just wanted him to think we believed his lie. As you can see, the Grants took over. Once my sire and uncles hear of an attack, they meet it head on. The fools had not expected it, thinking they could sneak up on Chief Alexander Grant. You should have heard the halfwits talking about how they’d rule the Highlands after they surprised the Grants. Uncle Logan’s laugh could be heard in the trees right before we took most of them out.”

Aline turned around to look toward the gate, taking in the extent of the damage. Dead bodies lay on the ground everywhere, along with men moaning from injuries and horses running free as if lost, snorting wildly. Screams and yells still rent the air from outside the wall, but the inside was quieting.

Loki headed toward the back of the building. He held the door open and motioned for Aline to follow. She ran forward, but Jake pulled her back. “Allow me to go first.”

Jake headed down the staircase ahead of her, doing his best to clear dead bodies out of the way, hoping all of Hew’s guards were gone. The passageway was easy to navigate with no new threats, so they hurried to the chamber.

It was empty.

Where was Maisie?