Fraser 02 - Highland Quest by B. J. Scott Read Free Book Online Page B

go.”
    “Please, you must listen to me.”
    When Dungal failed to acknowledge her plea, she ran to Donald and threw her arms around his neck. “I’m so sorry. If only there was something I could do.”
    “Hush, Fallon, there is nothing you can say to change things,” her uncle whispered. “Be a good lass and stay here. Once I’ve cleared my name, I’ll be home.”
    Fallon tried to hold onto her uncle, but one of the guards grabbed her from behind and tugged them apart.
    Donald’s attempt to reassure did little to stay her apprehension. Fallon wrapped her arms around her middle in a protective embrace as she watched them lead her uncle away. Despite his promise, she knew he would never return. He’d be tried and executed, to set an example if nothing more. Tears welled in her eyes and she blinked them away.
    Wailing and pleading would do no good. A heartless man like Dungal would view it as a sign of weakness and use it to his advantage. She’d be of no aid to Donald if they arrested her as well. Guilt twisted her gut. In protecting Bryce, had she betrayed her family?
    Fallon crumpled to her knees as the horses thundered away from the croft. “I must do something to help my uncle, but what?” She dropped her head into her hands and prayed for answers that never came.
    The gelding spent, Bryce slowed the beast to a walk. He patted the horse’s sweat-soaked neck and spoke softly. “You’ve done yourself proud. Once we arrive at our destination, I’ll see you’re given a generous portion of oats and are put to pasture in a lush field.”
    The horse snorted and whinnied as if he understood, then trotted toward the gates of Turnberry. While the rendezvous point with Robert and Alasdair was in an undisclosed area outside the village proper, Bryce had arranged to meet with one of the Bruce’s men in the local tavern. In turn, he’d be escorted to the Bruce’s hiding spot. They expected him to arrive a fortnight ago and he hoped they’d not given up on him.
    The bustling seaside village was a flurry of activity. Wares were offered from carts lining the streets. Holding bolts of fabric, iron pots, and finely forged weapons in the air, peddlers called out as he passed. When one item in particular caught Bryce’s eye, he reined in his mount and slid from the saddle. He leaned over the array of broaches, pendants, and hair accessories, plucking a carved wooden horse from the pile.
    “Do you have a wee one at home?” the peddler asked.
    “Nay, but my brother and his wife have a new babe.” The image of the chubby-cheeked cherub was still fresh in his mind and, the Almighty willing, he intended to be there to watch his nephew grow to manhood. He reached into his pouch, took out a silver coin, and paid the merchant.
    Bryce held the toy in his hand and closed his eyes, remembering the last time he spoke with his brother Connor.
    “What’s this nonsense I’ve heard about you leaving?” Connor slammed the door and stormed across the chamber.
    “It’s a fact.” Bryce glanced over his shoulder in his brother’s direction then returned his attention to the task of packing his clothes.
    “You canna go. I’ll not allow it.”
    “How do you mean to stop me? I’m a grown man, and you’ll not be dictating what I can do. I’ve lived in your shadow long enough. The time has come for me to strike out on my own.” Rather than meet Connor’s stare of disapproval, Bryce picked up a pair of trews and shoved them into the canvas sack.
    “Damnation, Bryce, I care what happens to you. We’ve already lost our parents and two of our brothers to the English. I’ll not have you traipsing off on some fool’s errand the way Alasdair did. Your place is here, at Fraser Castle.”
    “Has Hell frozen over then?”
    “What’s that supposed to mean?” Connor grabbed Bryce by the shoulder and spun him around.
    Bryce shrugged out of his brother’s grasp and looked him in the eye. “I never thought I would see the day that