Highland Master by Amanda Scott Read Free Book Online

to such aid from many powerful nobles, he has routed the English again. My men carried the message to Lochindorb, so I could go on to you at Moigh. But after we parted, whilst seeking a path into the mountains west of here, I walked farther south along the Spey than I’d intended without finding a ford—”
    He broke off when the Mackintosh chuckled.
    “Sakes, lad, we take good care to create no tracks through our mountains east or west,” he said. “If a man does not ken his way, he’ll not find it without help.”
    “One of my men knew the way to Lochindorb,” Fin said. “And I ken the Great Glen fine and can reach it from here just by going west.” To avoid further discussion of his error, he added, “Rothesay also sent a message to the Lord of the Isles.”
    “So he seeks allies amongst his uncle’s enemies, does he?”
    “He does, aye.”
    “What does Davy expect from us… from me, especially?”
    “He wants you to host a meeting for him at Castle Moigh with the Lord of the Isles and the Lord of the North.”
    “To what purpose?”
    “To keep Albany’s ambition in check, he said. Beyond that, I cannot tell you. I do not know his exact intent.”
    The Mackintosh said thoughtfully, “His provisional term as Governor ends in January. So I’d wager that he wants to be assured of their votes when Parliament meets to consider whether they will extend it or give it back to Albany.”
    “I would not bet against your wager, sir. But my orders are to deliver his message and send word to him at Perth if you agree to host the meeting.”
    “I see. Then, before I trust your word on this, I would ken more about ye.”
    Having hoped that he had diverted the old man from the business of antecedents and fervently hoping that Mackintosh would not detect his uneasiness now, Fin drew a breath and reached for his goblet.
    “Help yourself to the whisky and ye need to compose your thoughts,” the Mackintosh said amiably. “But, I’d warn ye, lad, do
not
lie to me.”
    The emphasis in his words forcibly reminded Fin that the Mackintosh held the power of the pit and the gallows. Hanging Davy’s messenger might annoy Davy, but Fin doubted that the old man would spare that a single thought.

    With her maidservant Ailvie’s help, Catriona changed to a more becoming moss-green gown and matching silk slippers. Then, curbing her impatience, she let Ailvie brush her tangled hair and plait it into a smooth coil beneath a white veil.
    Returning to the great hall, she noted her mother’s approving smile and saw that servants in the lower part of the hall were setting up for the evening meal. Food wouldnot appear for another hour, but her grandfather liked his meals on time, so there must be no delay unless unexpected guests arrived or if, by some stroke of fortune, her father and brothers returned in time to sup with them.
    The likelihood of that event was small. When Shaw and his sons entered the Highlands, word would reach Rothiemurchus hours if not days before they did.
    “I’ve not seen that gown afore,” Lady Annis said. “It becomes ye well.”
    “Her gowns all become her,” Ealga said. “Morag’s become her, too.”
    “Thank you, madam,” Catriona said. “I never look as tidy as Morag does, though,” she added, smiling at her good-sister.
    “You never take the pains to do so,” Morag said.
    “ ’Tis youth that becomes them, Ealga,” Lady Annis said. “Catriona,” she added, “your injured gentleman has not emerged yet, so he’ll get nae rest afore we sup. We must hope that the arrow, in striking his head, did not curdle his brains.”
    Catriona chuckled. “If it did, I saw no sign of it. Nor, if he were addled, do I imagine that Granddad would tolerate his presence as long as he has.”
    “Let us adjourn to my sitting room whilst they finish setting up the tables,” Lady Ealga suggested. “I told Aodán to show our guest to his room when he does emerge. He will want to refresh himself before