Legacy of the Mist Clans Box Set by Kathryn Loch Read Free Book Online

Strickland destroys, I destroy two of his. He suspects I am behind this, but he has no proof. Tension builds and instead of Strickland paying his taxes to the king out of his own coffers, like normal, he raises the rents and fees against the poor. If they do not have the money, he takes it in food or livestock. I’ve seen the whoreson throw out a family because they had nothing. Right now, the villagers and freemen are bearing the brunt of Strickland’s frustration and greed. I may like making money, but I do not believe in destroying those lower in station to get it. I mean to stop Strickland and bring him down. It is no longer solely a matter of money, but the survival of those who call Inglewood home.”
    “How do ye plan to do that?” Branan asked.
    “It was not long after this started that I spoke to John and he told me about your heritage. He thought we could work together. If I am to stop Strickland, the best way is to restore the true heir to the Wardenship. Strickland would be defeated, the persecution would stop, and there would be an honorable man managing the lands for the king. I would be able to return to my ventures without worry. Yet while I liked the idea, I was not without concern. I mean no offense when I say I was uncertain about putting a man with such strong Scottish blood into such a powerful position. John told me much about your honor and the strength of your character. But when I voiced my doubt, he sweetened the deal by offering his daughter and her dowry in marriage.”
    The blood drained from Branan’s face and even Gavin’s jaw went slack.
    “He did what?” Branan asked.
    “’Tis in the betrothal contract,” de Courcy said. “By supporting you and your cause against Strickland, I get to take Catriona to wife.”
    Horror coiled through Branan and he clenched his fists. What had his foster-father done? John offered his beloved daughter to ensure Branan would have an alliance to defeat Strickland? Anger surged through him. That John would use Catriona like a pawn to guarantee Branan’s future—she should not have to pay so high a price.
    “I see,” he said softly, fighting to get his emotions under control.
    “But it grows late,” de Courcy said, watching him closely. “We should all get some rest and tomorrow I will show you some of my undertakings. I think you will be impressed.”
    Branan nodded, not trusting himself to speak.
    “De Reigny,” de Courcy said, “in light of your recent loss and the fact you will soon be my brother by law, I hope you know you may stay here as long as you need. I will do everything in my power to help you rebuild Newton Reigny.”
    Gavin stared at the signet ring he now wore and Branan clearly saw the grief in his eyes. “Thank you, de Courcy.”
    They stood and de Courcy summoned a servant. “Take our guests to their quarters and see that they have everything they need.”
    “Aye, m’lord.”
    Branan followed the servant, still reeling with the shocking insights the past few days had wrought. He could scarcely comprehend it. Catriona’s future had been bartered because his foster-father wanted to guarantee Branan’s victory. Suddenly, he despised the man who had been well-meaning, but absolutely foolish.
    The servant escorted them to a large, pleasantly furnished room with four simply made beds. Their bags had been brought in and the three men bedded down for the night. But sleep eluded Branan.
    He sighed. The notion that he had found a place with the clan to live in peace had been foolishly romantic. At least he still had Catriona and Gavin’s friendship.
    John de Reigny had known Branan’s true father well. Lamed in the battle that had claimed his father’s life, John had told Branan of their many escapades together. Although he walked with a limp and needed a cane, John had once been a fine knight. He had instructed Branan on swordplay and battle strategies. Branan had learned well. Then the day came when Uncle Duguald had arrived