The Highlander's Reward by Eliza Knight Read Free Book Online

threaded in the man’s long braid. “Will this work?”
    “Aye. Hold his horse,” Magnus ordered Ronald and Tobias. “Get on your horse, Keith.”
    The man did so, his head hung in shame. Whatever his anger had been, he seemed to feel only regret now. ’Twas a start. Magnus would still have to bring him back to the clan, tell all what happened and then listen to the pleas of his people to ascertain the man’s fate. He could dole out the punishment himself, but he liked to give his people a voice. Ultimately it was he who made the decision, but he’d observed this method of rule from his father and the man never lacked for respect and loyalty among his people. They felt included, as if they had a choice in their future—which he believed they did.
    Magnus tied the long leather thong around Keith’s wrists, tight enough that he wouldn’t be able to get loose, but not tight enough to cut off circulation.
    “Remove his weapons.”
    While his men removed all of Keith’s weapons, he tied the h orse’s reins around his wrists. Keith would be able to guide his horse, but he wouldn’t be able to jump down and run away either. He’d be surrounded by retainers to make sure he could not escape.
    Arbella watched quietly, worry crinkling her eyes. Magnus caught her stare as her gaze flitted from one Highlander to the next. He had an idea of what she was thinking. Poor lass was probably wondering who would attack her next. And she had good reason. She was undoubtedly exhausted. ’Haps it would be a good idea to ride for only another couple of hours more and then make camp. Tomorrow they could ride all day.
    He looked at his men, none seemed hostile toward her. But that could change at any moment. A change he wanted to be prepared for. He’d have to talk to each of them individually and then as a group.
    He glanced around his men, making sure that each had their eyes on him. “No harm is to come to Lady Arbella. She is under my protection.”
    The men nodded solemnly and placed their hands over their hearts. “Aye,” they all said in unison.
    “What wi ll ye do?” Gavin asked quietly, coming to stand beside Magnus. His dark eyes studied Magnus, face devoid of emotion.
    Magnus urged them away from Keith’s horse. He wanted the man to stew, not to know the plans of his laird. Not nearly a good enough punishment for having come close to killing a woman.
    “Take him back to the clan. We shall discuss it then.” His gaze alighted on Arbella. She looked so helpless standing there amidst his men. The lass was tall, lithe of form, beautiful. But she wrung her hands. Bit her lips. Her eyes had deep pockets of purple beneath them. She would worry herself to death before they ever made it to Dunrobin. He’d never seen his sisters in such a predicament, thanks be to God, and he hoped he never would. The problem was he had no idea how to handle the lass. He supposed a bit of food and rest would help her to gather her strength and wits.
    “I meant with the lass.”
    Magnus pressed his lips together tightly. There was really only one way to keep her safe. The thought had occurred to him. He could be like every other warrior laird and consider her his reward for a battle well won. But he’d brushed aside the insane idea. Now, it reared its head again. He spoke the words he’d never thought to utter. “There’s an abbey along this road. An hour or two’s ride ahead. I can’t leave her there. Wouldna be safe for an English lass to be left alone in Scotland, even with men of God. The English don’t care much for the sanctity of a religious house when it holds something they want. I shall have to marry her. With or without her consent.”
    With that said, he walked over to Arbella and took her by the elbow, ignoring the loud intake of breath from Gavin behind him. Her arm trembled beneath his, and she sank against him for a moment, trusting him. When he stared into her wide eyes—eyes that tried to hide her fright—he knew