Page 4 of To Charm a Highlander

The laird’s demeanor immediately changed to one of concern.“She took quite a blow to her head.She also has some scrapes over her arms and legs.”

“What does the healer say?”He had no idea why the lass’s condition was important to him but in some way, he felt responsible for her.

He found her to be light as a feather in his arms as he carried her up the steps.The scent of flowers surrounded him as he hurried down the corridor, following Lady Sutherland.Once he brought the lass to the bedchamber and laid her on the bed, he stared at her, her beauty taking his breath away.

The laird shrugged.“Our healer, Dorathia winna ken until Donella wakes up.”

Callum rose and stepped away from the table.“Thank ye for yer time, Laird.I shall be on my way now.”

“I doona remember dismissing ye.”He nodded to the bench Callum had just moved away from.“Sit yerself back down and tell me why ye are not still a second-in-command to The Gunn?”

Another mug of ale appeared in front of him, and he took a sip.“I doona think it is generally keened yet, but my da was killed in a skirmish with the Mackays a short while back.”

“That’s a mighty large clan for ye clan to take on.”

Callum shrugged.“We dinna start it.Well, not exactly.We had been doing a bit of reiving and they took offense to it.”

The laird nodded for him to continue.

“My brother, Fraser swore to the clan that I fumbled during the battle, causing my da’s death.He was so verra sure of himself that others in the clan believed him.”He stopped and looked Haydon in the eye.“Twas not true.I was ne’er near him in the battle.”

“What of those who were nearby?Dinna they see what happened?”

“Nay.Ye ken how a battle is.Ye doona see much of what’s going with others around ye when yer trying to keep yer head attached to yer shoulders.I just kenned that during the entire—verra short—battle none of the men surrounding me from my clan, was my da.”

The laird leaned forward, his forearms resting on his thighs.“So yer brother is now laird?”

“Aye.He’s the oldest of the two of us, so I ne’er had reason to dispute him taking over the lairdship.That is the reason I doona understand why he made that accusation, and then did his best to turn the clan against me.After some time and a few scuffles between me and my men over this, my brother banned me from the clan.”

“Wheest!”Haydon shook his head and sat back, crossing his arms over his chest.“Even if what he is saying is true—and I’m no’ saying I believe it, I agree there seems no reason for him to go that far.”He stopped and looked at him, the silence growing until Callum felt the need to shift in his seat, but dinna want to show that weakness.

“We ne’er take men from other clans, but since ye were so quick on yer feet that we dinna lose Donella—at least not yet—I will give ye a chance to prove yerself.”

Callum nodded.Whatever the laird had in mind he was sure he could acquit himself.Until Haydon said, “Ye will face me on the lists.”

Although his stomach dropped to his knees, he dinna show any reaction.Apparently the laird dinna want him to stay in his clan and intended to prove it.Facing the braw mon, with the reputation he had was a sure way to guarantee that Callum would be on his way before gloaming.Hopefully not missing any important body parts.

Haydon called for Callum’s armor to be returned and they headed to the Lists.Somehow word had spread that the laird was going to challenge a member of the Gunn Clan.

Once they reached the Lists, Haydon stripped down to just his plaid and Callum did the same.Despite his concern about this battle, he was still aware of the looks and comments from some of the lasses who had gathered around them.

Callum flexed his muscles and rotated his neck.He wiped his palms on his plaid and picked up his sword.They faced each other in the cool early summer air.Knees bent, the circling began.

As expected, Haydon waited for Callum to make the first move.Which he did.Haydon hopped back, swung at Callum and the swords clashed.The power behind the laird’s swing should have been expected, but it did take Callum a moment to re-think his attack.

They circled and swung, the swords clashing amid the sounds of the clan members cheering their laird on.The battle went on much longer than Callum had expected, but since he’d been without steady hot meals and little sleep, it was no surprise to him that he began to falter.

He put all his power into a swing and the laird moved quickly underneath Callum’s sword and the weapon went flying.The laird rested the tip of his sword at Callum’s neck.Both men were breathing heavily and Callum could feel blood dripping from his arm even though he’d ne’er realized he’d been cut.

The laird removed his sword from Callum’s neck and slid it into the scabbard strapped to this back.Callum walked over and picked up his sword and slid it into the one by his side.“Shall I leave?”

Haydon placed his hands on his hips and stared at him for a moment and shook his head.“Nay.We could use yer skills.”

Callum gave him a brief nod.

Haydon turned to one of the men in the circle surrounding them and said, “Take Gunn to the warrior’s quarters and get him settled.”

“Thank ye, my laird.”