Page 101 of Her Reluctant Highlander Husband

“Things will work out. I believe it.” Bryce offered him a smile, and he smiled back. “Let’s see this done first.”

Liam nodded and let out a fierce battle cry which motivated the soldiers as they marched. Bryce made his rounds through the men to make sure they knew the way and called war cries to bolster their excitement. By the time he returned to the leaders, the men were chanting and ready to charge. The roar of men sounded like hell had been unleashed.

He swallowed down a frown, remembering Dorie’s request. It would be nearly impossible to save her friend, but he’d do his best.

Riding up between Dorien and Lach, he explained the situation.

“There’s a young warrior on the McCurdy side, a bit smaller than Liam, with a scar across his brow. You may remember him from the wedding. I don’t know where his loyalties lie, but he saved Dorie more than once. If it’s possible to spare him, I ask for his life so long as you’re not in danger for it.”

Dorien swallowed and nodded. “I’ll not draw against a person who was able to bring any small comfort or protection to my daughter during her time with the McCurdy wretch.”

Bryce looked out over the men now that the sun had risen and knew it would be a small miracle if any of the McCurdys survived the day when this army was unleashed upon them.

“His fate is in his own hands,” Bryce decreed and nudged his horse.

It was dusk the next night when the armies split off from one another. By dawn they were in position on all sides of Baehaven.

Lach turned to Bryce with a devil of a smile. “Do the honors and lead us to victory.”

They clasped arms and then did the same with Cam before turning their horses toward their enemies. Bryce let out a cry that was echoed by the other clans. Even Dorien’s Englishmen joined in as they descended on their joint enemy.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Dorie stood dumbfounded as the mistress of the keep rode out of the bailey in breeches atop a giant of a horse. Kenna led a group of hunters doing their best to supply enough meat for the planned festivities.

Dorie couldn’t help but think the laird wouldn’t approve of his very pregnant wife riding and hunting. She was to deliver the babe in just a few weeks.

Dorie also worried it was premature to plan a victory celebration when they’d not yet heard word if the MacKinlays had engaged or how the battle progressed. For all those left at Dunardry knew it could be McCurdys who arrived back at the castle.

The numbers were in the MacKinlays’ favor, but the McCurdys were sneaky and ruthless. Each time Dorie thought of such things she shivered.

“I’m sure our men will be back safely,” Mari said with a strained smile as she and Dorie worked on bandages the next day.

“Aye. I’ve no doubt about it,” Dorie lied unconvincingly.

They took turns sharing stories, but it was a futile distraction. They were both worried.

Kenna and Mari needed their men to return safely to help raise their children. And Dorie needed Bryce so they could begin their life together free from the danger of the McCurdys.

“They will all come home soon,” Dorie said, her voice more certain this time.

She just hoped it was true.

…

They were winning. Bryce was sure of it. Though the McCurdys were putting up a good fight. Wallace and his crew had run off to leave their laird and the remaining men loyal to him to hold off four armies.

Rory fought beside Bryce. It hadn’t been difficult to find him since he’d been camping at the edge of the woods alone, waiting for whoever came to take Baehaven. He took a knee to pledge his loyalty to the MacKinlays and aided in getting them through the lines.

The viscount had wanted to take down the McCurdy laird for Dorie and for her mother. But it was Bryce who faced him first on the battlefield.

And it was Bryce who delivered the blow that dropped him. The older man sputtered and coughed, and eventually laughed when he realized the injury to his chest was a fatal one.

“For Dorie,” Bryce said. “My wife.”

His eyes locked on Bryce’s and he laughed again, a cruel sound that choked off with a wet cough.

“She was never supposed to leave. Damn Wallace for making that arrangement without my knowledge. The lass was supposed to rot away, thinking every day of how thoroughly she’d destroyed our lives. Her ma’s and mine.”