Page 48 of Highland Spy

“Nap. Aye, guid idea,” said her father with a yawn. “I need a nap.”

“Nay, Da, no’ ye. I’m talkin’ to Slink. We need to get down to the archery field because the next event is about to start.” Bridget heard the trumpeter’s horn, signaling that the competition would start up again in five minutes. She still needed to drop Slink off at Caleb’s room, and she was going to have to almost run to make it there and back in time. Her father coming with her was only going to slow her down.

“Da, take the Highland Chronicles and go to the archery event. I’ll meet ye there as soon as I drop Slink off at Caleb’s room.”

“All right, Daughter,” said the man, sticking the book under his arm. He walked away muttering something about wanting to take a nap instead.

“Down ye go, Slink,” said Bridget, gently guiding the weasel-like animal into the leather bag she wore slung over her shoulder. Once it was inside, she took off at a sprint for the keep. Dodging servers with trays of hand pies, and children chasing a pig, she made it back to the castle quickly, and hurried up to Caleb’s room.

Out of breath, she pushed open the door and hurried inside, closing the door behind her. When she turned around, she stopped dead in her tracks. Valan Douglas was hunkered down on the ground, looking up at her.

“Bridget,” he said, jumping up. “What are ye doin’ here?”

“Me?” she asked, feeling sickened by the sight of the man. “What are ye doin’ here, Valan?”

“I’m here for the competition, just like everyone else.”

“Nay. I mean what are ye doin’ in this room?”

“I was told this is the room where the lairds competin’ in the contest are stayin’ and I figured I could sleep here, too.”

“Ye are no’ competin’ in the contest and neither are ye a laird. Ye shouldna be in Caleb’s chamber.”

“Caleb?” He looked at her and cocked a half-grin. “Do ye mean that little lad who is standin’ in for the chieftain of the MacKeefes since he broke his toe?” He chuckled, as if the thought amused him.

“Caleb isna little. He might no’ be the biggest of the clan, but he has big muscles, I assure ye, and is as quick as a rabbit, too.”

“Really. Ye seem to ken a lot about him, Bridget. Perhaps he’s been quick as a rabbit with his big muscles around ye?” He came closer and she stepped backward.

“What does it matter?”

“Did ye tell him ye’re barren? If no’, then ye’d better, since a man doesna want a wife who canna give him heirs.”

“That’s none of yer business,” she spat. “Now get out of here before I scream.”

“I hear yer faither is the king’s chronicler and has been writin’ some guid things about this Caleb.”

“Once again, it’s none of yer business. Now go!”

“No’ before ye give me a little kiss for old time’s sake, Wife.”

“I’m no’ yer wife anymore,” she spat as he reached out and roughly grabbed her by the arm.

“Dinna fight me, or ye’ll be sorry.” He leaned forward to kiss her. At the same time, Slink stuck his head out of the bag and bit him on the arm.

“Bid the devil!” he spat, jumping away from her. Slink showed its teeth and hissed.

“What the hell is that?”

“I could say the same about what I just saw ye tryin’ to do to my lass,” came Caleb’s voice from the door.

“Caleb!” Bridget ran to him, thankful he showed up.

“Who the hell are ye and what are ye doin’ in here tryin’ to kiss my lass?” growled Caleb. He drew his sword and moved toward the man slowly.

“Dinna harm me. I’m unarmed,” said Valan, raising his hands in the air. “I was just lookin’ for a place to sleep, but I’m leavin’.”

“Then go! And never return or even think about touchin’ Bridget again, or I’ll have yer head next time. Do ye understand?” Caleb’s face was red, and Bridget had never seen him so angry.