Page 75 of Highland Spy

Chapter 25

“Get up, we’re goin’,” said Valan, kicking at Bridget, a short time later.

She mumbled through the gag, and he ripped it off her mouth. “What is it?” he asked.

“Where are ye takin’ us?”

“I’m only takin’ ye,” he told her. “And ye are comin’ with me to England.”

“England?” she asked, as he yanked the ties off her legs and yanked her up to a standing position. Her hands were still tied behind her. “Ye’re runnin’ from the MacKeefes, but they will still find ye.”

“We’re close enough to the border that I can make it across before they come for me. They willna follow me into England. I’ll start a new life there.”

“I’m no’ comin’ with ye. My home is Scotland and I want nothin’ to do with ye.”

He slapped her hard, making her stumble backwards. “Ye say another word and I’m puttin’ the gag back in yer mouth. Now move!”

* * *

Riding like the devil, Caleb headed for the cave where he thought Valan might have Bridget. He never should have been so caught up in the competition that he couldn’t protect her. If anything happened to her he would never forgive himself.

“I see someone,” he called back to Logan, drawing his sword, dismounting, and hurrying into the cave. When he got there he could see two people lying there bound and gagged. “God’s teeth,” he said, rushing over to Brigham and pulling off his gag and binds.

“Och, nay,” said Logan, following him into the cave and heading over to help Sim. “Keep watch, Jack,” he called out to his wolf.

“Brigham, are ye all right?” asked Caleb. The man’s eyes flickered open, and he looked as if most of the life in him had drained away.

“Caleb . . . he’s got . . . my daughter. Save . . . her. Please.”

“Is it Valan?” he asked the man, but didn’t get an answer. “Where did he take her?”

The old man’s eyes stared at him, but he didn’t move and neither did he breathe. “Damn it,” said Caleb, feeling for a pulse and not finding one. “I’m sorry I couldna save ye, Brigham. Ye will be missed,” he whispered, reaching out and gently closing the man’s eyes. “He’s dead,” he mumbled to Logan.

“Och, nay,” said Logan walking over with Sim.

“Where is Sorley?” asked the man. “Please tell me nothin’ has happened to him.”

“The chronicler is severely wounded, but he is still alive,” Logan explained.

“Take me to him. Please,” begged the man.

“I’ll take him back to the castle and then return for Brigham’s body,” said Logan.

“Aye,” agreed Caleb with a nod, getting to his feet. Slink wandered over and sniffed Brigham’s dead body. “Was it Valan who did this?” Caleb asked Sim just to make sure, feeling the anger coursing through him.

“Aye,” answered the man.

“Is Bridget still alive and did he take her with him?”

“Aye, she’s alive and he did.”

“Where did they go? Did ye hear anythin’ at all?”

“I only ken that he said he was takin’ her as collateral to get him over the English border.”

“I’m goin’ after them,” said Caleb, picking up Slink and heading for the door.

“Wait, Caleb. Let’s go back and get Ethan and Hawke first,” said Logan. “Ye shouldna do this by yerself.”