CHAPTER 39
Rory was training the younger men in one of the fields outside the castle when he saw Malcolm and Alex riding toward them. He signaled to the others to continue their practice, sheathed his sword, and went to greet them.
“’Tis good to have ye back,” Rory said as he clasped arms with Malcolm in a warriors’ greeting. He squeezed his brother’s shoulders and asked, “How is your wife faring?”
“Grizel predicts another easy birth.”
“I hear ye had a visit from the Grants,” Malcolm said when they were out of earshot of the other men.
“Aye.” At least Rory could rely on Malcolm and his brother to take his side regarding Grant’s grandson.
“A bairn by another woman is not the sort of news a wife ever takes well,” Alex said. “But for Sybil to hear it from a stranger and in front of the entire household, ach, that could not be good.”
It was not. And the longer Grant’s grandson remained under Rory’s roof, the worse the tension between them became.
“Take advice from a man who’s been wed a long time,” Malcolm said, resting a hand on Rory’s shoulder. “Don’t let this trouble between the two of ye fester.”
“Did Grizel send ye out here to tell me that?”
“Aye,” Malcolm said with a smile twitching at his lips. “When we heard what happened and didn’t see Sybil in the castle, Grizel feared she’d left ye.”
Not yet.“She’s gone off for a picnic by the river with the Grant lad.”
“The Grant lad, is that what ye call him?” Alex said. “Folk are saying he’s your son.”
“Saying he is doesn’t make him so.”
“Hmmph.” Malcolm and Alex both gave noncommittal grunts.
“This isn’t just a brotherly visit,” Alex said. “My bishop sent me.”
“What could the bishop want with me?”
“He’s concerned that the dispute between you and Hector will end in violence and sweep in other clans as well,” Alex said. “He says it is his duty to act as an intermediary to reconcile the two of you before the whole region is awash in blood.”
Unfortunately, the bishop was right about the risk of bloodshed. “Tell your bishop that Hector can end this anytime he wants by coming to Castle Leod and pledging loyalty to his chieftain.”
“Perhaps God will surprise us with that miracle,” Alex said. “The bishop, however, invites you and Hector to meet at Fortrose Cathedral tomorrow, with each of ye guaranteeing safe passage to the other. Hector has already agreed.”
“I’d wager Hector is the one who asked for this meeting,” Malcolm said. “He’s up to something.”
“The bishop is not fond of either Rory or me,” Alex said, “but he’ll not allow bloodshed in his cathedral.”
“It could be useful to find out what Hector wants.” And if there was any chance of resolving this without MacKenzie bloodshed, Rory had to take it. “Tell the bishop I’ll come.”
“He’s waiting, so I’d best take my leave,” Alex said. “I’ll see ye at the cathedral.”
“Let’s ride out and join that picnic,” Malcolm said after Alex left. “I want to have a look at this Grant lad—and you need to make peace with your wife.”
Rory was about to say he had no time for a frivolous outing but thought better of it. Getting to know the lad would do no harm, and it would please Sybil. If it could help mend the breach between them, he was willing to do it. Nothing else had worked.
They had just mounted when Rory saw a line of horses galloping toward the castle. The first horse was several yards ahead of the others and had a small rider bouncing on his back.
“The lad’s horse has bolted,” Rory said, and spurred Curan.
Even from this distance he could see that the second rider was Sybil. Her hair streamed out behind her as she rode at a reckless pace. Sybil was rapidly closing the distance to the runaway horse while Rory and Malcolm raced toward it from the side. Rory cursed as Sybil caught up to the bolting horse, rode dangerously close side-by-side to it, and reached for its bridle.
Suddenly, the boy’s horse stumbled and went down, flinging the boy over its head. Sybil pulled her horse up hard and jumped down. Her anguished wails filled the air as she leaned over the lad on the ground.