Pledged to a Highlander (Highland Promise Trilogy 1)

“Lona boasts that he’s an exceptional arrow maker and the finest of marksmen,” Angus said.

“If true, he would prove a good addition to the clan.”

“They are also expecting a bairn just before winter,” Angus informed him. “So the clan now grows.”

That pleased Royden and he hoped that he and Oria would add to that growth, though he’d need more time alone with his wife to see that done. He spotted her then approaching Lona, a basket on her arm, and the two women hugged. His wife’s welcoming smile grew along with the young woman’s when she placed her hand on her stomach, announcing the news. There was no hiding how thrilled his wife was over the news. Oria held the basket out to Lona and her husband and both took some of the offered food. She then leaned down and coaxed the bairn clinging to his mum to take some as well.

Royden kept his eyes on his wife as he spoke to Angus. “Do you have a total yet?”

“Last count was thirty, that doesn’t count the children, but I believe there’s more,” Angus said. “Once things settle and they all have lodgings, we’ll be able to get a better count.”

“Any suspicious to you?”

Angus looked out over the sea of people. “You’re thinking what I am, that some were sent among our own to keep an eye on us.”

“That is exactly my thought. Do you know where each of them have been?” Royden asked, seeing Penn and his wife, their newborn bairn tucked in the crook of her arm walking through the crowd.

“I heard one mention something about the Clan MacDonnegal.”

Royden turned to Angus. “Fergus had some of our people?”

“I heard it in passing.”

“See what you, John, and Stuart can find out,” Royden ordered and turned his attention back to his wife. But his glance settled on Wilfred first and seeing his look of surprise, Royden followed his line of sight to see what had caught him unaware.

Penn. He had spotted Penn and it was obvious he knew him. That was a good indication that Wilfred could have been planted in a clan just as Penn had been. But why in Fergus’s clan when he was loyal to the enemy and why would a skilled arrow maker be sent here? He could have insisted his wife remain where they were, unless he’d been ordered otherwise.

Royden wasn’t only surprised, but Wilfred was as well when Penn went to him and didn’t hide that he knew him, greeting him with a firm slap on the back and a bear hug, like old friends who hadn’t seen each other in a while.

Royden had to smile when he saw his wife point to either man and with a smile appeared to be questioning them. He’d have some news on the two soon enough.

“It’s a good thing we got most of the cottages repaired, though the common hut for the warriors might be crowded now,” Angus said with a huff.

“Thought you’d be in Bethany’s bed by now?” Royden asked with a grin.

“I was doing good until that merchant showed up,” Angus complained. “Do you know what he brought her and she was beyond happy about? Spices. He brought her spices.”

Where had he gotten spices? They were not easy to come by in these parts, though trade with the far north could get you them. Royden wondered how truthful Clive had been with him. Had the merchant he bought the cart from have them or had he acquired them himself? There definitely was more to Clive than he had said.

“I thought Clive brought her some baubles and ribbons or some type of trinket women enjoy receiving,” Royden said.

“He gave her some of that too, but it was the spices that brought her the most joy.”

Royden didn’t want to make it worse for Angus, but he figured he’d voice what the man already knew. “It would seem that Clive knows what makes Bethany happy.”

Angus snorted in disgust. “And here I thought I knew women.”

“You do know women. You just don’t know Bethany,” Royden said.

Angus’s eyes went wide as if just realizing something. “You’re right. I treat all women the same. I don’t know Bethany at all.” He nodded to himself. “I need to get to know her before that fool merchant returns and steals her away from me.” He gave a quick glance around and spotted Bethany. “She could use help handing out food and drink and it would give me a chance to see what I could find out from some of the arrivals.”

“Then go,” Royden said, knowing Angus waited his command. His advice to Angus had him thinking he should pay heed to it as well. Oria and he had said time and again that they weren’t the people they once were. It was time he made an effort to get to know the woman she had become.